James Clay
Flute, Tenor Sax
About
James Clay was a jazz tenor saxophonist and flautist known for his "Texas Tenor" sound. He arrived in Los Angeles from Dallas in 1955 and soon established himself as a talented straight ahead player who was open to playing in freer styles. He played with Lawrence Marable, Jack Millman and Red Mitchell before joining Ornette Coleman and Don Cherry in the Jazz Messiahs. Clay recorded his debut album, "The Sound of Wide Open Spaces!!!!" 1960 with David "Fathead" Newman but then returned to Dallas. Choosing to prioritize time with his family, Clay remained primarily based in Dallas for the remainder of his career. From 1962 - 1977 he toured periodically with Ray Charles' band and he recorded several more albums both as leader and as a side man, working with artists including Don Cherry, Wes Montgomery and Billy Higgins. Clay died unexpectedly from a stroke in 1995 at the age of 59.
Trivia
In 1960 James Clay turned down a chance to replace John Coltrane in Miles Davis' group in order to care for his grandmother in Texas. While living in Dallas, in addition to working as a musician, James Clay worked full-time in a record warehouse. Cannonball Adderley suggested pairing up James Clay and David "Fathead" Newman and supervised their 1960 album "The Sound of Wide Open Spaces!!!!"
Early Life
James Clay was born in 1935 in Dallas, Texas. He took piano lessons as a child, but admits it was the striking uniforms of the local high school marching band that drew him to music. At Lincoln High School he began playing the alto saxophone in the marching band before switching to tenor sax. Clay studied music at Huston-Tillotson College in Austin, and later at North Texas State University. He played with various bands in the Dallas area before moving to Los Angeles in 1955.
James Clay Solos
1960
Flute solo - Movin' Along - 1960
4/4 swing in E♭ major at 89 BPM
Flute solo - Tune Up - 1960
4/4 swing in C major at 250 BPM
Flute solo - Tune Up - 1960
4/4 swing in C major at 254 BPM
Flute solo - Body And Soul - 1960
4/4 swing in D♭ major at 212 BPM
Flute solo - Body And Soul - 1960
4/4 swing in D♭ major at 200 BPM
Tenor Sax solo - So Do It! - 1960
4/4 swing in G major at 195 BPM