by Nick Stubblefield
The Gerald Clayton Trio played a dynamic and thoughtful set of what Clayton called "originals, arrangements, and de-rangements" last Tuesday at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola at Lincoln Center to an enthusiastic crowd. The young Netherlands-born, SoCal-raised pianist was joined by a pair of jazz giants in the likes of bassist John Patitucci and drummer Bill Stewart.
Stepping into Dizzy's, located right beside Columbus Circle, it feels like you're in the heart of the city – and that heart is pumping pure liquid jazz. With floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over Central Park, it's a classy listening, drinking, and dining experience, without feeling so swanky that it's intimidating. Best of all, shows after 11pm are between free and five dollars, so there's reason to stick around late.
Clayton kicked it off, or rather eased us in, with a slow-tempo original he dubbed "Patience Patients." Elegant, tasteful, and refined, it sharply contrasted with the tune that followed: the uptempo standard "My Shining Hour." All three players delivered scorching solo work, with Patitucci delivering some of the crispest and most tasty bass solos that have reached my ears in a long time.
Jennifer Taylor for the New York Times
Clayton turned the speed dial back with a slow, mellow original he dubbed "No Lyrics," reflecting a more modern piano aesthetic with soulful harmonies and melodic playing on top. That was followed by a playful, inventive interpretation of Horace Silver's "Moon Rays," utilizing some unpredictable key changes and a fun, syncopated bass line.
Next, Clayton played a smooth, bossa nova-infused version of "Stella by Starlight" exhibiting a confidence and maturity well beyond his age. There was a sublime tightness between all three players throughout the night, which is particularly impressive considering that Clayton uses a rotating group of players. I can only guess how long these three had rehearsed together, but given that Patitucci and Stewart were playing off charts, I'm guessing not long. Their pure, skilled musicianship more than made up for their lack of time together.
The trio finished out with a fast swing tune, and encored with a slow blues number. There's nothing like leaving your audience with a return to the roots – and a thirst for more jazz.