Bassist John Clayton on The Rhythms of Life and Jazz

It's Quite A Living

In Epi 9, world class jazz musician John Clayton and podcast host E.B. Moss reminisce about a friendship launched with a prank, before seriously discussing the Grammy-winning arranger/composer/bassist's techniques, and experiences across a life in the music industry. From his serendipitous introduction to the bass, mentorship under Ray Brown, journey with musicians from Dee Dee Bridgewater to Diana Krall, Oscar Peterson to Monty Alexander. it's quite a living.
Learn how John approaches composing and performing... his passion for blending flavors in music arrangements, to how drummer Jeff Hamilton, with whom he co-founded the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, introduced him to the blends of fine wine! It’s like fly-on-the-wall eavesdropping on a close friendship -- filled with laughter...and a master class in both music and living quite the life.
Clayton's early fascination with the bass, initiated at age 13 and cemented by a Ray Brown solo he heard, led him to a fruitful career, from playing in the Count Basie Orchestra, to collaborating with or composing for icons such as Paul McCartney, Nancy Wilson, Queen Latifah. Regina Carter, and even a recent release with 89-year-old sax legend, Houston Person, and scores more. (John even composed the theme song for "Insider Interviews with E.B. Moss!)
Clayton shares anecdotes from his life his philosophies on jazz, and the role of an artist in presenting their work to an audience. He stresses the importance of expression over performing for audience expectations, citing experiences and insights from his expansive career in the music industry. The episode is rich with stories of Clayton's collaborations, his approach to composition and arranging, and a lot of laughter between friends. Through this spontaneous and engaging chat, Clayton's passion for jazz and his respect for its power to connect and communicate shine brightly, offering listeners a unique glimpse into the life of a truly remarkable musician.
If you catch this on YouTube, watch for archival images, and don't miss the little reaction at the end from a gobsmacked studio engineer capturing a solo from John's session with Houston....

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