Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra Featured in UW Jazz Festival Final Concert Feb. 24

The University of Wyoming Department of Music Jazz Festival will present the renowned Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra in the festival’s final concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, in the UW College of Arts and Sciences auditorium.

Tickets are $19 for the public, $15 for senior citizens and $9 for students. A nominal processing fee will be charged for each ticket. To purchase tickets, visit the Performing Arts box office, call (307) 766-6666 or go online at www.tix.com/ticket-sales/uwyo/6984.

One of the most successful and respected big bands on the West Coast, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra (CHJO) was founded by John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton and Jeff Clayton in 1986 in Los Angeles after stints touring and playing with artists such as Monty Alexander, Count Basie and Woody Herman. Jeff Clayton died in 2020.

The orchestra’s music is composed and arranged by John Clayton, and it is not unusual to hear his take on a composition by Hamilton or something from the Hamilton trio book. The excitement of the powerful 19-piece orchestra is the result of the band’s performances and John Clayton’s writing. The current orchestra lineup features Grammy Award-winning musician Bijon Watson on lead trumpet.

Along with multiple Grammy nominations, the orchestra has been featured on many past recordings with such notable musicians as Ernie Andrews, Charles Aznavour, Natalie Cole, Milt Jackson, Diana Krall, Barbara Morrison and John Pizzarelli.

From 1999-2001, CHJO was the in-resident jazz orchestra for the Hollywood Bowl. The orchestra’s busy schedule still finds them touring the U.S., Europe and Japan, often premiering extended works at jazz festivals and in concert halls.

While the orchestra’s sound has been described as being influenced by Duke Ellington, Basie and Thad Jones, their voice is unique, distinct and impactful. 

The UW Jazz Festival combines music with outstanding and positive jazz education, to ensure an enlightening and enjoyable experience for students, teachers and audience members. Directed by jazz pianist Ben Markley, UW Music department head and director of Jazz Studies, and UW music faculty member Andy Wheelock, the festival serves middle and high school big bands, combos and vocal ensembles.

For more information, call Kathy Kirkaldie, UW Fine Arts coordinator, at (307) 766-2160 or email kirisk@uwyo.edu.