Gerald Clayton appointed director / conductor of MJF’s Next Generation Jazz Orchestra
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The Monterey Jazz Festival is proud to announce that the Grammy-nominated pianist, composer and educator Gerald clayton was appointed artistic director and conductor of Next de MJF Generation Jazz Orchestra (NGJO) for 2020-2022.
“From the first time I entered the festival grounds as a high school student until the past few years with legends on the main stage, I have accumulated a plethora of enriching and educational experiences at the Monterey Jazz Festival. “Clayton said. “It is with a spirit of immense gratitude and enthusiasm that I accept this position and join MJF in its commitment to fostering new generations of talented young musicians. I look forward to learning from the next band of hungry young artists and share with them some of the lessons I have learned over the years. “
“I am delighted with the deepening of our relationship with Gerald clayton because he’s one of my favorite young artists, “said Tim jackson, artistic director MJF. “His blend of innovation and tradition is perhaps the strongest of his generation and his musical lineage is second to none. I think he will bring new energy to Next Generation Jazz Orchestra and provide our young artists with innovative concepts, strong leadership and a spirit of fun and collaboration. “
Gerald Clayton first appeared at the Monterey Jazz Festival in 2000 and 2001 as a member of the Los Angela County High School for the Arts Vocal Ensemble which won the High School Vocal Division later Generation Jazz Festival. Clayton attended USC Thornton and the Manhattan School of Music, and in 2006 he received the Thelonious Monk Second Prize. Institute Piano competition.
Gerald Clayton has recorded or toured with Diana krall, Ambrose Akinmusire, Kendrick Scott, Terell Stafford, Charles Lloyd, Terri Lyne Carrington, Roy Hargrove and many more. In 2016, Clayton was musical director of the “Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour”. He was also MJF Artist in Residence in 2017 with his father, bassist and songwriter John Clayton, and drummer Jeff Hamilton.
The NGJO is the Festival’s flagship student honor ensemble. Established in 1971, the orchestra is part of MJF’s ongoing commitment to jazz education by presenting the country’s most talented young musicians. Almost a thousand student artists have been members of the orchestra, and many of them have pursued prestigious careers in jazz, including pianists. Benny Green and Patrice Rushen; saxophonists Joshua Redman and Donny McCaslin; and trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire to name a few.
The following Generation Jazz Orchestra will perform on the Jimmy Lyons stage on Sunday, September 27 with artist in residence Christian Sands at the 63rd annual Monterey Jazz Festival, September 25-27, 2020. The NGJO will also be performing field sets throughout the weekend.
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