Jeff Clayton
b. 16 February 1955, Venice, California, USA. Clayton's musical education began at a local Baptist church, where his mother was pianist and conductor of the choir. He began playing various reed instruments, including clarinet, but concentrated on alto saxophone. He later added soprano saxophone and flute, extending his studies during high school and university where his principal instrument was the oboe. He dropped out of university before graduating in order to go on the road with Stevie Wonder. Later, he mixed studio work with touring, playing with artists as diverse as Gladys Knight and Kenny Rogers, Patti Labelle and Michael Jackson. He gradually shifted towards a more jazz-orientated repertoire and although he continued to work in orchestras backing popular singers such as Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé, Lena Horne and Sammy Davis Jnr, it was in the jazz world that he established his reputation during the '80s. He played in the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra under the direction of Murray McEachern, with Count Basie, the continuing Basie band under Thad Jones, Alphonse Mouzon, Juggernaut, Woody Herman, Lionel Hampton, Ella Fitzgerald, the Phillip Morris Superband led by Gene Harris, Monty Alexander, Ray Brown and many others. Clayton continued to work with pop stars, playing saxophone solos on an album by Madonna and on the soundtrack of the film DICK TRACY (1990), in which she starred. Clayton has worked extensively in partnership with his brother, John Clayton; and the Claytons are also active in the big band they co-lead with Jeff Hamilton. A hugely talented musician, Clayton's playing of the alto saxophone is especially distinguished. Although he has developed a distinctive style of his own, his playing reveals his respect and admiration for the sensitive manner in which Johnny Hodges richly interpreted ballads and the harder-edged drive and phrasing of Cannonball Adderley. In addition to his performing, which has recently included playing classical music with the Icelandic Philharmonic Orchestra, Clayton also teaches, conducts clinics, and writes. In his capacity as a writer he has composed songs for Jon Hendricks. In the early '90s Clayton continued to play numerous festivals, concerts and make records either under his own name or with major stars of jazz and popular music. Clearly a leading figure in contemporary music, his continuing career is one to watch.