Blue Breeze

Dive into the timeless world of jazz with "Blue Breeze," the latest offering from the legendary Buck Clayton. Released on July 23, 2021, this album is a masterful collection of seven tracks that span the genres of swing music, jazz, big band, and hard bop, all wrapped up in a 40-minute journey of pure musical excellence.

"Blue Breeze" features a blend of classic and newly remastered tracks, showcasing Clayton's unparalleled talent on the trumpet. The album opens with the title track, "Blue Breeze," followed by the upbeat "A Swinging Doll" and the delightful "Dallas Delight." Each song is a testament to Clayton's versatility and his deep-rooted influence in the jazz world.

The album is a collaboration of talented musicians, including Bobby Zottola on tenor, Dickie Wells on trombone, and Charlie Byrd on guitar, among others. The tracks "Blue Ebony," "Blue Creek," and "Rompin' at Red Creek" highlight Clayton's compositional skills, while "Don't Mind If I Do" closes the album on a high note, leaving the listener craving for more.

Buck Clayton, introduced to the trumpet by his father at the age of seven, began his professional career in 1929. His extensive experience and mastery of the instrument are evident in every note of "Blue Breeze." Whether you're a longtime fan of Buck Clayton or a newcomer to his music, this album is a treasure trove of jazz gems that will captivate and inspire.

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.