- The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra
- The Clayton Brothers
- John Clayton - 2009 Joyce Awards Winner!
John's younger brother Jeff Clayton had developed into a major alto-saxophonist during the years that he was away. Upon his return to Los Angeles, John played in groups with Jeff on an occasional basis and in 1978 they thought that making a recording would be a good idea. "I mentioned to Ray Brown that my brother Jeff and I would love to do a Clayton Brothers record together and I was wondering if Carl Jefferson of Concord would be interested. Ray said 'I don't know, let me see if I could set it up for you.'" As usual, Ray Brown came through. With pianist Patrice Rushen, guitarist Ron Eschete and Jeff Hamilton (who was back in Los Angeles), he and his brother recorded "The Clayton Brothers, Jeff & John" (Concord). In addition to the catchy instrumentals, the LP was highlighted by John's talking on "Walkin' Bass," a humorous monologue that he learned from bassist Keeter Betts. With pianist Roger Kellaway and guitarist Emily Remler joining the Clayton Brothers and Hamilton, the group recorded their follow-up "It's All In The Family" (Concord) in 1980.
The Clayton Brothers have toured and recorded regularly through the years. In 1991, they recorded "The Music" (Capri) as a quartet with pianist Bill Cunliffe and Jeff Hamilton. In 1997 they recorded "Expressions" (Qwest) with Cunliffe on piano and Herlin Riley on drums. In 2000, the band became a quintet again recording "Siblingity"(Qwest) with the addition of trumpeter Terell Stafford and the return of Jeff Hamilton. "My brother introduced me to Stafford who I heard play in New York; I knew that I wanted him in the group. Jeff and Terrell really hit it off. When they play together it brings to mind when Ray Brown used to reminisce to me about Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. He said it was like an alto sax being welded to a trumpet and one guy playing it. That was such a great visual and there are times when I hear my brother and Terell playing together that I get that; it sounds like one instrument."
The most recent recording by the Clayton Brothers is "Back in the Swing of Things" (Hyena), featuring the co-leaders, Hamilton, Stafford and Cunliffe in an infectious blend of bop, blues, ballads and swing.
"My son Gerald Clayton is playing piano with the group and he is working out very well. We've also added Obed Calvaire on drums".
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