Review: Gerald Clayton’s ‘Happening: Live at the Village Vanguard’

Pianist Gerald Clayton first came to the attention of many jazz fans by way of the late Roy Hargrove’s quintet on Earfood (Emarcy, 2008). Since then, the musician has grown to be a fine bandleader in his own right. He has released nothing but high-quality work, with a notable artistic shift between 2011’s Bond: The Paris Sessions (Emarcy) to 2013’s Life Forum (Concord). On the exceptional Life Forum, Clayton expanded beyond the piano trio setting of his past recordings and included singers, a horn section, and poignant poetry. Tributary Tales (Motema), released in 2017, continued the strong returns of this new format with slightly different personnel. Although there are no singers or poets on Happening: Live at the Village Vanguard (2020), the accomplished musicianship makes it obvious why Clayton was recently signed to the legendary Blue Note Records.

This stellar live set has Clayton joined by Logan Richardson (alto saxophone), Walter Smith III (tenor saxophone), Joe Sanders (bass) and Marcus Gilmore (drums). The quintet has such strong chemistry that one could be forgiven for thinking that Smith and Gilmore had been a part of Clayton’s past recordings as a bandleader. Happening is made up of seven extended performances that are tastefully balanced between Clayton originals and well-known standards. 

There are many standout moments in Happening, one of them coming in the form of Clayton’s Tributary Tales composition “A Light”. The tune fully justifies its run-time, which is over four minutes longer than the original studio recording. Clayton opens “A Light” with an interesting abstract version of the motif before the rest of the band joins in on the fun. Gilmore’s drumming is exceptionally tight throughout the tune, which evolves into an incredible bout of short dexterous piano and sax solos. With the energy that Clayton, Richardson, and Smith bring to the table, it’s almost as if the bandmates are challenging each other with each passing solo. 

Clayton’s compositions, which include “Patience Patients”, “A Light”, “Rejuvenation Agenda” and “Envisionings”, are all extremely impressive, but the quintet is equally superb when tackling standards. “Celia” (Bud Powell) is an upbeat tune that has the quintet reduced to a piano trio. This smaller setting puts great emphasis on Clayton’s swinging and irresistibly expressive playing. It’s an absolute joy to listen to. Clayton’s take on “Body and Soul” (Johnny Green, Edward Heyman, and Robert Sour) is on the other side of the mood spectrum and just as good. The trio plays with a pensive elegance that ranks among the most gorgeous moments of Clayton’s recorded career.  

Considering the top-notch playing in the rest of Clayton’s discography, it is unsurprising that Happening is a compelling listen. It’s hard not to sit in awe while listening to things like Clayton’s beautiful extended solo in “Rejuvenation Agenda”. That piece, like Happening as a whole, is great from front to back. Clayton’s quintet has delivered a fantastic recording of immediately accessible, expertly played jazz music. 

Tracklist: 1. Patience Patients; 2. A Light; 3. Celia; 4. Rejuvenation Agenda; 5. Envisionings; 6. Body and Soul; 7. Take the Coltrane.

Personnel: Gerald Clayton (piano), Joe Sanders (bass), Marcus Gilmore (drums), Logan Richardson (alto saxophone (1,2,4,5,7)), Walter Smith III (tenor saxophone (1,2,4,5,7)).

Happening: Live at the Village Vanguard, Gerald Clayton’s Blue Note Records debut will be available July 10.

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