This Capri CD was the debut of the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra, a notable L.A.-based big band co-led by bassist
John Clayton, altoist
Jeff Clayton, and drummer
Jeff Hamilton. The 18-piece group has many top soloists, most notably the three co-leaders; tenor saxophonist
Rickey Woodard; trumpeters
Snooky Young,
Clay Jenkins, and
Oscar Brashear; and trombonist
George Bohanon. However, it is the arrangements of
John Clayton that give the orchestra its own sound. Highlights include "Raincheck," Young's vocal and trumpet feature on "T'Aint What You Do," Hamilton's showcase on "Brush This,"
Oscar Brashear's "Sashay" (which has a
Clayton chart that recalls
Thad Jones), and "Night Train." Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow