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ENDURING FREEDOM & THE POWER THE HUMAN TRANSFORMATION VALUES OPPRESSION OF NATURE FAMILY

Title of Work: About the Artwork: I Be Serious ’Bout Dem Blues I Be Serious ’Bout Dem Blues is, like the title says, a Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra blues. In fact, this is what is called a twelve-bar blues Creator: (four beats per bar). It starts with a high energy Composer/Arranger: solo by Snooky Young who shortly after, trades choruses with fellow trumpeter Bobby Bryant. Next Background Information: we hear the saxophones section play an extended riff, The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra (CHJO) has the first time it is subdued and low, the second time received critical and commercial praise for its rousing is higher and accompanied by a “shout” chorus in the live concert and award-winning recordings. The group and trombones. The last section is a super was founded by brothers John and and shout chorus, with the extended riff and many strong drummer in , California in rhythms and melodies played throughout the orchestra. 1985. Maintaining its connection to the past, while (continued on page 2) looking ahead to the future, it is a living link to the rich history of jazz -- especially its unique melding of African, Creative Process of the Artist or Culture: European and American influences. The leaders of John Clayton is the primary composer and arranger CHJO spent years developing their talents through dedicated for the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. His study and practice (in jazz we call this “shedding”). creative process involves composing (melody, harmony, Eventually, they had opportunities to perform with some rhythm) and arranging (what and when instruments great and influential artists, such as , Monty play). He likes to find a quiet space before he creates Alexander, , , and Frank music, this helps him to get focused and allows his Sinatra. John Clayton even spent time playing classical musical intuition to flow. Then he writes, in words, music in Europe with the Amsterdam Philharmonic. In a brief description of how he wants the early years of CHJO, leaders struggled. the music to sound, this may include They all borrowed money to pay for their first recording tempo, style, mood, or more and did whatever they could to share their music with general ideas like slow chords in the more people. Over many years of dedication they developed saxophones, loud trombone notes, a reputation of great style and excellence. In the fall of trumpet solo, rhythm section vamp, 1998 John Clayton was appointed the Artistic Director etc. (continued page 2) of Jazz at the in Los Angeles and Photo courtesy of John Clayton the CHJO was named the jazz ensemble-in-residence “When I write music for CHJO I write for the (1998-2001). There, CHJO was joined by a host of talent and personality of internationally renowned artists. the people in the orchestra, not just the instruments California they play.” John Clayton