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JOHN CLAYTON, JR. was the bassist for the television series The Mancini Generation, following which he toured and recordedaround the world with jazz pianist Monty Alexander. He then began a two year association with Count Basie and his orchestra as a player, while developing his compositional and arranging skills. John relocated to Los Angeles in 1984 following five years as principal bassist with the Amsterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. He currently conducts, composes and co-leads the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, receiving a 1991 Grammy nomination for his composition Brush This from The Groove Shop, their debut recording. Enthusiastic popular and critical acclaim for Heart and Soul, the Orchestra's second release, continues to enhance John's sterling reputation as a multi-faceted jazz artist. In addition to establishing himself as a studio-session player, performing with various small jazz groups and conducting and arranging for notable performers such as Carmen McRae, Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams, Ernestine Anderson and the Tonight Show Band, John also teaches at the University of Southern California and has been music director for several jazz festivals. Recently, he highlighted his classical skills by composing for the Northwest Chamber Orchestra and conducting his own and other classical jazz works with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra.
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