Song:Squatty Roo
Album:Live At MCG
The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra is a contemporary big band firmly rooted in jazz tradition. This album was recorded live at the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild in Pittsburgh in 2005. Bassist John Clayton, his brother sax player Jeff Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton were all successful sidemen before they formed the band in 1990. As a teen, John Clayton studied with Ray Brown. After touring with Monty Alexander and Count Basie, he spent five years as bassist for the Amsterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. Then he moved back to the US. Jeff Clayton has toured with Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. among others and has also played a lot of sessions. The Clayton Brothers first recorded together in 1977. Jeff Hamilton worked with John Clayton in Monty Alexander's band. He was also a member of the LA Four with Laurindo Almeida, Bud Shank and Ray Brown. And he was a regular sideman for Concord Records. The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra first recorded in 1990. They have recorded several albums and have also backed up Charles Aznavour, John Pizzarelli and Diana Krall. This version of the Johnny Hodges standard Squatty Roo is from the 2005 CD Live At MCG. It was recorded in Pittsburgh. Featured musicians include Tamir Hendelman on piano, Rickey Woodard on tenor sax, Snooky Young on trumpet and George Bohannon on trombone. John Clayton writes all the arrangements and conducts the band. Big band fans should check it out. They did tour this year so I expect they will do so next year. John Clayton's pianist son Gerald Clayton frequently tours with them. Their latest CD Sunday In New York was recorded with singer Trintje Oosterhuis and it was released in 2011. Here's The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra performing Squatty Roo in Germany 2011.
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