Canceled: Apr 17 Clayton Bros. at Longwood Gardens

The Clayton Brothers Quintet at Longwood Gardens

Brothers John and Jeff Clayton prove conclusively that blood is thicker than water and can carry an unimpeded flow of pure creativity. While their paths would sometimes diverge—with John becoming a seven-time Grammy Award-winning jazz and classical bassist, and saxophonist Jeff recording several pop and jazz albums—the brothers continued to share a common musical vision that would draw them back together, now as two members of The Clayton Brothers Quintet. Currently, the quintet consists of John’s son Gerald Clayton on piano (second place winner of the Thelonious Monk Competition); Obed Calvaire on drums; and Terell Stafford, a highly regarded trumpeter and band leader in his own right.

Listen to The Clayton Brothers Quintet

More about the Clayton Brothers Quintet

John Clayton served as the artistic director of jazz for the Los Angeles Philharmonic from 1998 through 2001 and gained prominence as a bassist in both the jazz and classical fields. His serious study of the double bass began at age 16 under the tutelage of Ray Brown. He held the principal bass chair in the Amsterdam Philharmonic Orchestra for more than five years. He is a composer, arranger, and conductor, who counts among his mentors Robert Farnon, Count Basie, Johnny Mandel, Henry Mancini, and Quincy Jones. He has written and arranged music for Milt Jackson, Nancy Wilson, Ray Brown, Regina Carter, McCoy Tyner, Carmen McRae, Quincy Jones, Diana Krall, Kurt Elling, Dee Dee Bridgewater (including her Grammy Award-winning CD, Dear Ella), Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, and many others.

Saxophonist Jeff Clayton began his career as both a touring and studio musician. He recorded albums with Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Kenny Rogers, Michael Jackson, Patti Labelle, and Earth Wind & Fire, as well as solo on Madonna’s recording Back in Business. As a jazz musician, he has worked with Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, Woody Harmon, Lionel Hampton, Lena Horne, McCoy Toner, and Dee Dee Bridgewater.

The Clayton Brothers Quintet’s latest CD, Back In The Swing of Things (Hyena), demonstrates their unique musical vision and swing. Back in the Swing of Things, as well as Expressions and Siblingity (Qwest) are bristling with surprises, delights, and the kind of musical telepathy that could only come from tuned-in siblings. The brothers place a strong emphasis on sharing and are dedicated jazz educators; in fall 2004, The Clayton Brothers were featured on the cover of JazzTimes’ Education Resource Guide as jazz educators of the year.

Find out more on their website.

*Gardens Preferred and Gardens Premium Members receive access to the Pre-sale. If you are eligible, you have received a discount code and Pre-sale access code via direct mail or email from Longwood Gardens.

Coffee Reception – Enjoy a complimentary coffee reception with the artists after this performance.