Clayton can swing the daylights out of anything...But he has a different, more expansive definition of Great American Songbook. It's a refreshing concept. I hope more 21st century artists follow.
—Ricky Riccardi, 2022 Grammy® Winner
"Clayton can swing the daylights out of anything... But he has a different, more expansive definition of Great American Songbook. It's a refreshing concept. I hope more 21st century artists follow." From the liner notes by Ricky Riccardi, 2022 Grammy Winner
Blend the piano styles of Nat King Cole, Harry Connick, Jr. and Bob Dorough, and add the vocal sound of Bobby Troup, and voila. You've got Jim Clayton. Clayton started the 2020 lockdowns as an award-winning Canadian jazz instrumentalist. Stuck in his Toronto home and wanting to entertain friends and family, he began a nightly livestream from the piano; within just a few weeks, the show had 30,000 followers. After streaming over 700 shows, he came out of lockdowns with a new approach to performing—with vocals!
Whether it’s a solo piano/vocal residency at a top Toronto jazz club, or headlining a concert series with a quartet, Jim Clayton grabs the audience’s attention—and holds it! His shows are steeped in the singer/player tradition, with favourites including Nat “King” Cole, Harry Connick, Jr. and Bob Dorough. And with a background in both radio broadcasting and theatrical comedy, his stories and patter keep the audience laughing and listening.
Jim enjoys playing with a variety of ensembles; for duo playing, he adds the cool sound and style of upright bass. He’s happy to make it a trio with either guitar or drums, and delighted to add both for a quartet!
Jim frequently performs with local players wherever he travels, rather than bringing a band. “I like being surprised musically, so I’m always happy to arrive in a new city and jump onstage with different players. There’s always something new to find, even with the old classics.”
For jazz festivals, concert series, clubs, and even house concerts, Jim’s shows are certain to please your audience.
“Enormous skip and swing... “—Marc Myers, Jazz Wax
“Ingenious... his formidable 4tet brings melody back from the witness-protection program."—Brent Black, Critical Jazz
“Mixing in a variety of N'awlins rhythms created a bubbling musical gumbo... Clayton and his band created beautiful music here."—Ken Frankling, OffBeat Magazine
“Jim has immeasurable experience in the industry, and communicates in a clear and effective manner that is both helpful and inspirational to the next generation of musicians.” —Dr. Andrew Scott, Program Co-ordinator/Professor: Humber College School of Music and Fine Arts
Blend the piano styles of Nat King Cole, Harry Connick, Jr. and Bob Dorough, and add the vocal sound of Bobby Troup, and voila. You've got Jim Clayton. Clayton started the 2020 lockdowns as an award-winning Canadian jazz instrumentalist. Stuck in his Toronto home and wanting to entertain friends and family, he began a nightly livestream from the piano; within just a few weeks, the show had 30,000 followers. After streaming over 700 shows, he came out of lockdowns with a new approach to performing—with vocals!
Whether it’s a solo piano/vocal residency at a top Toronto jazz club, or headlining a concert series with a quartet, Jim Clayton grabs the audience’s attention—and holds it! His shows are steeped in the singer/player tradition, with favourites including Nat “King” Cole, Harry Connick, Jr. and Bob Dorough. And with a background in both radio broadcasting and theatrical comedy, his stories and patter keep the audience laughing and listening.
Jim enjoys playing with a variety of ensembles; for duo playing, he adds the cool sound and style of upright bass. He’s happy to make it a trio with either guitar or drums, and delighted to add both for a quartet!
Jim frequently performs with local players wherever he travels, rather than bringing a band. “I like being surprised musically, so I’m always happy to arrive in a new city and jump onstage with different players. There’s always something new to find, even with the old classics.”
For jazz festivals, concert series, clubs, and even house concerts, Jim’s shows are certain to please your audience.
Praise for Jim Clayton
“After hearing Jim sing, play piano, and speak about his passion for people and playing-it was obvious to me why he's an award-winning artist." —Susan Hay, Global News“Enormous skip and swing... “—Marc Myers, Jazz Wax
“Ingenious... his formidable 4tet brings melody back from the witness-protection program."—Brent Black, Critical Jazz
“Mixing in a variety of N'awlins rhythms created a bubbling musical gumbo... Clayton and his band created beautiful music here."—Ken Frankling, OffBeat Magazine
“Jim has immeasurable experience in the industry, and communicates in a clear and effective manner that is both helpful and inspirational to the next generation of musicians.” —Dr. Andrew Scott, Program Co-ordinator/Professor: Humber College School of Music and Fine Arts
For more information contact Scott Thompson Public Relations.
