John Clayton: spartiti difficile

There is never a lack of attitude from the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra as evidenced by this bluesy shuffle from their CD Shout Me Out. With the saxes on the head, complemented by screaming ensembl...

Written to feature former Hoosier Jeff Hamilton on drums, this John Clayton arrangement gives this standard tune a few new twists and turns. While serving primarily as an accompaniment for the drummer...

John gives this classic jazz tune by Sonny Stitt the royal treatment with this burning up-tempo swinger. This exciting chart features the entire sax section and builds to a wild shout chorus for the e...

Monk was a master of composing unconventional and angular melodic lines. John Clayton provides a jagged yet stimulating chart that features dueling trumpets and an exciting full band shout chorus. Fro...

From the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra CD Groove Shop, here is John's uptempo and energetic take on this Hoagy Carmichael favorite. Perfect as an opener, this explosive chart features tenor sax as w...

Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra - Grade 5 Opening with a crash from the band and an extended drum solo, the melody creeps in quasi-Art Blakey style. Small group statements are offset with full ensembl...

Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra - Grade 5 Originally arranged and premiered by the WDR Big Band in Cologne, Germany, this powerful chart was recorded by the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra on their CD...

Written for the Ellington orchestra by saxophonist Johnny Hodges, this catchy riff-based tune swings hard from beginning to end. After the hard-hitting opening, solos are exchanged by tenor, trombone,...

Continuing the fine big band tradition of Count Basie and Thad Jones, John Clayton's exquisite chart on this standard tune blazes a trail of excitement and power. Written as a medium up-tempo swinger,...

There's always time for the blues. This original by John Clayton (and recorded by the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra on Heart and Soul) is set in a bluesy and relaxed tempo and provides lots of room...

Originally arranged for Ernie Andrews, this hard-swinging chart provides a real workout for band and vocalist alike. The blues-infused style features interplay between the singer and the band as well...

Adapted from the arrangement that John Clayton did for Dianne Reeves and the WDR radio big band in Cologne, Germany, here is a moderately slow and sulty swing version of the Duke Ellington favorite. A...

Adapted from the arrangement that John Clayton did for Dianne Reeves and the WDR radio big band in Cologne, Germany, here is a moderately slow and sulty swing version of the Duke Ellington favorite. A...

Paying homage to the great jazz vocalist Joe Williams and recorded by Barbara Morrison on her tribute CD Thinking of You, Joe, here is an adaptation of John Clayton's swinging chart featuring sizzling...

John Clayton credits stylistic influences from Quincy Jones and Billy Byers on this swinging minor blues. Utilizing a wide dynamic range, subtleties in the rhythm section, and variations in texture fr...

Originally recorded by Peggy Lee in 1960, this upbeat swinger exudes a great message and positive energy. Perfect for a singer to add their own personality and connect with the audience. John Clayton'...

Written for the Ellington orchestra by saxophonist Johnny Hodges, this catchy riff-based tune swings hard from beginning to end. After the hard-hitting opening, solos are exchanged by tenor, trombone,...

Adapted from the arrangement that John Clayton did for Dianne Reeves and the WDR radio big band in Cologne, Germany, here is a moderately slow and sulty swing version of the Duke Ellington favorite. A...

Originally recorded by Peggy Lee in 1960, this upbeat swinger exudes a great message and positive energy. Perfect for a singer to add their own personality and connect with the audience. John Clayton'...

From the CD Groove Shop recorded by the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, here is John Clayton's stylish take on this masterful Billy Strayhorn composition. The rhythm section sets up the feel followed...

This monster chart from John Clayton was written specifically for his clinic presentation at the IAJE convention where it was rehearsed and premiered in January 2005. After the rhythm section sets the...

Feature the vibes (or piano) with this creatively arranged standard that was written specifically for vibes legend Milt Jackson (heard on this excerpt). The melody is bookended by plaintive statements...

Feature the vibes (or piano) with this creatively arranged standard that was written specifically for vibes legend Milt Jackson (heard on this excerpt). The melody is bookended by plaintive statements...

Feature the vibes (or piano) with this creatively arranged standard that was written specifically for vibes legend Milt Jackson (heard on this excerpt). The melody is bookended by plaintive statements...

Exploring a wealth of overlapping instrumental colors, this very delicate and superbly orchestrated setting made its first appearance recorded by Diana Krall. A study in tension and release, there is...