Ernestine Anderson With The Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra - Boogie Down

Styles: Jazz, Vocal, Big Band
Year: 1989
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:47
Size: 102,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:09)  1. Boogie Down
(6:39)  2. That Sunday That Summer
(4:40)  3. Love Walked In
(4:32)  4. Only Trust Your Heart
(2:16)  5. Day By Day
(4:45)  6. Nothing Ever Changes My Love For You
(3:24)  7. Wait Till You See Him
(6:17)  8. One Mint Julip
(8:01)  9. Le Blues

A solid but unspectacular effort, this CD matches singer Ernestine Anderson with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. The big band is mostly heard in the background (except on the instrumental "Le Blues"), with the spotlight otherwise totally on the vocalist. Anderson sounds fine, but the material (which ranges from Al Jarreau's "Boogie Down" to "Love Walked In" and "One Mint Julep") offers few surprises, and she is not really smoothly integrated into the big band. However, the music still has its enjoyable moments.By Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/boogie-down-mw0000204454

Personnel: Ernestine Anderson (vocals); Jim Hershman (guitar); Jeff Clayton (flute, oboe, alto saxophone); Bill Green (clarinet, alto saxophone); Herman Riley, Rickey Woodard (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Jack Nimitz (bass clarinet, baritone saxophone); Clay Jenkins, Oscar Brashear, Ray Brown , Snooky Young (trumpet, flugelhorn); George Bohannon, Thurman Green, Ira Nepus (trombone); Maurice Spears (bass trombone); Larry Fuller (piano); Jeff Hamilton (drums).

Boogie Down

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The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra - Absolutely!

Styles: Jazz, Bop
Year: 1994
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:55
Size: 118,0 MB
Art: Front

(7:03) 1. Blues For Stephanie
(4:40) 2. Jazz Party
(5:09) 3. For All We Know
(3:55) 4. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
(7:09) 5. Reverence
(4:56) 6. Black Is Blue
(6:17) 7. Max
(4:34) 8. Prelude To A Kiss
(3:37) 9. A Beautiful Friendship
(3:30) 10. Devotion

Featuring some of Los Angeles' finest jazz musicians, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra (which has drummer Jeff Hamilton and altoist Jeff Clayton among its three leaders) performs the arrangements of the other co-leader, bassist John Clayton. There are several classic charts on this CD, including "Blues for Stephanie," "For All We Know" and "Reverence"; all ten selections are well worth hearing. The swinging music has its share of subtle surprises and many fine solos, including some by tenors Rickey Woodard and Charles Owens, pianist Bill Cunliffe, altoist Clayton and trumpeters Oscar Brashear, Snooky Young and Clay Jenkins. Highly recommended for big band fans.~Scott Yanowhttps://www.allmusic.com/album/absolutely%21-mw0000122870

Personnel: Alto Saxophone – Bill Green; Arranged By, Conductor – John Clayton; Baritone Saxophone – Lee Callet; Bass – Dave Bjur, John Clayton, Jr.; Drums – Jeff Hamilton; Guitar – Jim Hershman; Piano – Bill Cunliffe; Saxophone, Woodwind – Jeff Clayton ; Tenor Saxophone – Charles Owens, Rickey Woodard; Trombone – George Bohanon, Ira Nepus, Maurice Spears, Thurman Green; Trumpet – Bobby Bryant, Chuck Findley, Clay Jenkins, Oscar Brashear, Snooky Young

Absolutely!

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Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra - Groove Shop

Styles: Jazz, Big Band
Year: 1990
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:07
Size: 119,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:20)  1. Georgia
(5:35)  2. Rain Check
(3:31) 3. 'Tain't What You Do (It's the Way That You Do It)
(5:27)  4. Brush This
(3:30)  5. How Great Thou Art
(5:48)  6. Groove Shop
(6:06)  7. Sashay
(5:34)  8. Melt Away/A Time for Love: Melt Away / A Time For Love
(3:22)  9. I Won't Dance
(9:52) 10. Night Train

This Capri CD was the debut of the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra, a notable L.A.-based big band co-led by bassist John Clayton, altoist Jeff Clayton, and drummer Jeff Hamilton. The 18-piece group has many top soloists, most notably the three co-leaders; tenor saxophonist Rickey Woodard; trumpeters Snooky Young, Clay Jenkins, and Oscar Brashear; and trombonist George Bohanon. However, it is the arrangements of John Clayton that give the orchestra its own sound. Highlights include "Raincheck," Young's vocal and trumpet feature on "T'Aint What You Do," Hamilton's showcase on "Brush This," Oscar Brashear's "Sashay" (which has a Clayton chart that recalls Thad Jones), and "Night Train." Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/groove-shop-mw0000273728

Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra: Jeff Clayton (soprano & alto saxophones, flute, oboe); John Clayton (acoustic bass); Jeff Hamilton (drums); Bill Green (alto saxophone, clarinet, flute); Ricky Woodard, Bob Hardaway (tenor saxophone, clarinet); Lee Callet (baritone saxophone, bass clarinet); Bobby Bryant, Snooky Young, Oscar Brashear, Clay Jenkins (trumpet, flugelhorn); George Bohanon, Ira Nepus, Thurman Green (trombone); Maurice Spears (bass trombone); Mike Lang (piano); Doug MacDonald (guitar); Herb Mickman (acoustic bass).

Groove Shop

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Diana Krall - Christmas Songs

Styles: Vocal, Piano, Christmas
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:50
Size: 103,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:25)  1. Jingle Bells
(4:01)  2. Let It Snow
(4:23)  3. The Christmas Song
(3:14)  4. Winter Wonderland
(3:07)  5. I'll Be Home for Christmas
(3:34)  6. Christmas Time Is Here
(2:53)  7. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
(4:19)  8. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
(4:32)  9. White Christmas
(4:10) 10. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve
(3:27) 11. Sleigh Ride
(3:40) 12. Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep

On her first full-length Christmas album, pianist/vocalist Diana Krall delivers a smoky, sophisticated, and slightly melancholy album perfectly suited to accompany egg nog cocktails and romantic afterglow holiday affairs. Although there isn't anything unexpected on Christmas Songs Irving Berlin's "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep" is as close to obscure as it gets Krall coos life into such standards as "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve," and "I'll Be Home for Christmas." It also doesn't hurt that she gains top-notch support from the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra, whose urbane arrangements help bring to mind similar works by such iconic vocalists as Nat King Cole, June Christy, and Frank Sinatra. But it's not all deep sighs and bedroom eyes; on the contrary, Krall keeps things swinging with such uptempo numbers as the joyous "Jingle Bells," "Winter Wonderland," and the Blossom Dearie-inflected "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town." If you like your holiday albums cool and classy, Christmas Songs is a stocking stuffer that's sure to please. 

~ Matt Collar https://www.allmusic.com/album/christmas-songs-mw0000703424

Personnel:  Diana Krall - piano, vocals, arranger

The Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra: Jeff Hamilton - drums; Robert Hurst - upright bass; Anthony Wilson - guitar; Gerald Clayton - piano on "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"; Tamir Hendelman - piano on "Sleigh Ride", fender rhodes on "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve"; Jeff Clayton - alto saxophone, flute; Keith Fiddmont - alto saxophone, clarinet; Rickey Woodard - tenor saxophone solos, clarinet; Charles Owens - tenor saxophone, clarinet; Adam Schroeder - baritone saxophone, bass clarinet; Rick Baptist - trumpet

Christmas Songs

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The John Pizzarelli Trio - Let's Share Christmas

Styles: Christmas, Vocal Jazz, Swing, Big Band 
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:36
Size: 101,5 MB
Art: Front

(2:25)  1. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
(3:55)  2. Let's Share Christmas
(3:23)  3. White Christmas
(5:03)  4. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
(4:19)  5. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?
(2:50)  6. Sleigh Ride
(3:46)  7. Christmas Time Is Here
(3:44)  8. I'll Be Home for Christmas
(3:10)  9. Santa Claus Is Near
(3:48) 10. The Christmas Song
(3:12) 11. Snowfall
(3:54) 12. Silent Night

Let's Share Christmas is an engaging holiday record from John Pizzarelli. Featuring several songs arranged and conducted by Johnny Mandel, Michel Legrand and Claire Fischer, the album isn't just Pizzarelli and his trio  instead, his small combo combines with a series of 40-piece orchestras that give the music a grand, elegant sweep that combines the best of big-band pop and hip, swinging jazz. ~ Thom Owens https://www.allmusic.com/album/lets-share-christmas-mw0000080446

Personnel:  John Pizzarelli – guitar; Martin Pizzarelli – double-bass; Ray Kennedy – piano; Harry Allen – saxophone; Jay Berliner – guitar; Jeff Clayton – saxophone; Andy Fusco – saxophone; Bill Watrous – trombone; Michel Legrand – conductor; The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra; Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra

Let's Share Christmas

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Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra - Groove Shop

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:24
Size: 120.0 MB
Styles: Bop
Year: 1990
Art: Front

[3:21] 1. Georgia
[5:37] 2. Raincheck
[3:33] 3. T'aint What You Do
[5:27] 4. Brush This
[3:31] 5. How Great Thou Art
[5:49] 6. Groove Shop
[6:07] 7. Sashay
[5:36] 8. Melt Away A Time For Love
[3:24] 9. I Won't Dance
[9:53] 10. Night Train

Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute – Bill Green; Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Oboe, Flute – Jeff Clayton (3); Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet – Lee Callet; Bass Trombone – Maurice Spears; Double Bass – Herb Mickman; Drums – Jeff Hamilton; Guitar – Doug MacDonald; Piano – Mike Lang; Soloist, Double Bass – John Clayton; Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Rickey Woodard, Bob Hardaway; Trombone – George Bohanon, Ira Nepus, Thurman Green; Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Bobby Bryant, Clay Jenkins, Oscar Brashear, Snooky Young. Recorded April 18 & 19, 1989.

This Capri CD was the debut of the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra, a notable L.A.-based big band co-led by bassist John Clayton, altoist Jeff Clayton, and drummer Jeff Hamilton. The 18-piece group has many top soloists, most notably the three co-leaders; tenor saxophonist Rickey Woodard; trumpeters Snooky Young, Clay Jenkins, and Oscar Brashear; and trombonist George Bohanon. However, it is the arrangements of John Clayton that give the orchestra its own sound. Highlights include "Raincheck," Young's vocal and trumpet feature on "T'Aint What You Do," Hamilton's showcase on "Brush This," Oscar Brashear's "Sashay" (which has a Clayton chart that recalls Thad Jones), and "Night Train." Highly recommended. ~Scott Yanow

Groove Shop mc
Groove Shop zippy

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Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra - Shout Me Out

Styles: Jazz, Big Band
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:30
Size: 152,7 MB
Art: Front

(9:27)  1. Shout Me Out
(6:36)  2. Max
(4:47)  3. Plunger Mute Syndrome
(7:03)  4. Yellow Flowers After
(4:46)  5. Grizzly
(3:35)  6. Day by Day
(5:28)  7. Nice to Meet You
(4:58)  8. One for Horace Tapscott
(2:04)  9. Barbara's Rose
(5:39) 10. I Want a Little Girl
(9:04) 11. How Insensitive

If there were an award for “most improved big band,” the opinion here is that the C–HJO would win going away, as its two most recent albums ( Explosive!, with vibraphonist Milt Jackson, and now Shout Me Out! ) have moved well beyond its earlier endeavors to prove beyond any doubt that this is one of the most talented and exciting ensembles performing anywhere in the lower forty eight. Clearly, the primary role model is Basie, and the C–HJO is emphatically adhering to the swinging blueprint laid bare by the Count and refined during his many years in the big band trenches. Coleader John Clayton’s deeply grooved “Nice to Meet You” is dedicated to Basie, and there are innumerable splashes of the Count’s peerless style elsewhere on the album, from wailing shout–choruses and assertive rhythms (punctuated by co–leader Jeff Hamilton’s assiduous drum work) to pianist Bill Cunliffe’s spare, Basie esque phrasings, crisp unison passages by brass and reeds and boppish narratives by the band’s squadron of accomplished soloists. There are three other dedications, Hamilton’s “Max” (for longtime friend and Jazz supporter Max Ketteman), co–leader Jeff Clayton’s “Barbara’s Rose” (for St. Louis Jazz promoter Barbara Rose) and Charles Owens’ “One for Horace Tapscott,” honoring the pianist who was a leading player on the Los Angeles Jazz scene. Bassist John Clayton, the band’s principal composer / arranger, also wrote “Shout Me Out!,” “Plunger Mute Sydrome” (for 22–year–old phenom Isaac Smith) and “Grizzly,” while trumpeter Clay Jenkins contributed “Yellow Flowers After.” Completing the program are the standards “I Want a Little Girl” (charmingly sung and played by veteran trumpeter Snooky Young) and “Day by Day” (featuring Rickey Woodard’s thundering tenor sax) and Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “How Insensitive” (performed not by the band but as a “conversation” between John Clayton’s arco bass and Hamilton’s drums). The other soloists are baritone Lee Callet, guitarist Jim Hershman and both Clayton brothers (John on bowed bass, Jeff on alto) on "Shout Me Out!"; Woodard, Hamilton, Cunliffe and trumpeter Bobby Rodriguez on "Max"; trumpeter Jenkins on "Yellow Flowers"; trumpeter Oscar Brashear, trombonist George Bohanon and bassist Christoph Luty on "Grizzly"; Woodard, Smith and Brashear on "Nice to Meet You"; Cunliffe, Hamilton and alto Owens on "Horace Tapscott"; Jeff Clayton and trombonist Ira Nepus on "Barbaras Rose." If you want to hear a band that has found its niche and speaks in a clear and confident voice, check this one out. ~ Jack Bowers https://www.allaboutjazz.com/shout-me-out-clayton-hamilton-jazz-orchestra-review-by-jack-bowers.php 

Personnel: Jim Hershman (guitar); Jeff Clayton (flute, piccolo, oboe, alto saxophone); Charles Owens (clarinet, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Keith Fiddmont (clarinet, alto saxophone); Rickey Woodard (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Lee Callet (bass clarinet, baritone saxophone); Clay Jenkins, Oscar Brashear, Bobby Rodriguez (trumpet); Isaac Smith , George Bohannon, Ira Nepus (trombone); Maurice Spears (bass trombone); Bill Cunliffe (piano); Jeff Hamilton (drums).

Shout Me Out

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Diane Schuur - Music Is My Life

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:02
Size: 131,0 MB
Art: Front

(8:01)  1. Invitation
(3:13)  2. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
(4:36)  3. That Old Devil Called Love
(9:06)  4. Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered
(3:14)  5. Keepin' Out Of Mischief Now
(5:17)  6. Good Morning Heartache
(3:58)  7. I Only Have Eyes For You
(5:42)  8. Nardis
(4:12)  9. Music Is My Life
(6:17) 10. If You Could See Me Now
(3:19) 11. Somewhere Over The Rainbow

While most jazz singers probably do not improvise enough, in the case of Diane Schuur, the less she gets away from the melody the better. The reason is obvious: Schuur has a beautiful voice but she rarely seems to know what to do with it! Her improvising can be screechy and erratic. Fortunately, Schuur mostly sticks to the themes on this strong release. Utilizing a variety of top jazz musicians, including pianist Alan Broadbent (Schuur plays piano herself on two songs) and tenor saxophonist Nino Tempo (who always emulates Stan Getz), Schuur mostly uplifts standards on her colorful outing. She goes a bit over the top with her singing on "Invitation" but her versions of "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered," "Keepin' Out of Mischief Now" and "If You Could See Me Now" are quite lovely, and she takes "Over the Rainbow" as a haunting, unaccompanied vocal. This is one of her better releases and an excellent example of what her live shows were like during 1998-1999.~Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/music-is-my-life-mw0000047988

Personnel: Diane Schuur (vocals, acoustic & electric pianos); Jeff Clayton (alto saxophone); Nino Tempo (tenor saxophone); Marcus Printup (trumpet); Ira Napis (trombone); Emil Richards (vibraphone); Alan Broadbent (piano); Dean Parks (guitar); Roger Hines, Chuck Berghofer (bass); David Gibson, Larance Marable, John Guerin (drums).

Music Is My Life

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John Pizzarelli And The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra - Dear Mr. Sinatra

Styles: Vocal And Guitar Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:52
Size: 89,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:34)  1. Ring-A-Ding Ding
(3:57)  2. You Make Me Feel So Young
(2:42)  3. How About You?
(4:46)  4. If I had you
(4:11)  5. Witchcraft
(3:24)  6. I've Got You Under My Skin
(2:44)  7. Nice 'N' Easy
(4:11)  8. Medley: I See Your Face Before Me....
(3:56)  9. Can't We Be Friends?
(3:01) 10. Yes Sir, That's My Baby
(2:20) 11. Last Dance

With the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra interpreting swinging big band arrangements, John Pizzarelli captures the spirit of Frank Sinatra's memorable years with the bands of Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Count Basie and others. His aim here is not to emulate Sinatra, but to honor him with the songs that he sang so effectively. How can we ever forget? The program includes eleven familiar songs from the Sinatra years, all presented as brief arrangements that keep creative soloing to a minimum. Pizzarelli's guitar provides a number of well-constructed solos, but they too are also abbreviated. His wordless vocals with unison guitar provide several of the session's high points.

If I Had You features a clarinet choir in a tender interpretation that strolls leisurely at a slow, romantic pace. "I've Got You Under My Skin features Pizzarelli's suave vocal sashay alongside a sensual battery of genteel wind players. "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning features a slow and steady walk that Pizzarelli delivers convincingly. "Last Dance closes the album with a sad and forlorn sign-off that recalls the emotional impact that Frank Sinatra held in the palm of his hand. Along with Pizzarelli's Swing Era vocals and his always refreshing guitar interludes, Dear Mr. Sinatra features brief but creative solos from John Clayton, Jeff Clayton, Jeff Hamilton, Rickey Woodard, Tamir Hendelman and Bucky Pizzarelli. ~ Jim Santella http://www.allaboutjazz.com/dear-mr-sinatra-john-pizzarelli-telarc-records-review-by-jim-santella.php

Personnel: John Pizzarelli (vocals, guitar); Bucky Pizzarelli (vocals, guitar); John Clayton (clarinet, alto saxophone, bass guitar); Charles Owens II, Charles Owens (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Bijon Watson (trumpet); Maurice Spears, Robbie Hioki (trombone, bass trombone); Ryan Porter (trombone); Christoph Luty (bass guitar); Jeff Clayton , Keith Fiddmont (clarinet, alto saxophone); Rickey Woodard (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Lee Callet (bass clarinet, baritone saxophone); Gilbert Castellanos, James Ford , Sal Cracchiolo, Bobby Rodriguez (trumpet); George Bohanon, Ira Nepus (trombone); Tamir Hendelman (piano); Jeff Hamilton (drums).

Dear Mr. Sinatra

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Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra - L.A. Treasures Project

Styles: Jazz, Big Band
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:29
Size: 145,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:21)  1. I Love Being Here with You
(3:56)  2. Exactly Like You
(5:02)  3. The Jug and I
(6:40)  4. Hat's Dance
(5:19)  5. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You
(3:47)  6. Got To Get Back To L.A.
(6:18)  7. Goodbye Porkpie Hat
(4:25)  8. River's Invitation
(3:19)  9. Beautiful Friendship
(7:14) 10. I Ain't Got Nothin' But the Blues
(4:53) 11. Time After Time
(4:36) 12. Fever
(4:34) 13. Jazz Party

For nearly thirty-years now the Grammy-nominated Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra (CHJO) has been easily recognizable as one of the best big bands in the business. Led by bassist John Clayton, saxophonist and brother Jeff Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton, the group embarked on a mission to document their various rehearsals with West Coast vocal legends Ernie Andrews and Barbara Morrison, and do so with The L.A. Treasures Project recorded live in the famous Showroom of Alva's Dance Studio and Music Store in San Pedro, California.  Presenting a mixture of instrumentals and vocal numbers, the opening "I Love Being Here With You" seemed an appropriate start and message for the intimate crowd in the Showroom and features excellent solos from each member of the trombone section. Having 20 recordings to her credit, Morrison steps up to lay down a soulful rendition of the Dorothy Fields classic "Exactly Like You" with a little solo help from Lee Callet on the baritone saxophone. The crisp vocals of local legend Andrews takes over the music with a bluesy and sprite interpretation of the Percy Mayfield standard "The Jug and I," superbly aided by the big band orchestrations of the CHJO.

Co-leader Hamilton and pianist Tamir Hendelman take center stage on their composition "Hat's Dance" with the duo playing the lead as the band grooves gently behind them in fine support for one of the tender moments of the disc. The Clayton brothers take their turn in the spot light on the Charles Mingus piece "Goodbye Porkpie Hat" as Jeff Clayton's bluesy alto flute begins the journey that eventually leads to brother John's bowed bass play in unison with Christoph Luty's own bass performance. The two singers get back to form with Andrews getting sentimental on the standard "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You," while the swinging Gospel vocalist Morrison belts the lyrics to "Got To Get Back To L.A.," one of her own compositions telling the world how she feels about the City. Morrison delivers the lyrics on "River's Invitation" and the classic "Fever" as the veteran Andrews does the same on "Beautiful Friendship" and the Sammy Cahn favorite "Time After Time" completing their vocal contribution to this historic night but, the CHJO was not finished. The ensemble plays a powerful opening statement on "I Ain't Got Nothin' But The Blues" only to turn it over to the electric guitar of Graham Dechter as he picks his way all through this terrific blues. In fitting form the CHJO ends the evening with "Jazz Party" elevating the excitement level with salvos fired by saxophonists Rickey Woodard and Charles Owens accompanied by one final pounding drum solo by Hamilton. 

It's obvious that The L.A. Treasures Project refers to singers Andrews and Morrison but, not to be overlooked, is the CHJO, an unquestioned treasure that this time delivers a meaty program of standards and mainstream jazz with a vocal twist perfect as a precursor to the group's thirtieth anniversary in 2015. ~ Edward Blanco http://www.allaboutjazz.com/the-la-treasures-project-the-clayton-hamilton-jazz-orchestra-capri-records-ltd-review-by-edward-blanco.php

Personnel: John Clayton: arco bass, Jeff Clayton: alto saxophone; Jeff Hamilton: drums; Bijon Watson: trumpet; Gilbert Castellanos: trumpet; James Ford: trumpet; Brian Swartz: trumpet; Jamie Hovorka: trumpet; Ira Nepus: trombone; George Bohanon: trombone; Ryan Porter: trombone; Maurice Spears: trombone; Keith Fiddmont: alto saxophone; Ricky Woodard: tenor saxophone; Charles Owens: tenor saxophone; Lee Callet: baritone saxophone; Tamir Hendelman: piano; Christopher Luty: bass; Graham Dechter: electric guitar; Ernie Andrews: vocals; Barbara Morrison: vocals.

L.A. Treasures Project

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Milt Jackson - Explosive! Meets The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra

Styles: Vibraphone Jazz
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:15
Size: 149,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:54)  1. Bags' Groove
(7:41)  2. Since I Fell For You
(5:25)  3. Evidence
(3:28)  4. Back Home Again In Indiana
(5:23)  5. Deed I Do
(5:20)  6. The Nearness Of You
(5:36)  7. Major Deagan (Blues For Dan)
(5:48)  8. Emily
(6:53)  9. Along Came Betty
(6:00) 10. Revibal Meeting
(6:43) 11. Recovery

In a recording career that's spanned more than half a century, the masterful vibraphonist Milt Jackson has seldom been less than flawless. For Explosive!, his fifth disc on Quincy Jones's well-distributed Qwest label, Jackson is suitably teamed with the well-populated Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. It too, is no exception; offering a sterling collection of Jackson's pleasing blend of blues and ballads. Jackson has only recorded with big bands on a surprisingly infrequent basis (his Verve recordings with Ray Brown, two dates from the early 1960s on Riverside and some work in the late 70s with Count Basie's band come to mind). But he has plenty of connections to this music. Helmsman arranger/bassist John Clayton studied with Jackson's soul mate and frequent musical sparring partner, Ray Brown. Clayton has also served a rewarding apprenticeship in Basie's band and his tasteful, swinging arrangements recall the brassy soulfulness Quincy Jones offered to many a Basie session (and plenty others like Ray Charles too).

So Milt's at home here still swinging like he did back in the Forties (consider how he enlivens Monk's "Evidence" here and recall the vibraphonist was heard on the original all those years ago). If there's any gripe - and it's a true quibble - it's that Jackson seems like a guest on his own session. He swings in between the more dominating orchestra (with exceptional offerings from reedman Jeff Clayton, trumpeter Snooky Young and trombonist George Bohanon) and even sits out of "Deed I Do" and "The Nearness of You" altogether. But, as expected, he's above reproach and completely in charge of "Major Deegan," the inevitable "Bag's Groove," and the newer originals, "Revibal Meeting" and "Recovery." Explosive! could have been recorded in the late Fifties, at a time when jazz orchestras like this flourished. Today, it's positively out of the ordinary to hear a big star front a (real) big band. But it shows how ageless and timeless the concept is when it's done right as it is here. ~ Douglas Payne 

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/explosive-milt-jackson-warner-bros-review-by-douglas-payne.php

Players:Milt Jackson: vibes; John Clayton, Jr.: arco bass; Jeff Hamilton: drums; Jeff Clayton: alto sax, flute, clarinet; Byron Stripling, Eugene "Snooky" Young, Oscar Brasher, Clay Jenkins, Bobby Rodriguez: trumpet; Ira Nepus, George Bohanon, Isaac Smith: trombone; Maurice Spears: bass trombone; Keith Fiddmont: alto sax, flute, clarinet; Ricky Woodward, Charles Owens: tenor sax, clarinet; Lee Callet: baritone sax, bass clarinet; Bill Cunliffe: piano; Christoph Luty: bass; Jim Hershman: guitar.

Explosive! Milt Jackson Meets The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra

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