Expressions

AMG Review of Expressions

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

Although released under the name of "The Clayton Brothers" and featuring John Clayton on bass and as producer, the main star throughout this quartet outing (with pianist Bill Cunliffe and drummer Herlin Riley) is Jeff Clayton. Whether playing alto (his main ax), tenor, alto flute or his atmospheric English horn, Clayton is in top form. In addition to a few standards -- including a surprisingly uptempo version of Horace Silver's "Song for My Father," "Summertime," a cooking "I Love You" and a rendition of "The Star-Crossed Lovers" that finds Clayton recalling Johnny Hodges -- there are several worthwhile originals (three by Jeff Clayton). The music overall is boppish, but with plenty of surprising moments, one of the best Jeff Clayton showcases to date.