Calvin Owens Blues Orchestra Calvin Owens Show CD

Calvin Owens has been leading big bands for decades, touring in support of B.B. King until forming his own group in the mid-'80s. But the trumpeter's music draws from a number of styles. Owens shines with his heartfelt trumpet in "Mistreat a Good Man." "I Gotcha Hootchie Mama," a vocal feature for Gloria Edwards (which she co-wrote with arranger Nelson Mills), has a Cajun flavor with the presence of accordion player Robert Ludd, Jr. Trombonist Aubrey Tucker wrote and arranged the loping "So Blue and All Alone," a bluesy ballad with fine solos by the composer and the bandleader. The band shows off its gospel roots with a spirited take of "This Little Light of Mine," with an understated vocal by Owens, who is backed by a group of enthusiastic backup singers and Kyle Turner's fiery sermon on tenor sax. They also have a bit of fun with standards, with a boisterous party-like atmosphere in a swinging treatment of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," though their treatment of "Lover Man" suffers from an overblown introduction. It is safe to say that anyone catching Calvin Owens & His Blues Orchestra will not remain seated for long. ~ Ken Dryden

Composers: Nelson Mills; Sarah Send.

Personnel: Calvin Owens (vocals, trumpet, flugelhorn); Bert Wills (vocals, guitar); Yvonne Washington, Tweed Smith, Gloria Edwards, Trudy Lynn (vocals); Robert Bridges, Daniel Strba (viola); Kevin Dvorak, Jeffery Butler (cello); Sonny Boy Terry (harmonica); Darryl Richards, Dave Caceres (alto saxophone); Kyle Turner, Wilton Felder (tenor saxophone); Ronnie Farmer, James Page (trombone); Ron Cole (piano, Fender Rhodes piano, Clavinet); Marvin Sparks (drums, percussion).

Audio Mixer: Andy Bradley.

Liner Note Author: Roger Wood .

Recording information: Sugarhill Recording Studios, Houston, TX.

Photographers: Donovan Allen; Tommy Ewasko.

Arrangers: Nelson Mills; Calvin Owens.