Episode 1 - John Clayton, 2017 Commission: Stories of a Groove

Episode 1

Join Monterey Jazz Festival Artistic Director Tim Jackson as he reflects with bassist, conductor, and composer John Clayton on his 2017 Monterey Jazz Festival commission piece “Stories of a Groove: Conception, Evolution, Celebration.” The piece features the Gerald Clayton Trio as a soloing unit within the 19-piece Clayton-Hamilton Big Band. “A major work was born on the Lyons stage that evening, a 40-minute MJF-commissioned world premiere by John Clayton…Stories of a Groove…You didn’t have to read any specific political details into the piece in order to sense the passion in its marching party grooves or marvel how its complex, diverse structure held together.” —Classical Voice North America