The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra

Generously sponsored by the Horace Heidt Big Band
Foundation; Linda and Judd Swarzman

The Grammy nominated Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra captures the infectious fun of big band music from the Swing Era. Jazz Times called the Los Angeles band “one of current jazz’s most vital large ensembles.” Co-founder bassist John Clayton is a CSUN alumnus who went on to play with superstars such as Michael Jackson, Patti LaBelle, and Madonna.

Co-founder drummer Jeff Hamilton established his reputation as one of the great living jazz drummers in the bands of legends Basie, Lionel Hampton, Woody Herman, Oscar Peterson, and Ray Brown, with whom Hamilton performed and recorded in various contexts for nearly two decades.