New chapter begins for US pianist Clayton
Woodwindy and windswept ‘Angels Speak’ is an ideal opener to this latest from pianist composer Gerald Clayton. ‘Cinnamon Sugar’ which follows is busier and there’s a sense of catching the melody by the scruff of the neck as the momentum is taken up by flautist Elena Pinderhughes.
The Clayton story on Blue Note so far
Bells On Sand (2022)
Featured contributions from his father bassist John Clayton, drummer Justin Brown, sax icon Charles Lloyd and Portuguese singer Maro. ‘That Roy’ served as a tribute to the late trumpeter Roy Hargrove and also a strong suit of the album was ‘Invocation for Peace’ with Lloyd.
Happening: Live at the Village Vanguard (2020)
Clayton’s Blue Note debut was a live recording from the Village Vanguard in New York City. Tracks like ‘Patience Patients’ and ‘Celia’ showcased the pianist’s ability to navigate a tradition in transition.
Strong chamber jazz direction offset by Kassa Overall’s clubbier production
‘Sacrifice Culture’ has more of a groove to it and certainly the album could not be accused of being clinical or cold which is a big flaw with a lot of new releases.
The arranging is both thoughtful in its choice of textures and the languorous expression conveyed by the ensemble with the sound brightened by Joel Ross’ vibes playing and the deft drumming of Kendrick Scott underpinning it all is outstanding.
I don’t quite get, however, the idea of this being an experiment inspired ”by the art of turntablism with Clayton setting out to create a record where the A side can be played simultaneously with the B side.”
But the album to a certain extent redefines what chamber jazz is in its more weightless passages where developmental airiness and a sense of space prove most meaningful. And there are a fair few examples. Dear reader in case the thought occurs Ones & Twos sounds nothing like the way elsewhere that the great purveyor of the genre ECM typically fashions chamber jazz in its own Eicher-esque image.
Clayton’s compositions show how fine a writer he is. And his humilty here is to put both the tunes and the way he sets his musicians at the disposal of the music. It’s not about solo-pianist-leader grandstanding or a virtuoso sonic dump at all. Trumpeter Marquis Hill on ‘Lovingly’ steals the show in terms of solos.
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- Shalosh, What We Are Made Of, ACT ***
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- Paul Carrack, For One Night Only – Live in London, Carrack UK ***1/2
- Steve White trio, Soul Drums: The Jazz Sessions Vol. 1, Acid Jazz ****
