Name: Bond: The Paris Sessions *
Brand: Emarcy (USA)
SKU: 18338365
Price: 40.95 USD
Availability: InStock

Performer Notes

Personnel: Gerald Clayton (piano); Justin Brown (drums).
Recording information: Studio de Meudon, Meudon.
Gerald Clayton has been one of the bright lights of his generation, playing with the Clayton Brothers (co-led by his father and uncle) and accompanying instrumentalists (Roy Hargrove, Don Braden, and Ambrose Akinmusire), jazz vocalists (Roberta Gambarini, Diana Krall, and Melissa Morgan), jazz-pop singers (Michael Bubl‚ and Rene‚ Olstead), in addition to leading his own band and composing. His second release as a leader is a trio session with bassist Joe Sanders and drummer Justin Brown, plus some solo piano tracks. His interpretations of standards are remarkably fresh, considering how often they have been recorded in a jazz setting. He sets up "If I Were a Bell" with a subtle vamp as he slowly works his way into it, delivering a witty performance well supported by his sidemen. Clayton, while not totally eschewing the famous introduction to "All the Things You Are" added by Dizzy Gillespie, does rework it into a more subtle harmonic device before delving directly into the song, with a tense, understated approach that simmers but never reaches the boiling point. His solo take of "Nobody Else But Me" is full of intricately interwoven lines while still swinging like mad. Where Clayton really stands apart from young musicians of his generation is as a composer. He shows a surprising maturity for his age, as his pieces display a wealth of stylistic influences yet retain memorable themes that hold one's interest as well. Highlights including his dramatic three-part suite, his Impressionist "Sun Glimpse," and the touching lyrical ballad "Hank." ~ Ken Dryden

Professional Reviews

Down Beat (p.62) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "Clayton plays with consistent fluency, emphasizing subtle dynamics and single right-hand lines that blaze scenic paths through sophisticated changes."

JazzTimes (p.71) - "Even Clayton's intense moments feel meditative. On quieter explorations, like 'Sun Glimpse,' the gentleness of his touch is hypnotic."

Album: Bond: The Paris Sessions *
#	Song Title	Time
1)	If I Were a Bell
2)	Bond: The Cast
3)	Bootleg Bruise
4)	Major Hope
5)	Bond: Fresh Squeeze
6)	Snake Bite
7)	Sun Glimpse
8)	Which Persons?
9)	3D
10)	Nobody Else But Me
11)	All the Things You Are
12)	Bond: The Release
13)	Shout and Cry
14)	Round Come Round
15)	Hank
16)	[Untitled Track]

Album: Bond: The Paris Sessions *
#	Song Title	Time
1)	If I Were a Bell
2)	Bond: The Cast
3)	Bootleg Bruise
4)	Major Hope
5)	Bond: Fresh Squeeze
6)	Snake Bite
7)	Sun Glimpse
8)	Which Persons?
9)	3D
10)	Nobody Else But Me
11)	All the Things You Are
12)	Bond: The Release
13)	Shout and Cry
14)	Round Come Round
15)	Hank
16)	[Untitled Track]