Rochester, NY
Clay Jenkins Professor of Jazz Trumpet
Jazz Studies & Contemporary Media Department Eastman School of Music
Rochester, NY
Clay Jenkins' career as a jazz artist has covered a wide range of musical experiences and responsibilities, bringing him to the forefront of the jazz performing and teaching
arenas. Clay's experience as a performer began at an early age playing with the Stan
Kenton Orchestra. Clay moved to Los Angeles in 1978, where he was in demand as both a live performer and studio-recording musician. From Los Angeles, he toured with the big bands of Harry James, Buddy Rich, and finally, the Count Basie Orchestra.
Since moving to Rochester, NY, to become Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the Eastman School of Music in 2000, Clay has maintained a busy performing, recording, and teaching schedule. He has remained active throughout the United States and abroad. Clay continues to perform and record with the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, of which he is a charter member. He has also been a member of the Joe La Barbera Quintet for 25 years.
Clay has released eight solo recordings. Additionally, his ensemble with co-leader
Kim Richmond has released three recordings. “Trio East” is a chordless trio with 2 of his colleagues at The Eastman School of Music (Jeff Campbell and Rich Thompson). Other artists Clay has recorded with include Milt Jackson, The Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Diana Krall, Gladys Knight, Billy Harper, Lyle Mays, Peter Erskine, Harold Danko, Rufus Reid, Ray Brown, Moacir Santos, Joe La Barbera, Kurt Elling, Dr. John, John Pizzarelli, Bob Sheppard, Jim Widner, John La Barbera, Pat La Barbera,
Larry Koonse, Alan Pasqua, Gary Hobbs, Rich Perry, Bill Perkins, Bill Cunliffe, Billy Childs,
Steve Houghton, Reggie Thomas, Lennie Niehaus, Ernestine Anderson, Karrin Allyson, and
Miki Coltrane. His recent recording projects include a partnership with saxophonist Don
Aliquo entitled "New Ties and Binds" (with Harold Danko, Rufus Reid, and Jim White), a
recent trio recording with guitarist Gene Bertoncini and bassist Ike Sturm entitled "Joy,"
and a new recording with Kim Richmond, Joe La Barbera, Reggie Thomas, Trey Henry, Will
Brawm, and Joey Sellers entitled "Inner Spirits." Clay’s newest projects include a new recording with
The Steve Houghton Quartet entitled “HubBub,” as well as a new recording and video entitled “Hope Beat” with John Clayton, Joe La Barbera, Jeff Hamilton, Larry Koonse, and Gene Bertoncini.
In 2018, Clay initiated “The Snooky Young Endowed Scholarship” at the Eastman School of Music in honor of the great trumpet artist Eugene “Snooky” Young. This scholarship is specifically intended to benefit students of under-represented minorities.
Clay is a performing artist/clinician for the Edwards Instrument Company, Elkhorn, Wisconsin.
Disclosure information not submitted.
Thursday, January 4, 2024
10:00 AM – 10:50 AM CST