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.
–
Scott Yanow, Rovi