The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra

The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra is unusual in that it has three leaders: drummer Jeff Hamilton, altoist Jeff Clayton, and bassist John Clayton. While Hamilton (who has played regularly with Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, Monty Alexander, Gene Harris, and the L.A. Four) really drives the band, and Jeff Clayton (whose sound is inspired by Cannonball Adderley) is one of the orchestra's top soloists, it is John Clayton's colorful and unpredictable arrangements that really give this big band its own personality. In addition, Clayton (who was formerly with Count Basie) is a very talented soloist, particularly when bowing. The swinging orchestra, filled with top Los Angeles players (including such soloists as Rickey Woodard, Charlie Owens, Bobby Bryant, Snooky Young, Oscar Brashear, George Bohanon, Thurman Green, and Bill Cunliffe) can hold its own with any other big band of the '90s and 2000s, as shown on its two Capri sets (Groove Shop and Heart and Soul) and its Lake Street release Absolutely.