James Clay (musician)

James Earl Clay ( born September 8, 1935 in Dallas, Texas, † January 1, 1994 there ), was an American jazz tenor saxophonist and flutist.

Life and work

During the school year played alto saxophone Clay, was a professional musician and played with local bands in Dallas, including with Booker Ervin. Later he went to California, where in 1956 he for the small jazz label with Lawrence Marable West and Sonny Clark recorded the album Tenormen. In 1957 he played in Red Mitchell Quartet; The end of 1957 he returned to his hometown of Dallas and served in 1959 in the United States Army. In 1957 created recordings with Lawrence Marable and Red Mitchell and two albums under his own name in 1960 with David Newman and Wynton Kelly and Nat Adderley and Victor Feldman. In the 1980s, Clay attempted a comeback on the jazz scene. He played in 1987 with Bill Perkins and 1988 with Don Cherry on his album art deco.

His style is heavily influenced by Sonny Rollins.

Discography

• With Lawrence Marable: Tenorman ( Jazz West Records, 1956)
• With David " Fathead " Newman: The Sound Of The Wide Open Spaces ( Riverside Records, 1960)
• A Double Dose Of Soul ( Riverside, 1960)
• With Bill Perkins: Right Chemistry ( Jazz West Records, 1987)

As a sideman

• Red Mitchell: Presenting Red Mitchell (Contemporary, 1957)
• Wes Montgomery: Movin 'Along ( Riverside, 1960)
• Don Cherry: Art Deco ( A & M Records, 1988)
• Lorraine Geller: Memorial, 1954/57 ( Fresh Sound FSRCD 195 )