Gerald Clayton, Jazz Pianist at THE 222

Last night, jazz pianist/composer Gerald Clayton, entertained us with his virtuoso command of the keyboard at THE 222.  Six time Grammy nominee for jazz, Clayton's style is a synergy of both classical and classical jazz forms that are woven together to form an intricate and stimulating narrative.  He guides you along skillfully, veering trajectories, pulsing with energy or winding down into contemplative melodies.  A man of few words, Clayton let his elegant fingers do his talking for him.  Donned in billowing black shirt and pants, red socks and sandals, crown rows gathered in a loose bun, he oozed coolness.  "Surfing is my other great passion," he intoned, "I'm going to paddle around here and hopefully we can find some waves to ride together."  These were the only words spoken until he finished his much too short of a set which was met with a rousing ovation.  He gifted the audience a much appreciated encore.  The first piece mirrored the sounds of rushing waterfalls.  An underlying melody held up a sluicing syncopation that sounded like Debussy's water music on steroids.  You're lured out and reeled back in with the tides.  Clayton's playing is fluid and spontaneous.  I felt an invigorating visceral response to his music. Much like Monk, Clayton masters an unconstrained style that is uninhibited, organic, and at the same time, deliberate.  The second composition transported me to an after-hours night club near closing time. The mood was melancholy and bluesy.  Clayton played as if for himself and perhaps Bogart and Bacall.  The only ballad for the night was my favorite composition from this amazing evening.  It held a deconstructed riff from "You are so Beautiful".  One was hard pressed not to think the piece was lovingly dedicated to someone special.  Throughout, Clayton performed with a playful seriousness.  The encore was exuberant and felt much like a joyous homecoming.  Overall, there was an intimate, relaxed atmosphere for the evening.  Before leaving, Clayton thanked us for hanging out with him while he practiced.  I'll thank him to let me hang out in a corner when he practices, anytime.