Carlos grew up in a house where world-famous flamenco and classical guitarists like Al DiMeola, Mario Escudero, and Sabicas were frequent guests who jammed at parties in his living room. He trained formally with the great Juan de la Mata at Carnegie Hall to play Bach and Barrios but was equally influenced by The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Rolling Stones. He later attended the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, where he was honored with the Outstanding Graduate Award presented by his mentor, Tommy Tedesco. 

Before embarking on his solo career, Carlos fronted successful bands that toured with Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, and Willie Porter. As a solo artist, he has toured with The Bacon Brothers and Colin Hay numerous times in Europe as a headliner. 

Carlos’ independently recorded and released debut album, Past Present Future, was named one of Los Angeles Music Connection Magazine’s top 25 releases of 2002. His second album, Further Down The Line features his original brand of Alternative Folk/Pop mixing up acoustic-based performances with a full band electric feel and sophisticated songwriting. He has placed original songs in major motion pictures and TV shows.

Calvo is a sought-after session musician. He played guitar on the score of King of the Hill for three seasons, and has recorded numerous tracks for commercials, up-and-coming bands, and a session playing classical guitar with the L.A. Philharmonic. Carlos currently works alongside composer Kurt Farquhar on scores for The Neighborhood and DC Comics’ Black Lightning, and Disney’s The Proud Family.

Often called Hollywood’s Guitar Teacher to the Stars, Carlos regularly coaches actors to portray musicians, most notably for TV’s Californication and Ray Donovan, the Muddy Waters character in the film Who Do You Love?, and the James Brown biopic Get On Up. Carlos has taught guitar privately for more than three decades and counts many of Hollywood’s A-list and Maroon 5’s Adam Levine as students.

In a partnership with the Jack Daniels whiskey company, Calvo formed two house bands (acoustic and electric) with extensive repertoires for Jack Daniels’ private VIP events. In addition, he co-created Tasting Notes with the brand’s National Ambassador, an experience that pairs whiskey tasting with original music composed for and inspired by the flavor profile of each whiskey. Tasting Notes was featured on the cover of Tasting Panel magazine’s July/August 2020 edition.  

Carlos proudly serves as Musical Director for two charities with missions close to his heart: ALS Association Goldenwest Chapter and MEND (Meet Each Need with Dignity).