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Jeff Clayton |
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Born in Los Angeles, alto saxophonist Jeff Clayton cites the “emotional majesty” of his childhood Baptist church a major musical inspiration. The seeds of Jeff’s career were sown in the fertile ground of his hometown. He took a break from studying oboe at California State University Northridge to tour with Stevie Wonder. Jeff credits saxophonists Johnny Hodges and Cannonball Adderley as his most significant jazz influences, along with trumpeter Thad Jones and bassist Ray Brown. He co-leads the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra with brother John and drummer Jeff Hamilton and is co-leader of the Clayton Brothers Quintet. In demand as a touring and studio musician, Jeff has recorded with Wonder, Kurt Elling, Gladys Knight, Kenny Rogers, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Michael Jackson, Patti Labelle, Madonna and Earth Wind & Fire. He has worked with Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr. and jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald, Woody Herman, Lionel Hampton and Lena Horne, and had a short stint with the Count Basie Orchestra. Jeff has toured with Gene Harris, Dianne Reeves, Joe Cocker, B.B. King and Ray Charles and was a member of the Philip Morris Superband from 1989-91. He is featured on Ray Brown’s 1990 release “Evergreen” (GMI) recorded with Milt Jackson and on all of the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra releases as well as the Clayton Brothers Quartet/Quintet releases, including Grammy nominated “Brother to Brother” on the ArtistShare label and the soon to be released “New Song and Dance” also on the ArtistShare label. Jeff has taught at the Vail Jazz Workshop for the past 14 years. |