You Dig?

YOU DIG? with Steve Wiest Episode: John Clayton — Bass, Arranging, Mentorship & The Music LifeIn this episode of You Dig?, Steve Wiest sits down with legendary bassist, composer, arranger, educator, and bandleader John Clayton for a deep and relaxed conversation about music, creativity, mentorship, and life inside the jazz community.From arts education and raising the next generation of musicians, to working with Paul McCartney and arranging for Diana Krall, this episode explores the mindset, craft, and humanity behind one of jazz’s most respected voices.CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome to You Dig? — It’s John Clayton Day 00:14 The John Clayton Canon: A Legendary Career in Jazz 02:37 John Clayton Arrives — Settling Into the Hang 04:55 Leading ISJAC & Supporting Jazz Writers 06:20 Greenville Fine Arts Residency 07:25 Why Arts High Schools Change Lives 09:50 Growing Up With Strong Music Programs 10:40 Gerald Clayton’s Musical Journey 12:13 Sound, Curiosity & Musical Imagination 13:00 Duo Magic — John & Gerald Clayton 14:40 The Art of Touch & Personal Voice 16:00 The “Two Duo” Concept 17:50 Standards & Performance Flow 19:00 Learning “Tale of the Fingers” 0:00 Teaching vs Guiding 21:50 Mentorship & The Next Generation 23:00 Playing for the Music 24:20 Bandstand Energy 26:40 A Life Lesson for Young Artists 27:30 Paul McCartney Sessions 31:20 Working With Sir Paul 33:45 Arranging “How Insensitive” 36:10 Tension & Release in Big Band Writing 38:30 Jeff Clayton & “The Jones Brothers” 41:00 Quincy Jones & Mancini Influences 43:20 Playing With Henry Mancini 44::30 The Jazz Village 45:00 Closing Reflections 45:48 What’s Next on You Dig? 46:30 Post-Show BlooperABOUT JOHN CLAYTONJohn Clayton is an internationally celebrated bassist, composer, arranger, educator, and co-founder of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. His career includes work with Count Basie, Diana Krall, Paul McCartney, and many leading jazz artists.ABOUT YOU DIG?You Dig? with Steve Wiest is a long-form conversation series exploring creativity, jazz, composition, arranging, education, and the lives of artists shaping the music world.Hosted by Grammy-nominated trombonist, composer, author, and educator Steve Wiest.LINKS & RESOURCESDuke Ellington & Count Basie — Battle Royale https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= (add full link)Fine Arts Center Recital (John & Gerald Clayton) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= (add full link)You Dig? Sampler — John Clayton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= (add full link)John Clayton Artist Site https://johnclaytonjazz.com/Gerald Clayton Artist Site https://geraldclayton.com/Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra https://johnclaytonjazz.com/artist/chjo/Paul McCartney — Kisses on the Bottom https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kisses_on_the_Bottom#YouDigPodcast #JohnClayton #JazzPodcast #JazzBass #JazzEducation #BigBand #JazzArranging #MusicPodcast #SteveWiest

You can see the4 VIDEO version of this episode here: https://www.youtube.com/@YouDigPodPlease click LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to help us grow the You Dig? podcast adventure! About this episode: The great Bob Mintzer stops by and we have a blast talking about his mighty oeuvre in general, and specifically his newest release "Bob Mintzer and WDR Big Band Cologne "Soundscapes" Plus Bob takes the "Dig You Inquisition!" A good time was SHO NUFF had by all — deep stories, laughs, and serious jazz wisdom._____________Links from this Episode: Bob Mintzer's website: https://bobmintzermusic.com/ A good place to purchase "Soundscapes" https://bobmintzermusic.com/blog/new-... Bob's classic album "Incredible Journey • Incredible Journey Purchase the album! https://bobmintzermusic.com/shop/p/rx... The EWI Guru Matt Traum https://www.patchmanmusic.com/MattTra...

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O49knZBe3YA&t=1340sOur final show of 2025 with our special guest Blue Lou Marini! Blue has played with EVERYONE and has one of our music's most stellar resumes as both performer and composer. We had a great time on the show, and I think you will too!Here are some of the things we referenced:LUÍS COLOMA & BLUE LOU MARINI"We Like to Groove" Lluís Coloma - Piano Blue Lou Marini - Tenor Sax, Flute & Clarinet Kid Carlos - Guitar Manolo. Germán - Bass Arnau Julià - Drums Video: Carlos Moreno ______________ "Fat Man" From "Out of the Blue" Lou Marini and BluBandLyrics by Joe RandazzoFat Man tell me true Exactly why you look so blue? Or is there something I can't see That makes you sad And hangs your head Mr. Fat Man It was said That you could look Inside my head But when another plays your game It's not the same You close the door No one knows quite for sure What you mean By your smile and bright eyes Fat Man don't be sly Come on and look me in the eye Or are you just too far inside To let me see Just what you areMr. Fat Man______________Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares - Full Performance (Live on KEXP) • Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares - Full Perfor..._______________To hear Lou's tune "Hip Pickles, check out these links: BS&T: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCwSANUTxP8 The UNT One O'Clock Lab Band (Directed by Steve Wiest) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cKH5y71GBU_______________Learn more about all things Blue Lou at his website: https://www.blueloumarini.com/