Guitarist
Calvin Newborn will always be best known for being pianist
Phineas Newborn's younger brother. A fine blues-oriented player who at various times hints at
George Benson,
Grant Green and
B.B. King,
Calvin has been obscure during much of his career but still plays quite well. His sidemen are good local players with organist
Charlie Wood sounding the most accomplished and veteran pianist
Donald Brown making some welcome appearances. The material on
New Born includes blues, some 1970s CTI-type songs and soul-jazz. Although not essential, the results are enjoyable, with the liner notes answering the question "Whatever happened to
Calvin Newborn?" ~ Scott Yanow