John Clayton

One of the more successful contemporary jazz combos, the Clayton Brothers, is comprised of bassist John Clayton and his alto saxophonist brother, Jeff. Like that other famous brother-duo, Cannonball and Nat Adderley, the Clayton Brothers carry on the tradition of accessibly swinging hard bop. Tutored by mainstream bassist Ray Brown, John Clayton is also a composer and arranger, and co-leads yet another band, the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra. In the latter, the influences of the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra and the "New Testatment" Count Basie band of the '50s are felt.