About Time
Claytone, 2026
8/10
The veteran drummer John Clay is in some excellent company for these 10 timeless jazz songs that are upbeat and instill plenty of joy.
“A Lark” starts the listen with Enrique Haneine’s warm piano amid the hazy winds and brass for a rich opening, and “Humpty Dumpty” follows with Clay’s animated drums that suit Matt Garrison’s flowing sax acrobatics.
Halfway through, “Dubai” benefits from Sean Conly’s playfully plucked bass and Shunzo Ohno’s soulful trumpet, while “Highway 14” offers an infectious mood via Ruby Pucillo’s charming scatting.
Moving closer to the end, “Prelude To Spring” lands in intimate territory thanks to the emotive keys and “My New Friend Old Friend” exits with drums and keys interacting with grace and the well timed bass plucking that won’t go unnoticed, either.
The impetus for this album came from Clay’s time playing with Haneine, and the addition of horns, bass and vocals only adds to the appeal of the authenic, uplifting jazz.
Travels well with: Pete Mills- For The Record; Shawn Purcell- Oblivity