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THE CLAYTON-HAMILTON JAZZ ORCHESTRA (CHJO) - "And So It Goes"
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The RMI Records Debut of the world-renowned Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra is entitled, "And So It Goes". This is the ensemble's first full-length album in over a decade. "And So It Goes" features nine incredible performances of the Big Band with arrangements by John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton and other members of the orchestra. Captured in stunning clarity with Hi-Definition Digital audio, this project's foundation harkens back to the days when an entire band played a piece in the same room. Performing with flawless execution at the same time, stamping into the recording forever, "a single moment in musical history". "And So It Goes" is available now in the "downloads"section of the rmirecords.net web-site and it releases October 24th on hard copy. Pre-orders for CD and Vinyl are available in the RMI records store now.
While in their 20’s, John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton toured and recorded with Monty Alexander then moved on to separate big band environs. Jeff Clayton joined Woody Herman and John signed up for Count Basie. All along, Jeff Clayton had been performing and recording in Los Angeles. In 1986, the three men came together in L.A. and formed the Jazz Orchestra.
In 2020, Jeff Clayton passed away after a lengthy illness. The CHJO reminds audiences that his spirit remains in every note that is played. The excitement of this powerful 19-piece band is the result of the band’s stellar performances and John’s writing. Their music is composed and arranged by John, and it is not unusual to hear his take on a composition by Jeff Hamilton or something from the Hamilton trio book. Along with multiple Grammy© nominations, the orchestra is featured on recordings with Milt Jackson, Diana Krall, John Pizzarelli, Charles Aznavour, Ernie Andrews, Barbara Morrison, Natalie Cole and many more. From 1999-2001, they were the in-resident jazz orchestra for the Hollywood Bowl. Their busy schedule still finds them touring the U.S., Europe and Japan, often premiering extended works at jazz festivals and in concert halls. People often describe their sound as being influenced by Ellington, Basie and Thad Jones. This would never be denied by the orchestra, but one listen lets you know that their voice is unique, distinct and impactful.
What Famed Jazz Columnist and Author:
Scott Yanow and L.A. Jazz Scene Magazine says about “And So It Goes”
The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra “And So It Goes” (R.M.I. Records)
The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra has been one of jazz’s top big bands since it was formed in the mid-1980s. It has always been filled with some of the top Los Angeles area musicians. Its swinging group spirit, which is filled with mutual respect and love, has always been very appealing. Led by bassist-arranger-composer John Clayton, drummer Jeff Hamilton, and the late altoist Jeff Clayton, the orchestra has recorded quite a few memorable albums through the years.
And So It Goes is the band’s first recording since the passing of Jeff Clayton whose presence will always be missed. The set finds the orchestra evolving a bit with some new personnel and John Clayton contributing arrangements that are often a bit more advanced and harmonically complex than his previous ones.
The album starts with an inspired version of the 1920s blues “See See Rider” that begins with John Clayton’s bowed bass. The ensembles gradually build in passion and intensity behind the solos of guitarist Steve Kovalcheck, tenor-saxophonist Rickey Woodard, and trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos before the piece concludes as it started, with bowed bass.
“Thelonious” has fine spots for Kovalcheck and trumpeter Clay Jenkins while Jeff Clayton’s “The Jones Brothers” features the group’s newest member (altoist Jacob Scesney) and pianist Tamir Hendelman. A relative of “Blue Bossa,” “The Jones Brothers” contains lots of dissonance in its ensembles and some colorful drum breaks from Jeff Hamilton. “And So It Goes” was originally supposed to feature Jeff Clayton. The melancholy and mournful performance instead has altoist Keith Fiddmont as the main soloist. The band’s other bassist Jon Hamar is featured on his “The Barn” which finds the band swinging at a slow-medium tempo. Charles Mingus’ “Haitian Fight Song” has both Clayton and Hamar on basses and includes ensembles worthy of Mingus with several horn players soloing together at length.
And So It Goes concludes with Ray Brown’s “Buhaina, Buhaina,” a somber ensemble version of “What A Wonderful World,” and Hamilton’s joyfully swinging “Sybille’s Day” which includes a hot tradeoff between Rickey Woodard and trumpeter Kye Palmer. Throughout the album, Jeff Hamilton’s drumming is a major force as always, driving the band, inspiring the soloists, and adding fire and color to the music.
And So It Goes is one of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra’s finest recordings. It is highly recommended and available from www.rmirecords.net.
Featured Artist Video - Kirk Covington Official Music video for "SHAKE"
The Official Music Video for the new single from CPT. Kirk and the Devil Horns: “Shake”, on R.M.I. Records. This is Kirk Covington's (AKA CPT. Kirk) third TOP30 AC Radio hit of 2023 and topped out at #18 on AC Radio and #24 on the Billboard AC Charts!
The Official Music Video for the new Hit Single features the “Fake Kirk” starring “Mr. Bliss.” Kirk’s All-Star band is playing the actual track and includes some of the top players in the world!
Check out more from CPT. Kirk and the Devil Horns: www.cptkirkcovington.com
Directed by: Harold Franklin
Recorded song produced by: Chaka "The Chakfather" Blackmon for Celebrity Status Entertainment. ©2023 R.M.I. Records Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Featuring: Vocals and Keyboards: CPT. Kirk Covington
Drums: Russ Miller
Bass: Bill Pittman
Guitar: Sasha Birrittella
Sax: George Shelby
Trumpet: Javier Gonzalez
Choreographer: Samantha Pulsifer for Sampul Dance
Featured Dancers: Ivanna Jackson (2nd Choreographer) Erin Gray Brittany Marsicek Katherine Realpe
RMI Record's Artists on the Charts!
The R.M.I. Records Roster tops the charts in multiple genres
- The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra Debuts at #25 on the Jazz Charts and climbs to #19 within the first two weeks!
- Kirk Covington scores his 6th Top30 Billboard hit within two years, with "SHAKE" Topping out at #18 on AC Radio and at #24 on the Billboard AC Charts!
- Giovanni Hidalgo and Russ Miller land at #32 on the CHR Radio Charts with "Things We Said Today"
- Arrival Featuring Russ Miller climbs to the top40 with the single "Rhythm World" on the CHR Radio Charts!