Description: Continuing the fine big band tradition of Count Basie and Thad Jones, John Clayton's exquisite chart on this standard tune blazes a trail of excitement and power. Written as a medium up-tempo swinger, the saxes are featured off the top, followed by trade-off solos for trombones and trumpets, and later a tenor solo. A screaming shout chorus takes us out.
Description: John Clayton credits stylistic influences from Quincy Jones and Billy Byers on this swinging minor blues. Utilizing a wide dynamic range, subtleties in the rhythm section, and variations in texture from just a few instruments to the full-out ensemble, John has created a marvelously appealing and effective concert or festival piece. Recorded by the CHJO on “Heart and Soul.”
Description: Written to feature former Hoosier Jeff Hamilton on drums, this John Clayton arrangement gives this standard tune a few new twists and turns. While serving primarily as an accompaniment for the drummer on brushes, it's a wonderful study in ensemble playing in a medium swing tempo. Tasty! Recorded by the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra on “Explosive!”
Description: John's arrangement of this jazz classic was written specifically to feature Milt Jackson with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra; however, just about any instrument can play the head at the beginning of the chart. The full ensemble shout chorus at the end is a standout!
Description: John Clayton's fierce, swinging arrangement of this familiar standard (recorded by the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra CD Shout Me Out) is written as a solo vehicle for tenor sax. Marvelously crafted in a kind of “call and response” form between tenor and band.
Description: Adapted from the arrangement that John Clayton did for Dianne Reeves and the WDR radio big band in Cologne, Germany, here is a moderately slow and sulty swing version of the Duke Ellington favorite. According to John, it's about grooving and having fun.
Description: Adapted from the arrangement that John Clayton did for Dianne Reeves and the WDR radio big band in Cologne, Germany, here is a moderately slow and sultry swing version of the Duke Ellington favorite. According to John, “it's about grooving and having fun.”
Description: Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra – Grade 5
Originally arranged and premiered by the WDR Big Band in Cologne, Germany, this powerful chart was recorded by the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra on their CD “Heart and Soul.” Featuring the saxes off the top accompanied by the screaming brass section, this chart also includes solos for trombone, trumpet, alto and drums. Even the background figures are a study in composition and development. Hot!
Description: John gives this classic jazz tune by Sonny Stitt the royal treatment with this burning up-tempo swinger. This exciting chart features the entire sax section and builds to a wild shout chorus for the entire ensemble. Displaying John's mastery of the big band idiom, this one is a winner!
Description: Monk was a master of composing unconventional and angular melodic lines. John Clayton provides a jagged yet stimulating chart that features dueling trumpets and an exciting full band shout chorus. From the recording “Explosive! - Milt Jackson Meets The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.”
