David Clayton Thomas

The Grandstand Show at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto will present "An Evening With David Clayton-Thomas" on August 29th, 2008, at 8:00 pm.

he CNE is the largest annual exposition in the world and the 23,000 seat Grandstand Show is the premier outdoor concert venue in Canada.

This engagement is a dream come true for David and his Canadian band who grew up seeing their musical idols perform at the C.N.E. Over the years, the biggest names in show business have headlined at the "Ex". Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Willie Nelson, Whitney Houston, Anne Murray, Neil Young. Classic rock bands from The Rolling Stones to The Beach Boys have graced the CNE stage. This year it will be David and his 10 piece, Toronto big band who will rock the house at the C.N.E. Grandstand Show.

The Doug Riley Tribute

The Doug Riley Memorial concert was held Nov. 18, 2007 at The University of Toronto’s Convocation Hall. The 1650 seat theatre was filled to capacity with friends, family and admirers. Musicians that Doug had influenced came from New York, California, across Canada and Europe to pay their respects.
The concert was as varied as Doug’s musical career, opening with a black light show from "The Famous People Players". There were reunion performances by classic rock bands, "Motherlode" and the original "Dr. Music".
The first half ended with David singing his moving farewell to his best friend, an original composition entitled “A Blues For Doc”.

The second half opened with an outstanding performance by singer Dione Taylor, who’s latest album Doug co- produced.
Then the giants of Canadian jazz took the stage... the genius of Don Thompson, world renowned jazz musicians Terry Clarke and Guido Basso. They were joined by Doug's son Ben Riley, himself a talented jazz drummer for Doug's composition,"Child Eyes"
The Toronto Police Department presented an Honor Guard.
In 2004, Doug Riley received the Order of Canada, the highest civilian award his country can give.

Doug's wife Jan delivered a moving eulogy that was both funny and touching as she told about her life with this remarkable man... she spoke of the good times and the laughter they had shared. Her eulogy was as uplifting as Doug’s music, and fully celebrated his life... a classy, courageous lady.
The concert ended with a rousing gospel choir piece entitled
“A Song For The Doctor” that had people dancing in the isles.
A great way to end a memorable evening.
The music world will greatly miss this gentle, humble man and supremely gifted musician.

Photo by Linda Kooluris Dobbs

The Fallsview Concert

The Avalon Ballroom at Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls Ontario, was the site for David’s last concert of 2007. Tickets went on sale in August and sold out in the first week. Fans from all over upstate New York and southern Ontario packed the 1200 seat room. It is a beautiful multi-level theatre with big plush seats, great sound and state of the art production.
The concert was outstanding... The songs from the BS&T era sounded better than ever, with expanded arrangements and a bigger band bringing new life to the classic 70's hits.
There was new music.... three new Clayton-Thomas songs recently recorded for “The Evergreens” CD.
It was a new song... “A Blues For Doc” that was the high point of the evening. A moving farewell to his friend, the late Doug “Doc” Riley, the song was written by David and recorded just a few days before the concert... it had never been performed live and it nearly stopped the show. David’s gripping performance, his heartfelt lyric and Bruce Cassidy’s brilliant arrangement brought the crowd to its feet with tears streaming down their faces. It was an emotional moment in a great show and a perfect way to end the '07 tour.
David and the band will begin touring again in March '08

Aug. 28, 2007 08:55 PM Canadian Press

Celebrated arranger and keyboardist Doug Riley, considered to be a pillar of the Canadian music industry, has died of a sudden heart attack. He was 62.
Riley’s lifelong friend, singer David Clayton-Thomas, said the death was a sudden blow to everyone who knew the musician, an accomplished artist whose work included collaborations with Ray Charles, Placido Domingo, Ringo Starr, Gordon Lightfoot, Anne Murray, Sylvia Tyson, Dan Hill and Bob Seger.
“Canada just lost a musical giant,” Clayton-Thomas said by phone from Montreal, his voice shaking with emotion. “And as a person, anybody who knew Doc knows that he had a heart that was just so big. I can’t imagine life without him.”

Riley’s diverse career began in his teens when he played R&B with the Silhouettes in Toronto and went on to include keyboard and production work for a who’s who in the Canadian music industry and accomplished forays into musical genres including jazz, classical, film scores and ballet. He wrote more than 2,000 jingles, arranged music for several films and television programs and appeared as an arranger and keyboard player on Ray Charles’ 1968 LP "Doing His Thing"
He was awarded the Order of Canada in 2004.
“It’s hard to say what he meant to me, he was my closest musical collaborator and my dearest friend and I loved him beyond what I could tell you,” said Clayton-Thomas.
Veteran Toronto music journalist Larry LeBlanc called Riley “A Canadian mix of Duke Ellington, Allen Toussaint, and Henry Mancini... If Toronto had a Music Row or a Broadway, its lights would be dimmed for a week.”

Haugesund is a small fishing village on the fjords of Norway, an hour's flight from Oslo. Every year the little town welcomes thousands of music lovers to the Haugesund Jazz Festival. The streets are packed round the clock with fans from all over Europe. It's a 24 hour a day party for one week featuring the biggest names in jazz. Norwegian hospitality is legendary and the festival is beautifully produced. David and his band played to a sold out Maritime Hall (1200 seats) and the concert was a joy... The Canadians were obviously having a great time in Norway and it showed in their performance. The National Press gave the concert a rare 6 star review.

Magic Clayton-Thomas
National Press, Norway ******
(note from translator-It’s very seldom that we see six stars on a review!!)

"Older stars have either to work hard getting good marks or they get high marks no matter which experience they might give their audience. Clayton-Thomas and his eight man band worked hard in the sold out Maritime Hall and had energy, humour, and a huge power in their performance. News for many of us is the fact that David Clayton-Thomas is a natural and exceptional entertainer. He has his audience in the palm of his hand from his first entry, He makes us feel a part of the music as the most natural thing in the world".

David and the band just back from Russia... sold out concerts in St. Petersburg and Moscow attest to the long standing fan loyalty in Russia and the Eastern European countries.
This goes back to the historic BS&T tours in the early 70's and has continued down through the years, to DCT concerts today.
The St. Petersburg show was in a beautiful old symphony hall, 1,800 fans gave David and his Canadian band a rousing welcome to Russia. The set was outstanding... and the encore, "God Bless The Child" left the capacity crowd cheering for more.

On to Moscow and a jam packed rock hall, to a standing audience of mostly young people... shoulder to shoulder, right up to the edge of the stage. David and the band gave an explosive 2 hour performance and again left the young Russian audience screaming for more.
A special thanks to concert organizer Alex Ivanov and his son Andrew, for attending to every detail and for making it a smooth and successful visit.

David and singer Dione Taylor co-hosted this year's National Jazz Awards at Toronto’s Palais Royale. The legends of Canadian Jazz were honoured, Phil Nimmons, Guido Basso and Peter Appleyard along with exciting contemporary figures on the Canadian music scene like Mike Murley, Diana Krall and Michael Buble.
Two members of David’s band, George Koller (bass) and Russ Little (trombone) received their own 2007 National Jazz Awards.

David performed a just recorded song entitled “The Evergreens” to open the evening... it is the title song from his new studio album which is nearing completion. Later in the evening, David and Dione brought the house down with their soulful duet on David’s “Surely You Know”
It was a warm and wonderful evening filled with old friends, brilliant talent and the who’s who of the Canadian music business.
Also receiving National Jazz Awards were Justin Time Records as "Jazz Label Of The Year" and its President, Jim West, for his outstanding contributions to the Canadian music industry

Photos by Bill King

David's jazz/rock classic “Spinning Wheel” was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall Of Fame on January 28, 2007. The induction Gala was held at The Toronto Convention Centre and will be aired on CBC/TV on March 5th at 8:00pm.

Photos by Grant Martin

“Spinning Wheel” performed by David and his Toronto big band received an enthusiastic ovation from the audience of music industry luminaries. Songs by fellow inductee Joni Mitchell were honored with outstanding performances by songwriting legend James Taylor (Woodstock) R&B diva Chaka Kahn accompanied by jazz giant Herbie Hancock (Help Me) and soprano Measha Brueggergosman (Both Sides Now)

The historic Spectrum Theatre was the site for David's appearance at the 2006 Montreal Jazz Festival. The set opened with “And When I Die.” Then a stunning change of pace as David delivered a gripping rendition of Billie Holiday’s “Don’t Explain” sitting alone on a stool in a single spotlight, accompanied by Doug “Doc” Riley with an acoustic jazz trio. The song brought a hush over the crowded room and when the last note died away, the hardcore jazz fans rose to their feet in the first standing ovation of the evening

Two more Clayton-Thomas originals “Lucretia MacEvil” and "Go Down Gamblin" absolutely rocked the house. Then came Steve Winwood's “40,000 Headmen”... Bruce Cassidy’s inventive solo work on EVI and a brilliant big band arrangement quoting Monk, Bartok and Prokofiev displayed the deep musicality that has always been at the heart of his shows... another standing ovation.

One great song after another... Jon Hendrick’s be-bop classic “Gimme That Wine" David’s beautiful ballad, “You’re The One”, "God Bless The Child” the inimitable Clayton-Thomas vocal bringing the crowd to its feet once more. The timeless hits “Spinning Wheel” and “You Made me So Very Happy” had the audience dancing in the isles... David took his bows, thanked everybody and left the stage... it was a perfect show and had it ended there, everyone would have been satisfied... but the best was yet to come.

When David came back for the encore, he introduced Prof. Trevor Payne on piano and a buzz went through the crowd as they began to suspect what was coming next... “Ladies and Gentlemen” David announced, “the mighty Montreal Jubilation Choir” Trevor and the band kicked into “Highway To Heaven” the choir’s signature entrance theme and from the back of the hall came the Jubilation Choir, resplenent in their brilliant white and blue robes, 42 strong, singing as they came down the isles. The audience went wild, David was beaming as he welcomed the renowned gospel choir to the stage, he launched into Ray Charles’ “Drown In My Own Tears” with the choir joining him on the refrain. Then the finale... “Hi De Ho” with the big band and the choir, the entire audience standing and singing along with their hands in the air.

It was one of those magical evenings that words can’t adequately describe... the show was filmed for a Bravo TV Special and a DVD to be released early in 2007 by Justin Time Records. A video production set-up with six cameras and 5.1 surround sound audio captured the entire event for posterity. After nearly 2 hours Clayton-Thomas and company left the stage... the audience stayed for another twenty minutes, cheering and clapping and begging for more... but it was over, David and the band had given their all, and after the finale with the magnificent Jubilation Choir there was simply nothing more to say.

Montreal Jazz Festival Photos
Diane Moon
Dominique LaFond

The new CD, “David Clayton-Thomas In Concert.... A Musical Biography" is now available in stores, at JustinTime.com or at the (Online Store) on this site. This is David Clayton-Thomas at his best, recorded live with his 11 piece big band at The Opera House in Toronto in October 2005. The album sizzles with energy and covers the entire Clayton-Thomas career, from his early compositions like “Spinning Wheel” “Go Down Gamblin” and “Lucretia MacEvil”, to brand new songs written especially for this recording.
There is a delightful excursion into “world music” entitled “Me and Amaretto” with its South African "township" groove. A low-down and dirty blues called “Self Centered Woman”. A funky Cajun tune, “Wild Women & Po’ Boys” with the incredible Doc Riley on barrelhouse piano. There is David's beautiful, “You’re The One” as you’ve never heard it before. “Gimme That Wine” the Jon Hendricks be-bop classic. “God Bless The Child” and “Don’t Explain” from the Billie Holiday songbook, and of course, “You Made Me So Very Happy”.

Produced by
David Clayton-Thomas & Jim West
Recording Engineer, Ian Terry
Musical Director, Bruce Cassidy
Project Co-ordinator, Jadro Subic
Production Mgr. Bill Girdwood
House Sound, Ken Friesen
Monitor Mix, Doug McKendrick
Photography, David Deacon

Thursday night was another story entirely... the band exploded onto the stage to a capacity house filled with fans cheering wildly from the opening bar. The energy in the room was contagious.... David and the eleven piece band delivered a memorable performance.
Doug Riley was at his best, from the barrelhouse piano of “Wild Women and Po’ Boys” to the screaming B3 solo on “Gimme That Wine”, "Doc" had the theatre on it’s feet several times.

The Opera House Concert

The David Clayton-Thomas live in concert album "A Musical Biography" was recorded on October 26 & 27 at the old Opera House Theatre in Toronto.
Wednesday the 26th was a tune up night... working out tech problems, getting everybody comfortable with the room and the recording environment...

Guitarist Bernie LaBarge was an great choice, bringing his incredible blues chops to the band, reminding the crowd that David Clayton-Thomas is one of the best pure blues singers in the business.
Drummer Paul DeLong and bassist George Koller were rock-solid throughout the 100 minute set.
David's concert set is a musical biography... from the classic hits "Spinning Wheel", "You Made Me So Very Happy", " And When I Die"... to exciting new material written especially for this recording.
Bruce Cassidy's daring arrangements, a "killer" band and David's inspired vocals made Thursday night at the Opera House, a night to remember.

The entire album was recorded on that Thursday night. David was electrifying... the audience knew they were witnessing an exceptional performance and their response lifted the musicians even higher.... the energy in the theatre was faithfully captured by Jim West and Ian Terry in the recording truck. There was no need for overdubbing, no studio "fixes". What you hear is exactly what happened that night
The album entitled,"David Clayton-Thomas In Concert.... A Musical Biography" was released on Justin Time Records in May 2006.

AURORA

The new David Clayton-Thomas CD... entitled ”AURORA” was released March 16, 2005.

David has never sounded more relaxed and confident, his performance is outstanding... emotional, but beautifully controlled, a veteran artist at the peak of his powers... honest, joyous, soulful, and at times... just plain funky.

The album was co-produced by David and Doug Riley... “Doc” Riley is one of Canada’s most honoured jazz musicians and a lifelong friend, They evisioned a more personal “unplugged” album. David in a more intimate setting.... They assembled an all-star piano quartet... "Doc" on piano... legendary jazz drummer, Terry Clarke, the genius of George Koller on accoustic string bass, and old friend and colaborator Rob Piltch (Nuclear Blues) on accoustic and electric guitars. They also recorded as a classic “B3 Trio” with “Doc” on Hammond with footpedal bass, Terry on drums and this year’s National Jazz Awards winner Jake Langley, on guitar.

The repertoire is classic Clayton-Thomas... crossing musical boundaries at will and defying labels...from jazz standards, to blues and ballads, a dazzling range of material, from Louis Armstrong to Joni Mitchell... David also brought in several new original compositions written specifically for the free-wheeling jazz musicians.

AURORA... “the dawn of the day... a new beginning"

There were no charts per se... David and Doc rehearsed the tunes around the piano... the musicians were given basic chord sketches and total creative freedom...the rest is pure improvisation and absolute magic.
One is immediately taken by the spirit and personality of this album, forget about labels and formats... jazz and rock, blues and soul, all live together in complete harmony on this extraordinary recording. This is just great music... cut “live” in the studio... a summit meeting of great musicians, with a gifted vocalist and a collection of unforgetable songs.

THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM

A fourteen song collection of traditional Christmas songs.
The album ranges from classical chorale to the blues...As usual the singer defies musical boundaries..”Silent Night” becomes a soulful blues duet with harmonica virtuoso Rob Paparozzi....” Its Beginning To Look Like Christmas”... Latin jazz with guest artist, Nestor Torres...”Little Drummer Boy” with its New Orleans “second line” groove ...”We Three Kings,” a funky jazz waltz.
From big band to jazz trio, from salsa to the blues... a sometimes unconventional, but always reverent treatment of these well loved songs.

The Mandoki Albums...
Leslie Mandoki is a talented European producer/musician, His album projects attract the finest musicians in the world.
Several years ago, Leslie decided to record his "dream band", made up of musicians that had most influenced him.The line-up for the first album was awesome.....Mandoki and his partner, composer, Lazlo Benkner formed the foundation of the band... they assembled a roster of all-star musicians.....Jack Bruce (Cream) Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) Bobby Kimball (Toto) Chaka Khan, The Brecker Brothers, Pino Paladino, Steve Lukather, Al DiMeola, Bill Evans, Victor Bailey, Anthony Jackson, Mike Stern....And of course... David Clayton-Thomas.
The first album "Mother Europe" won critical acclaim and sold well in Europe, The second album, "People In Room Eight" won the "Golden Europe" award (Album of the year). Now the same cast of musicians have recorded their third collaboration, "Soulmates". The tracks were cut in Munich, Los Angeles and New York.
This album is now available on Mandoki's "Paroli Records" distributed worldwide by Sony Music.

See www.mandoki.net about his release “Man Doki-Soulmates, Absolutely Live” DVD on October 20, 2003