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John Clayton: Parlor Series, Vol. 1
ByWhile Clayton was game for an in-studio meeting with Jones, things didn't come together very well. Clayton booked some studio time in 2007 and got ready for the encounter, but Jones' health threw a wrench in the plan. That's when Clayton pulled out his rolodex and started to imagine what other piano-bass duo combinations might sound like. The late Mulgrew Miller and Clayton's supremely gifted offspring, Gerald Clayton, were his first calls, and both men were into the idea.
Those who are curious will be happy to hear that Jones and Clayton eventually did get together to record before the pianist passed on. The encounters with Jones and Miller will each see the light of day as future releases in this series, but the first volume is a family affair.
The father-and-son team of John and Gerald Clayton takes pride here in exploring eight musical gems with a no fuss attitude or, in Clayton's own words, in a "let's-just-see-what-happens atmosphere." Some of the performances are enjoyable if not notable ("Alone Together"), others bring a tear to the eye with their direct approach (Billy Joel's "And So It Goes"), and a few prove so compelling and arresting that they're hard to let go of; "Zingaro," a smile-inducing "Isfahan," and an alluring "Sunny Day Go" all fall into that last category.
Nothing here is bound to blow minds or cause a stir, nor is that the intention. John Clayton just wants to invite people into his parlor to hear what he does, and what he does is special in its own beautiful way.
Track Listing
Alone Together; If I Should Lose You; Zingaro; Yesterdays; And So It Goes; Isfahan; Sunny Day Go; All The Things You Are.
Personnel
John Clayton
bassJohn Clayton: bass; Gerald Clayton: piano.
Album information
Title: Parlor Series, Vol. 1 | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: ArtistShare
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Parlor Series, Vol. 1