My John Clayton Experience

[Farin]

Hey,
I just wanted to share my experience that I had this weekend. John Clayton came to Youngstown State University in Youngstown Ohio, for the Toni Leonardi Bass Association's Double Bass Symposium.
I was lucky enough to get to play for (and with) Mr. Clayton, and it was just a blast! He's such a great guy, and really gave me a lot to think about. He's also very deep, and I'm still trying to sort out some of the advice he gave me.
At the end of the night, he played a concert with the YSU Jazz Band, and he played a little peice about his double bass, it was great! Maybe I'll post a recording of it later.
Here's a picture of John and I with our basses:

[Aaron Saunders]

That's awesome, man -- I love Clayton's playing.

Also, is it just me, or is his bass huge? I mean, he's a pretty big guy (how many inches over 6'?) but that bass looks gigantic. The endpin doesn't look like it's out far at all!

PS; Is he using Obligatos?

[Brandt Scanlan]

I met John Clayton while I was in high school jazz band. Unfortunately, I play electric bass only, but he was pretty awesome. He is very kind and easily the best player I have ever seen/heard in person (maybe at all).

[Farin]

Originally Posted by Aaron Saunders

That's awesome, man -- I love Clayton's playing.

Also, is it just me, or is his bass huge? I mean, he's a pretty big guy (how many inches over 6'?) but that bass looks gigantic. The endpin doesn't look like it's out far at all!

PS; Is he using Obligatos?

The Bass is a 7/8 I believe. It was pretty big but I've seen bigger. I'm 5'11, so he must but about 6 foot something. And He uses a laborie endpin, so it was a bit of an optical illusion there. His endpin was actually pretty long. A good 9 or 10 inches. And Yes, he is Indorsed and always uses Obligatos. His pizz sound is a little old school for me, but his arco sound is just amazing. If I played Arco a little more I might think about switching, but for now, I like my Thomastik Weichs.

[.matthew e wengerd.]

I saw Clayton a couple weeks ago...Amazing!

[RiseOfTheWooten]

Great photo, John Clayton's the man.