The Two-O Duo Project
ArtistShare, 2026
9/10
Listen to The Two-O Duo Project
The bassist, composer and educator John Clayton is joined by René Marie and Gerald Clayton for this 8th album, where 11 diverse and cultured songs are both originals and interpretations.
“Blue Bayou” opens with Marie’s soulful pipes alongside the warm keys from Gerald that suits the cozy climate, and “Nail… In Need” follows with the rich keys amid John’s meticulous bass plucking that radiates much authenticity.
In the middle, Billy Joel’s “The Longest Time” sees Marie’s expressive pipes, John’s soft bass and Gerald’s light keys making for an intimate version of the classic, while “Some Other Time” showcases a dynamic and flowing interaction between the trio that’s melodic and emotive.
“Somewhere Over The Rainbow” arrives late and puts a gentle and bare twist on a song we all know and it’s glorious here, and “Forth” exits with bass and keys working together delicately and building into a more intense setting of intricate playing.
An accomplished effort that balances power, serenity and clarity, the blues, soul and jazz elements welcomes groove and harmonics in all the right places.
Travels well with: Edward Simon- Venezuela; Ellen Rowe Quartet- Vinton’s Cove