Customer Reviews

Live at Mcg

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
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This new Clayton-Hamilton album has to be one of the best and most exciting big band records to be released over the past few years. The arrangements by John Clayton are exquisite; along with his arco bass playing and Jeff Hamilton`s drumming is sheer power and beauty!! The soloists are great and it`s nice to see veteran trumpeter "Snooky" Young hanging in there. I cannot fault any of the tracks. If you enjoyed the old Thad Jones/Mel Lewis orchestra you`.re going to love this one

The CHJO is a recent discovery of mine, but its co-leaders (John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton) are well-known in my jazz record libary. I really dig any big-band CD that is recorded live like this one was, and the entire roster of musicians in this band is magnificent.

All 11 tracks are the bomb, but I have to give huge props to Mr. Clayton for his exquisite arco bass solo on "Nature Boy." Also, the original nod to Horace Silver - "Silver Celebration" - it's a swinger!!!

More guys!!!

My first review. You don't know me, but I'd like you to just take my word for it as a working Jazz musician - BUY THIS RECORD! You will have it forever.

This great band has been around for more than 20 years, to my knowledge this is the first live album in that time. Many of the rehearsal bands don't jell well as an ensemble and lack fire and swing, not the case with this band. Clayton's writing is creative and fresh. The band is grounded by an incredible rhythm section. The piano player is just as strong as the more well known Hamilton and Clayton. Solo work is mature and creative. As good as the Big Phat band is, the Clayton/Hamilton band is a lot deeper in its writing.