Source: www.geraldclayton.com/
GRAMMY-Nominated Pianist/Composer Gerald Clayton Signs With Blue Note Records
Blue Note Records signed four-time GRAMMY-nominated pianist/composer Gerald Clayton. It was also announced Clayton will be releasing his label debut this June 2020. This will be the follow up to his 2017 critically acclaimed Tributary Tales album.
Originally born in Utrecht, Netherlands he is the son of the beloved bassist and composer John Clayton, he received an early apprenticeship. Clayton was raised in Los Angeles where he attended thee Los Angeles County High School for the Arts where he received the 2002 Presidential Scholar of the Arts Award.
Since that time he has accumlated numerous awards and worked with other legendary artist. He has performed and recorded with Roy Hargrove, Diana Krall, Dianne Reeves, Terri Lyne Carrington, Ambrose Akinmusire, Dayna Stephens, Kendrick Scott, Ben Williams, Terell Stafford & Dick Oatts, Michael Rodriguez, Avishai Cohen, Sachal Vasandani, Gretchen Parlato, and the Clayton Brothers Quintet. Clayton also has enjoyed an extended association since early 2013, touring and recording with saxophone legend, Charles Lloyd. 2016 marks his second year as Musical Director of the Monterey Jazz Festival On Tour, a project that features his trio with Ravi Coltrane, Nicolas Payton, and Raul Midón.
In 2009, he was nominated for Best Improvised Jazz Solo for his solo on Cole Porter’s “All of You” from his debut album, Two-Shade. In 2010, he was nominated for Best Instrumental Composition for “Battle Circle”, which is featured on the Clayton Brothers album, New Song and Dance. In 2012 and 2013 Clayton received Grammy nominations for The Paris Sessions (Concord) and Life Forum (Concord).
Read: BLUE NOTE RECORDS RELEASES 2020 VINYL REISSUE SCHEDULE
Blue Note President Don Was released a statement regarding Clayton’s signing;
“Gerald Clayton is one of the most accomplished, distinctive and innovative pianists performing today. He’s recorded and performed with an array of jazz legends ranging from Roy Hargrove to Charles Lloyd. His solo work is characterized by his imaginative curiosity and harmonic mastery. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Blue Note family.”
“Considering its long legacy of supporting the finest musicians and hosting some of the most classic recordings ever made, it is a great honor to join the Blue Note family,” said Clayton. “I’m excited and inspired to fly the Blue Note flag along my artistic journey.”
