James Clay (musician)

James Earl Clay (born September 8, 1935 – January 6, 1995) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist and flutist.

James Clay
Birth nameJames Earl Clay
Born(1935-09-08)September 8, 1935
Dallas, Texas, United States
DiedJanuary 6, 1995(1995-01-06) (aged 59)
Dallas, Texas
GenresHard bop, jazz
Occupation(s)Musician
InstrumentsTenor saxophone, flute, alto saxophone

Early life

Clay was born in Dallas, Texas, on September 8, 1935.[1] While in school, Clay played alto saxophone, and then played with local bands from around the age of 17.[1]

Later life and career

Clay moved to California in 1955, where he initially played in jam sessions.[1] He appeared on recordings with Lawrence Marable the following year.[1] Clay then played with freer musicians including Don Cherry, Billy Higgins, and Ornette Coleman, before returning to Dallas in 1958.[1] He joined the military in 1959, and recorded two albums as a leader the following year.[1] Back in California, he led a quartet with Roosevelt Wardell, Jimmy Bond, and Frank Butler, but soon returned to Texas.[1] He toured with Lowell Fulson in the early 1960s, and with Ray Charles on and off between 1962 and 1977.[1] A reappearance on a recording led by Cherry in 1988 – Art Deco – led to a short resurgence of interest in Clay's career.[1][2] He died in Dallas on January 6, 1995.[1]

Playing style

Grove wrote that "Clay's style revealed a bop-oriented approach, reminiscent of an angular Lester Young."[1] Clay in the late 1980s said: "Texas tenors are known for playing in a raunchy, straight-forward manner, with lots of emotion and few frills. I'm a typical example of that style of player."[2]

Discography

As leader

As sideman

References

  1. Kennedy, Gary W. (2002). "Clay, James (Earl)". Grove Music Online. Oxford Music Online. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.J538400. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  2. Iverson, Ethan (October 4, 2019). "Chronology: Don Cherry's Reunion Blues". JazzTimes. Retrieved August 22, 2020.

Further reading

  • Richard Cook & Morton, Brian: The Penguin Guide To Jazz on CD, 6th Edition, London, Penguin, 2002 ISBN 0-14-017949-6.
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