Gerald Clayton
Two-Shade
Artist Share
www.artistshare.com
By George W. Harris

Key question to talent: is it nature or nurture? Well, pianist Gerald
Clayton has it coming from both directions. He’s the son of bassist
John Clayton, and he’s been a fixture on the LA scene for years as a
sideman for the likes of Roy Hargrove. This is his debut as a leader of
a trio (with Joe Sanders/b and Justin Brown/dr) and it’s a solid work
that mixes styles and sounds. He delves into standards like “Con Alma”
and “All Of You” but doesn’t just blow through them; he gives rhythmic
and stylistic nuances that demonstrate his desire to bend and sway the
notes like a palm tree on a windy day. Other tunes, like the kinetic
“Boogablues” or reflective “Peace For The Moment” spotlight his
fingerlike playfulness and inquisitiveness, while Sanders and Brown
work like relay members of a 440 dash. Clayton’s not afraid to blend
funk and blues into his straightahead stew, and he serves it hot and
steaming.Excellent opening salvo.