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John Clayton Interview Page 4
 Jazz Monthly: Wow, sounds like fun.
JC: So we’re really excited. Plus the Lionel Hampton Big Band is gonna be there. And Joe Locke on vibes and some new faces, names that people don’t know and faces people don’t know like Gretchen Parlato, who’s just a wonderful tender but exciting jazz vocalist. Jackie Ryan is another one, a wonderful singer that is known in very small circles but she’s fantastic. So we’re really trying to show some new faces on the scene also.
Jazz Monthly: Well, I want to applaud you for that and everyone involved because I love it when we get something fresh. We love the great players and the great well-known artists that we’ve come to know over the years in maybe just a few years. But when we continue to introduce something new, we continue to toss the salad, you might say. I love that, as it builds the anticipation and the appreciation, I think, when we do that. So thank you so much for that.
JC: Yeah, my pleasure. I’m glad you enjoy it. My pleasure.
Jazz Monthly: Yes indeed. So now how can people get the record? Going back to Brother to Brother.
JC: Oh yes. Well, Brother to Brother, you can get the record by going to two places. The most direct route is going to www.artistshare.com and the other way is to go to my Web site, www.johnclaytonjazz.com. And my Web site will direct you to their Web site, but you can also kind of see what I’m up to.
Jazz Monthly: Yes, and there’s a nice little video about Artist Share on there too, isn’t there?
JC: Yes, there is. It has me sort of introducing what the whole idea is about and what the project is about.
Jazz Monthly: Yeah, very nicely done. Nice video too, by the way.
JC: Oh, thanks.
Jazz Monthly: That’s a nice little approach. Nice touch of introduction too for the record
JC: Yeah, we try to make it as homey as possible.
Jazz Monthly: Yes, and that’s important. I think people want that warm approach because it’s inviting and appealing, much like the music that you guys have produced. It’s got a global groove. So for everybody that was involved with this record, from yourself to Gerald, Jeff, both Jeffs and for Obed and everybody involved. This is just one of the most fantastic records I’ve heard in some time.
JC: Oh, thank you.
Jazz Monthly: And I highly recommend this record and hope that everyone hears it, and I must say that anywhere that the Clayton Brothers are performing, you don’t want to miss it. It is something that you will tell your grandkids about and will want them to be a part of because it is a wonderful experience to see you cats live and really enjoying making great music, and every show is a once-in-a-lifetime show. It really is.
JC: Wow.
Jazz Monthly: So it’s something that I know everyone will walk away with just such a warm appreciation and a smile when they leave one of you guys’ concerts.
JC: Wow, well, I appreciate that. That means a lot to me. Thank you so much.
Jazz Monthly: Yes, you’re so welcome. All right, so what’s coming up besides the Festival? What’s happening? What’s on the horizon?
JC: Oh, gosh, well, I’m here in New York now and we’re excited about this week here. I’ve got a concert honoring Benny Golson at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Jazz Monthly: Oh, wow I met him once. Met him in Rotterdam at North Sea Jazz Festival. He’s the nicest guy, incredible musician.
JC: Oh, he’s wonderful, very astute. So that’s gonna be with the entire Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, and I’m doing some touring with Diana Krall. And still working on Clayton Brothers. We’ve got some dates here and there. And I’m still trying to learn how to be a bass player. (Both laugh.) But I have a pretty full plate always. I have a lot of projects that I’m really interested in. I’m gonna do a tribute to Ray Brown, a couple of them, one of them in January at Disney Hall in Los Angeles.
Jazz Monthly: Nice.
JC: And another one at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, so I’ve got a few irons in the fire.
Jazz Monthly: Oh, nice. All right, John, thank you so much, first of all, for being such a wonderful human being before you were ever the great musician that you are.
JC: Oh, thank you.
Jazz Monthly: And for your dedication and commitment and love for what you do. We only skimmed the surface of your great career in our conversation, as it would take several “Movements” to cover your entire musical journey. Best of everything to you, your entire staff, your family.
JC: Oh, thanks.
Jazz Monthly: And for everyone involved in this latest project, and I wish you all the best in 2009, and keep making great music, my friend.
JC: Thank you, Smitty, and you just keep doing what you’re doing because we need your support and I’m so happy and lucky to have you enjoying the music.
Jazz Monthly: Oh, absolutely.
JC: It really means a lot to have that there in a place to be able to count on.
Jazz Monthly: Absolutely. Always, my friend.
JC: Thank you.
Baldwin “Smitty” Smith
For More Information Visit www.johnclaytonjazz.com and www.artistshare.com
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