G Calvin Weston was born June 6, 1959 in Philadelphia, PA. He became interested in drums at the age of 6, when he (and his neighbors) discovered his talent for rhythm as he beat on every car on the block. He lived in North Philadelphia where he saw musicians like Stevie Wonder, The Jackson Five and James Brown at the Uptown Theatre. Seeing his attention focused on the drummers, his Father bought him a small set. In high school Calvin learned to read music and played second snare in the drum ensemble. He co-founded the group Bad Influence which played in cabarets and clubs around Philadelphia.
At 17, Calvin joined Ornette Colemans Prime Time Band,with bass player jamalaadean tacuma.his close friend from philly, which toured extensively in North America and Europe. After recording four albums with Prime Time, Calvin went on to play and record with guitarist James "Blood" Ulmer, until he joined John Luries Lounge Lizards in 1990.
During the late 90s Calvin recorded and toured with Billy Martin of Medeski Martin and Wood, Tricky, Eyvind Kang, Derek Baily, Mark Ribot, and James Carter. He also played on several movie soundtracks including "Get Shorty". For his latest project, Calvin Westons Big Tree, Calvin explores the many musical influences of his career as band leader and composer.He also has a new band with world guitarist,Vernon Reid and bass player,Jamalaadean tacuma and formed the group freeformfunkyfreqs and there new cd Urban Mythology Volume 1.
He also plays with JEAN-PAUL BOURELLY AND MELVIN GIBBS IN THE BAND CALLED GYPSYS RELOADED,THAT TOURED IN MARCH OF 2008,THAT RECORDED A LIVE CD AT THE BIMHUIS..G.Calvin Weston has played on many recording,the Asmodeus cd,with Marc Ribot and trevor Dunn,the music of JOHN Zorn..Book Of Angels Volume 7...
G Calvin Weston Discography
Ornette Coleman - "Of Human Feelings" - Columbia Records 1979.
James Blood Ulmer - "Are You Glad To Be In America?" - Artist House 1980
James Blood Ulmer - "Black Rock" - CBS 1982
James Blood Ulmer - "Free Lancing" - CBS 1981.
George Adams / James Blood Ulmer Quarter - "Jazzbuhne Berlin '85" - Repertoire 1990.
James Blook Ulmer / George Adams / Phalanx - "Got Something Good For You" - Moers Music 1986
Grant Calvin Weston - "Dance Romance" - In+Out 1995.
Ornette Coleman - "In All Languages" - Acoustilog Studios 1987.
Ornette Coleman & Prime Time - "Virgin Beauty" - 1988.
James Blood Ulmer - "Black & Blues" - 1990.
The James Blood Ulmer Blues Experience - "Blues Allnight" - In+Out 1990.
John Lurie National Orchestra - "Men With Sticks" - 1993.
Tricky - "Angels With Dirty Faces" - Island 1998.
The Lounge Lizards - "Queen of All Ears"
Eyvind Kang on Dying Ground Live at the Knitting Factory - 1997
Derek Baily / Jamaaladeen Tacuma / Calvin Weston "Mirakle" - Orange Music 1999.
John Lurie - "African Swim and Manny Lo" - 1999
James Carter - "Layin' In The Cut" - Atlantic 2000.Marc Ribot,Trevor dunn,G.Calvin Weston,Asmodeus Book of ANGELS VOLUME 7,Music of JOHN ZORN-2006-TZADIK MUSIC
Vernon Reid,JamalaadeanTacuma-G .CALVIN WESTON.URBAN MYTHOLOGY VOLUME 1-THIRSTY EAR RECORDS-2007
JEAN-PAUL BOURELLY-=MELVIN GIBBS-G .CALVIN WESTON-GYPSYS RELOADED-LIVE AT THE BIMHUIS-AMSTERDAM-2008.
Soundtracks
Get Shorty - 1995
Excess Baggage - 1997
Blue In The Face - 1995
Clay Pigeons - 1998
Box of Moonlight - 1997