Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

1952 in Los Angeles, CA

Genre

:

Vocal

 

John Clayton is a renowned jazz bassist, composer, and arranger who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on August 20, 1952, in Venice, California, Clayton grew up in a musical family. His father, John Clayton Sr., was a renowned jazz pianist, and his mother, Pat Clayton, was a singer. Clayton's brother, Jeff Clayton, is also a jazz saxophonist. Clayton began playing the bass at the age of 16 and quickly developed a passion for jazz music. He attended Indiana University, where he studied classical bass with Stuart Sankey and jazz with David Baker. After graduating in 1975, Clayton moved to New York City, where he began his professional career as a bassist. In the early 1980s, Clayton joined the Count Basie Orchestra as the principal bassist. He remained with the orchestra for nine years, during which time he also served as the musical director. Clayton's tenure with the Count Basie Orchestra was a significant highlight of his career, as he had the opportunity to perform with some of the most prominent jazz musicians of the time. In addition to his work with the Count Basie Orchestra, Clayton has also performed with other notable jazz musicians, including Quincy Jones, Diana Krall, and Paul McCartney. He has also recorded several albums as a bandleader, including "Groove Shop" and "Parlor Series." Clayton's contributions to the world of classical music are equally impressive. He has composed and arranged music for several orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Amsterdam Philharmonic, and the Metropole Orchestra. Clayton's compositions and arrangements have been performed by some of the most prominent classical musicians of our time, including Yo-Yo Ma and the Kronos Quartet. One of Clayton's most significant contributions to classical music was his work on the album "The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra: Live at MCG." The album, which was released in 2005, features Clayton's arrangements of several classical pieces, including Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto No. 3" and Ravel's "Bolero." The album received critical acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy Award. In addition to his work as a musician, Clayton is also a dedicated educator. He has taught at several universities, including the University of Southern California and the University of California, Los Angeles. Clayton is also the co-founder of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, which is dedicated to promoting jazz education and performance. Throughout his career, Clayton has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the world of music. In 2006, he was inducted into the International Jazz Hall of Fame. He has also received several Grammy nominations for his work as a musician and arranger. In conclusion, John Clayton is a highly accomplished musician who has made significant contributions to both jazz and classical music. His work as a bassist, composer, and arranger has earned him a reputation as one of the most talented musicians of our time. Clayton's dedication to music education has also helped to inspire and educate future generations of musicians.

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