High Life

Album Description

Dive into the rich tapestry of jazz history with "High Life," a captivating collection of tracks by the legendary Buck Clayton. Released on February 13, 2018, this album is a testament to Clayton's enduring legacy in the world of swing music, jazz, big band, and hard bop. Spanning nearly two hours, "High Life" is a comprehensive journey through Clayton's illustrious career, featuring a blend of classic standards and hidden gems.

The album kicks off with the sultry "Kansas City Ballad" and seamlessly transitions through a variety of moods and tempos, from the upbeat "Come with Me" to the nostalgic "Memories for the Count." Fans of classic jazz will delight in tracks like "My Old Flame" and "All the Cats Join In," while the more adventurous will appreciate the hard bop influences in songs like "Midnight Mama" and "High Life."

"High Life" is not just a collection of songs; it's a celebration of Buck Clayton's unique style and his contributions to the jazz genre. The album features a medley of beloved tunes, including "It All Depends on You," "Charmaine," "Makin' Whoopee," and "How Long Has This Been Going On," showcasing Clayton's versatility and mastery of the trumpet. The album also includes lesser-known but equally captivating tracks like "The New Tulsa Blues" and "Critic's Delight," offering a deeper look into Clayton's repertoire.

Recorded under the Nagel Heyer Records label, "High Life" is a labor of love, meticulously curated to highlight the best of Buck Clayton's work. Whether you're a seasoned jazz enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. So, sit back, relax, and let the timeless melodies of Buck Clayton transport you to a bygone era of swing and jazz.

13 februari 2018

2018 Nagel-Heyer Records GmbH

About Buck Clayton

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.