John Clayton is a multi-talented musician who deserves more attention. Clayton is a brilliant bass player whose bowed solos sound amazing. He’s also an excellent arranger and composer. Clayton was a protégé of Ray Brown, who he recorded with on a few occasions, including a collaboration with Christian McBride in the late ’90s. Clayton also gained valuable early experience performing with Count Basie’s Orchestra over two years. Clayton has been co-leading the Clayton Brothers since 1977 with his younger brother Jeff. In 1985, he formed the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra with Jeff Clayton, drummer Jeff Hamilton, and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Clayton’s charts, sometimes reminiscent of Thad, give the band its own musical identity. John Clayton is also a freelance arranger and bassist. Allmusic
