Bandleader and saxophonist JEFF CLAYTON has learned from experience. From Thad Jones, who led the Count Basie Orchestra the second time Clayton was in the group, he learned the art of rehearsal. From his life-long association with Ray Brown, Clayton learned about expression and doing what you do best. From years in the studio and on stage with Frank Sinatra, Clayton was shown how to embrace long phrases and how to just state the melody. From playing in the Gene Harris Philip Morris Super Band with Sweets Edison, he learned about economy of ideas.

Appreciating what he has been given by others, Clayton spends a good amount of time teaching, at various jazz camps and clinics, and at UCLA (1998-2002) and USC (2000-2004). With his brother John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton, he is co-leader of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, and he and his brother also continue their original childhood group, the Clayton Brothers. Both groups tour and showcase original compositions and arrangements by Jeff and John Clayton.