Birdland Betty

Buck Clayton, the legendary trumpeter and vocalist, invites you to step back in time with his captivating album "Birdland Betty," released in 2016. This swinging collection of 14 tracks is a testament to Clayton's enduring legacy in the world of jazz, big band, and hard bop. The album features a stellar lineup of collaborators, including Buddy Tate, Vic Dickenson, Dick Katz, Walter Page, and Bobby Donaldson, ensuring a rich and dynamic listening experience.

"Birdland Betty" kicks off with the titular track, a lively and energetic number that sets the tone for the entire album. From there, Clayton and his ensemble take you on a journey through a variety of moods and tempos, from the upbeat and playful "High Life" and "Rompin' at Red Bank" to the sultry and romantic "When a Woman Loves a Man" and "Thou Swell." The album also features several standout instrumental performances, showcasing Clayton's virtuosity on the trumpet and his ability to captivate audiences with his unique sound.

With a duration of over an hour and 14 minutes, "Birdland Betty" is a generous serving of classic jazz and swing music that will delight fans of the genre and newcomers alike. The album's release on the Chard label further underscores its commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich history of jazz music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Buck Clayton or discovering his music for the first time, "Birdland Betty" is sure to become a beloved addition to your music collection.

Buck Clayton, born Wilbur Dorsey Clayton, was a towering figure in the world of jazz, renowned for his mastery of the trumpet and his significant contributions as a bandleader, composer, and arranger. Hailing from Kansas City, Clayton's career took off when he joined Count Basie's orchestra in 1936, quickly establishing himself as one of the pre-eminent trumpet players of the swing era. His distinctive style, heavily influenced by the legendary Louis Armstrong, made him a standout in the competitive jazz scene of the 1930s.

Throughout his illustrious career, Clayton played with some of the greatest names in jazz, including Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, and Benny Goodman. He led his own bands, notably in Shanghai, where he influenced the development of Chinese pop music. Clayton's compositions and arrangements added depth to the Count Basie Orchestra's repertoire, and his recordings with the Basie band remain classics of the genre.

In the post-swing era, Clayton continued to innovate, working with traditional jazz musicians and even touring extensively in the 1980s, despite facing health challenges that limited his trumpet playing. His legacy endures through his recordings and his influence on generations of musicians, making Buck Clayton a beloved and enduring figure in the history of jazz.