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Named Best Big Band in America, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra (CHJO) is an awesome machine that has flourished over the course of twenty one years under inspired and dedicated leadership.  CHJO, co-led by bassist John Clayton, his brother, reed player, Jeff Clayton, and drummer Jeff Hamilton, served as the resident jazz orchestra for the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl for several years and receives critical and commercial praise generated by their rousing live concert and festival performances and award winning recordings.


In addition to performing and recording on their own, they are in demand by people, like Quincy Jones, Diana Krall, Dee Dee Bridgewater, John Pizzarelli, Ernestine Anderson, and Dr. John. In 2004, CHJO was chosen to honor Tommy Lipuma at the Tri C Jazz Festival and performed with George Benson, Al Jarreau, Diana Krall, the Brecker Brothers, Little Jimmy Scott and others. At the Kennedy Center later on that same tour, CHJO performed with Liza Minelli, Dianne Reeves, Nancy Wilson, and Regina Carter.

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