Jazz Articles about 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 ...