Clayton Brothers Quintet

John and Jeff Clayton prove conclusively, that while blood may be thicker than water, it can also carry an unimpeded flow of pure creativity. The Clayton Brothers Quartet was originally founded in 1977, and while their paths would sometimes diverge, the brothers continued to share a common musical vision that would draw them back together. Their latest CD, Back In The Swing of Things (Hyena) demonstrates their unique musical vision and swing. That CD as well as Expressions and Siblingity (Qwest) are bristling with surprises, delights and the kind of musical telepathy that could only come from tuned in siblings. The brothers place a strong emphasis on sharing what it is they know. They are dedicated jazz educators. In the fall 2004, The Clayton Brothers were featured on the cover of JazzTimes' Education Resource Guide, naming them jazz educators for the year.

John Clayton served as the Artistic Director of Jazz for the Los Angeles Philharmonic from 1998 through 2001. A seven time Grammy nominated artist, John gained prominence as a bassist in both the jazz and classical fields. His serious study of the double bass began at age 16 under the tutelage of Ray Brown. He held the principal bass chair in the Amsterdam Philharmonic Orchestra for more than five years. He is a composer/arranger/conductor, who counts among his mentors Robert Farnon, Count Basie, Johnny Mandel, Henry Mancini, and Quincy Jones. He has written and arranged music for Milt Jackson, Nancy Wilson, Ray Brown, Regina Carter, McCoy Tyner, Carmen McRae, Quincy Jones, Diana Krall, Kurt Elling Dee Dee Bridgewater (including her Grammy award winning CD, Dear Ella (Verve), Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, and many others.

Reed player, Jeff Clayton began his career as both a touring and studio musician. He recorded important albums with, among others, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Kenny Rodgers, Michael Jackson, Patti Labelle, Earth Wind & Fire, and solo on Madonna's Recording 'Black in Business'. As a jazz musician, he has worked with Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, Woody Harmon, Lionel Hampton, Lena Horne, McCoy Toner, and Dee Dee Bridgewater.

Currently, the quintet consists of John's son, Gerald Clayton on piano (Second Place Winner of the Thelonious Monk Competition) and Obed Calvaire on drums. Terell Stafford, a highly regarded trumpeter and band leader in his own right, is also a member of the quintet.

"There is a unique depth of feeling to their music, a communion between John's bass, Jeff's alto, the colorful work of the rhythm section, featuring Bill Cunliffe and his appealing piano voicings and the sensitivity and sizzle of Jeff Hamilton's seasoned drums." - Herb Wong, Jazz Times

"...it is the colorful and consistently surprising arrangements that gives this L.A. based quartet its own personality and makes the music so memorable." - Scott Yanow, Jazz Link

"He (John Clayton) is nothing short of amazing.Between composing, arranging, and conducting, as well as being a superb bass player in both the jazz and symphonic idioms, who knows where his talents end? John Clayton can go just about anywhere from here." - Johnny Mandel

"Clayton holds nothing back ... least of all the love he holds for jazz and the people who appreciate it. To hear Jeff solo is the have a conversation with him." - Wayne Thompson, Jazz Scene Magazine

"Of Cunliffe, The Boston native, who has been in Los Angeles for five years, (plays with) rhythmic vitality and melodic whammy...you won't be able to stop your feet from tapping." - Zan Stewart, The Los Angeles Times

"Of Jeff Hamilton, A most driving and technically accomplished drummer." - David Badham, Jazz Journal International

• "New Song and Dance" [Artistshare, 2010]

• "Brother to Brother" [Artistshare, 2008]

• "Back in the Swing of Things", Hyena Records (2005)

• "Siblingity", Qwest Records

• "Expressions", Qwest Records

• "The Music", Capri Records

• "It's All in the Family", Concord Records

• "The Clayton Brothers", Concord Records

• Biography (PDF format)
• HI - Resolution Photo
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• Combined Press Kit