Clayton Brothers

The Clayton Brothers: The Gathering

by Larry Taylor
January 18, 2013

The Clayton Brothers--John on bass and Jeff on reeds--have been playing together for over 30 years, either in their small groups or in the large Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, formed in 1985 in partnership with drummer Jeff Hamilton. In small contexts, they have specialized in post-bop swing with a touch of funk, while the critically acclaimed big band is known for its crisp, intricate arrangements. The brothers have recorded many CDs in both configurations and traveled worldwide. In ...

The Clayton Brothers: The Gathering

by Dan Bilawsky
December 20, 2012

The Clayton Brothers' prior ArtistShare albums were high quality, thematically driven outings that highlighted their respect for notable jazz siblings on Brother To Brother (ArtistShare, 2008), and honored the relationship between the art forms of dance and jazz with The New Song And Dance (ArtistShare, 2010). For the group's third effort on this fan-funded imprint, The Claytons loosen the self-imposed thematic mandate, simply inviting a pair of high profile friends to join them and wrote some music to suit the ...

Clayton Brothers: Brother to Brother

by J Hunter
January 12, 2009

Jazz had a family thing going long before the Marsalises showed up; Jeff and John Clayton created Brother to Brother to showcase the sibling side of that equation. Wynton and Branford's music isn't touched on, but other related members of jazz royalty receive due deference either through loving covers or new compositions inspired by honorees. To complete the project's family atmosphere, John's son Gerald Clayton holds down the piano chair, with outstanding results.

The Jones boys (Thad, Hank and Elvin) ...

The Clayton Brothers Quintet: Back in the Swing of Things

by Dr. Judith Schlesinger
November 26, 2005

Beginning with the irresistible, headlong groove of the first track, Back in the Swing of Things is yet another jubliant, world-class outing from the Clayton Brothers Quintet. The joyride begins with the irresistible groove of the first track and takes the listener through a bright landscape of originals, including two short, witty solo comments by each brother and one intriguing composition by John's son Gerald, whose own star has been rising rapidly. Whatever the tempo or mood, with this consummate ...

StLJN Saturday Video Showcase: The Clayton Brothers Quintet

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
February 25, 2017

This week, let's take a look at some videos featuring members of the Clayton Brothers Quintet, who will be performing in St. Louis starting next Monday, March 1 through Saturday, March 4 at Jazz at the Bistro. With a crisp, hard-bop sound evoking memories of saxophonist Cannonball Adderley's classic quintet and any number of vintage Blue Note recordings, the group is led by bassist John Clayton and saxophonist Jeff Clayton, and also includes John's son Gerald Clayton on piano, drummer ...
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Jazz this week: Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival, Dizzy Gillespie Afro-Cuban Experience, Jazz Edge Big Band, and more

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
March 19, 2015

Check out more events at Jazz Near You: St. Louis. It's looking like the busiest weekend so far this year for live jazz and creative music in St. Louis, with a number of touring bands and musicians passing through town in the next few days, as well as some particularly noteworthy shows from local players. Let's go to the highlights... Thursday, March 19 Pianist Carolbeth True and Two Times True will play a free concert for the Jazz at Holmes ...
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The Clayton Brothers swing through Song and Dance

Source: Clay Wilson
November 5, 2010

The Clayton Brothers' second fan-funded ArtistShare recording “The New Song and Dance," reflects on many of the songs and dances that have influenced this collective quintet. Jeff Clayton, Terell Stafford, Gerald Clayton, John Clayton, and Obed Calviare find their way through straight ahead swing, the tango, and break dance grooves with a distinctive sound pulled straight from the jazz cannon. To preview The Clayton Brother's “The New Song and Dance," simply redeem your certificate log in number (112-1031317816-65455) by clicking ...
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The Clayton Brothers display family talents on “The New Song and Dace”

Source: Clay Wilson
October 15, 2010

With the recent release of their second fan-funded recording “The New Song and Dance," The Clayton Brothers have shown yet again how strong their ties really are. “The New Song and Dance" pays tribute to the many songs and dances that have influenced this collective comprised of Jeff Clayton, Terell Stafford, Gerald Clayton, John Clayton, and Obed Calviare. “The New Song and Dance" weaves it's way through straight ahead swing, the Charleston, and Stevie Wonder with a distinctive sound steeped ...
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The Clayton Brothers release their second fan-funded CD

Source: Clay Wilson
September 30, 2010

The Clayton Brother's latest release “The New Song and Dance" shows once again that this family unit is a force to be reckoned with. The Clayton's provide their usual deep swing and sense of groove while they explore some of the melodies and dances that have made a profound impact on the collective group. Jeff Clayton (saxophones), Terell Stafford (trumpet), Gerald Clayton (piano), John Clayton (bass) and Obed Calviare (drums) weave their way through the tango, the cha-cha, breakdancing, and ...
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Clayton Brothers Quintet releases "The New Song and Dance"

Source: Clay Wilson
September 23, 2010

The Clayton Brothers' second fan-funded project from ArtistShare proves once again the strength of their family ties as they focus on the songs and dances that have influenced the collective group. With inspirations ranging from Stevie Wonder to break dancing, The Charleston to Tango, “The New Song and Dance" is sure to capture fans of both dance and music. To purchase your mail order copy of “The New Song and Dance" and access the project experience detailing the creation of ...
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Download Charts From The Clayton Brother's "The New Song and Dance"!

Source: Brian Camelio
August 7, 2010

Available now as a part The Clayton Brothers “The New Song and Dance" CD participant offer is a download-able folder containing charts for John's arrangement of “They Won't Go When I Go" from “The New Song and Dance" as well as an audio file of John and Jeff discussing their musical influences and the compositional process behind the tunes on “The New Song and Dance." To access this exclusive interview as well as audio clips from the record, video interviews, ...
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Download charts from The Clayton Brothers' new recording!

Source: Brian Camelio
July 22, 2010

In celebration of The Clayton Brothers' upcoming fan-funded release “The New Song and Dance," Jeff Clayton has included a special bonus download for all CD participants in “The New Song and Dance" project. This special download folder contains the evolution of Jeff's tune “Cha-Cha Charleston" from start to finish. Jeff's handwritten sketches of this piece are included alongside the final charts used at the recording session, a short essay description of the evolution of “Cha-Cha Charleston," and an audio interview ...
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Interview with the Clayton Brothers

Source: Michael Ricci
June 17, 2010

ArtistShare recently spoke with John and Jeff Clayton about their upcoming ArtistShare fan-funded release “The New Song and Dance". The first part of this interview is now available on “The New Song and Dance" project experience page and features John speaking about the songs and dances that influenced his compositions on the upcoming record. With topics ranging from Duke Ellington to Stevie Wonder to the “crazy pants dance" seen at jazz festivals around the world you won't want to miss ...
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Preview "The New Song and Dance" by The Clayton Brothers

Source: Michael Ricci
June 10, 2010

With the release of The Clayton Brothers second fan-funded recording “The New Song and Dance" just around the corner, ArtistShare and The Clayton Brothers invite you to preview “The New Song and Dance" project experience by clicking here. This preview contains images from the recording session, an interview and solo performance from John, as well as a download of John and Jeff's favorite recipes. Participate today to become an integral part of this recording from one of the most legendary ...
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