They are family – and this does not solely apply to brothers John und Jeff Clayton, joint founders of the Clayton- Hamilton Jazz Orchestra with Jeff Hamilton. It applies to the whole band, which is not lined up exclusively on the basis of musical skills but also with regard to harmony and dedication to the project. “Dedication” is a basic requirement for new family members. The experience they pool is immense–the founders played at Monty Alexander and in the Count Basie Orchestra. A classical orchestra with unconventional ideas and low hierarchies. They have an exuberant joy in trying out new things in swing formats. This is what CHJO has stood for, for 32 years. The band’s repertoire is continuously expanding through guest artists and performances. This will certainly also be the case with vocal shooting star Cécile McLorin Salvant. The singer elegantly and expressively brings Sarah Vaughan and Abbey Lincoln’s heritage into the present. She created furore at Enjoy Jazz in 2015, a few days before her first Grammy. Now she will be performing with one of the best big bands of the last decades. What a celebration.
