13th Annual James Earl Clay Tribute
Join us for our 13th annual tribute to James Earl Clay (1935-1995), an American hard bop jazz tenor saxophonist & flutist, and a native of Dallas, TX. Clay worked and recorded with numerous acknowledged jazz greats including Wynton Kelly, Don Cherry, Billy Higgins, Sonny Clark, Victor Feldman, Cedar Walton, Charlie Haden, David "Fathead" Newman, Wes Montgomery, Ray Charles, Hank Crawford, Dewey Redman, & Ornette Coleman.
The program will consist of veteran Dallas/Fort Worth jazz musicians who knew and worked with James Clay. These include multi-instrumentalists, vocalists, drummers, pianists, bassists and guitarists.
With the spirit of real jazz that was always the deep, soulful essence of Clay’s music. Johnny Case states: “He was the greatest jazz musician I’ve worked with, and I’ve played with a few whose names are better-known.”
It will be a great opportunity to celebrate his life and talent if you knew him, and a great opportunity to learn about him if you are just coming to an awareness of how great he was. This tribute is a wonderful happening at which to hang out. NOTE: To respect and protect each other, all ticketholders, volunteers, and staff will be asked to either wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination before entering.