by rick grant rickgrant01@comcast.net
A rare harmonic blues music convergence happened at the Mojo Kitchen Barbecue Pit and Blues Bar at the Beaches last Saturday night, with Debra Rider Blues Featuring Calvin Newborn on the venue’s new stage. I didn’t need an invitation to eat some great barbecue and dig one of the best authentic blues legends on the planet–Calvin Newborn. Calvin was backed by an all-star ensemble led by Debra Rider on lead vocals, Mark Gibson on guitar, Mike Spottswood on piano and trumpet, Lawrence Buckner on bass, and Von Barlow on drums.
Of course, Von, Debra, and Lawrence are my friends dating back more than twenty years. So, this gig was like a family party with Mojo’s primitive art and delicious barbecue. Yeah, I had to remind myself that this is my job, but I can still have fun doing it–right? Yeah, baby.
Vivacious Debra beams with talent and beauty–a woman for all seasons. She’s one of those ‘A’ personalities who does it all, and always looks good doing it. She’s gifted with a wide ranging voice with distinctive tone character. A long time ago, Debra put a spell on me, and when I see her I’m like a teenager with his first crush (sigh). Yeah, she’s happily married and has grown up kids. Maybe in a parallel universe? But, I’m happily married too! Dang!
Debra got the gig and musicians, with whom she regularly plays, but Calvin was the featured artist. Debra Rider Blues Featuring Calvin Newborn was only the second band to perform at Mojo’s Kitchen. When I first met Calvin, two years ago at the Dive Bar (then Eclate), he seemed quiet and maybe a bit depressed, but he soon plugged into the Jax music scene and found many kindred spirits. Now, he’s happy to be playing out again and signed to Yellow Dog Records, having produced two CDs on the label available on yellowdogrecords.com. (Also check out Fiona Boyes Lucky 13 on Yellow Dog; Fiona is nominated for a Blues Award –formerly W.C. Handy Award. This gal is great.)
With this smoking back up band, Calvin was able to cut loose and solo in his eclectic style, fusing jazz, blues, and soul on his awesome, big, hollow-body guitar. After all, this cat is a living legend, which means he always delivers original improvisations seasoned with jazz references and little melodic riffs that are like tiny surprises in a box of Crackerjacks. Backing Calvin on second guitar was Mark Gibson, who is a versatile and advanced player with a head full of original ideas. He took some memorable solos alongside Calvin.
For those who have not experienced Calvin’s artistry, he played on B.B. King’s first recordings, taught Elvis how to dance, and got down in the Big Apple in the heyday of bebop. Calvin was on an extended hiatus until he reemerged on the scene two years ago. Now he’s on the comeback trail with his latest CD New Born which takes him back to his Memphis roots.
Born and raised in Memphis during the city’s gut-bucket blues scene, Calvin paid his dues on Beale Street when soul and R&B were the rage. This is where Calvin absorbed the diverse influences that make his improvisation so interesting. Calvin honed his jazz chops in NYC at recording sessions and at the after hours juke joints with Hank Crawford, Charles Mingus, and Earl Hines. Calvin has played sessions with Muddy Waters, Ike Turner, and Miles Davis.
George Benson recently raved about Calvin. “Man do I love that fella. He came to New York and sat in with us at a gig at Minton’s Playhouse, way back in the day. He tore the place up! When I found out who his brother was, (piano virtuoso Phineas Newborn) I said no wonder. There’s no slack in that family name!”
And so it went at Mojo’s Kitchen–hot blues featuring Calvin’s showcase playing at the best darn barbecue in town. Could it be any better that? Hell no! Debra was singing and looking oh-so alluring, Calvin was telling blues stories on guitar, and life was in harmony with the universal energy. It was a peak experience. Blues devotees don’t forget the Springing the Blues Festival April 6, 7, & 8 at the Beaches Pavilion. Bob Margolin, who headlines the Sunday schedule at 6:30 pm, will be hosting a blues jam after each festival is over at Mojo’s Kitchen on each day.
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