Gathering, The

CLAYTON BROTHERS: The Gathering
artistShare, 2012

MAINSTREAM JAZZ – One can always expect a nice blend of chops and class from the hardbop-oriented Clayton family, and this CD has plenty of both. The quintet led by saxophonist Jeff and bassist John Clayton is rock solid, and guest stars Wycliffe Gordon (trombone) and Stefon Harris (vibes) add an extra layer of stylish groove. Nice.

Jeff Clayton : alto sax, flute
John Clayton : bass
Terell Stafford : trumpet, flugelhorn
Gerald Clayton : piano
Obed Calvaire : drums

Fo’s Picks: 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10

1. 7:34 – snappy strut: horn solos bring the grease, piano & bass are elegant
2. 6:02 – unusual rolling tune, mixed up groove; serious touch at the edges
3. 5:46 – soft, dusky bossanova ballad with flute & vibes
4. 7:26 – old-school soul-jazz riff & groove, round of brief solos
5. 3:31 – bright vibes showcase: toe-tapping rhythm and some tricky twists
6. 6:10 – hushed, sad ballad, lots of exposed emotion, lovely piano & bass
7. 6:43 – relaxed, bluesy trombone showcase: also nice piano & bass breaks
8. 5:59 – bittersweet modern ballad, piano leads a great ensemble sound
9. 5:58 – very tender ballad, classic sound with soulful sax out front
10. 6:11 – snappy swing-blues: keeps on strollin’, fun horn breaks
11. 5:07 – ethereal beauty: vibraphone-led ballad, spare and very soft
12. 5:17 – another happy snappy one: a joyous, sassy bounce

[ Fo ] - 19 January 2013