News Article

World-renowned jazz bassist, composer and educator John Clayton will be featured with Spokane Jazz Orchestra pianist Brent Edstrom and drummer Dan Cox in a concert sponsored by the Gonzaga University music department at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 11 at The Met (downtown Spokane).

The second half of the concert will feature Clayton’s compositions and arrangements performed by the Gonzaga University Big Band. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door, and $5 for students.

Clayton has written and arranged music for artists including Diana Krall, DeeDee Bridgewater (including her Grammy award-winning CD “Dear Ella”), Natalie Cole, Milt Jackson, Nancy Wilson, Quincy Jones, George Benson, Dr. John, Regina Carter and others. He has been commissioned by many ensembles, including the Northwest Chamber Orchestra, the American Jazz Philharmonic, The Iceland Symphony, The Metropole Orchestra, The Carnegie Hall Big Band, The Richmond Symphony, the WDR Orchestra, and the Amsterdam Philharmonic. He was awarded a platinum record for his stirring arrangement of “The Star-Spangled Banner” performed by Whitney Houston during the 1990 Super Bowl.

Clayton’s serious study of the double bass began at age 16 when he studied with famed bassist, Ray Brown. At age 19, he was the bassist for Henry Mancini’s TV series “The Mancini Generation.” Later, Clayton toured with Monty Alexander and the Count Basie Orchestra. He also was principal bass in the Amsterdam Philharmonic Orchestra for more than five years.

He is equally comfortable in jazz and classical music, and hits the mark, whether as composer, arranger, conductor or teacher, in addition to his magnificent bass playing.

For more information contact Connie Hickman at (509) 323-6733 or via e-mail at hickmanc@gonzaga.edu.