I put together this Reggae Foundation mix on SoundCloud. Let me know what you think!
A Working Musician’s Guide to Surviving Hard Times: The Game Part I
Posted by C. Clark Gayton, Jr. on April 17, 2009
You may be thinking, “Is there such a thing as a working musician, surviving?” Why, yes, yes there is. And I’ve got the scars to prove it. Literally.
I came to New York over 20 years ago to be a professional jazz musician. I come from a family of musicians who had achieved various levels of success. Most family members worked day jobs to supplement their musical habits. Others attempted to make it as professional musicians, but had to change careers as their lifestyles changed.
What I have learned to do best in New York City, which is probably something most New Yorkers can say, is survive. New York is a tough town for working musicians. Not only are you competing with established, famous and sometimes dangerous, musicians who have lived in the City for years, you’re competing with everyone else in the world who has your identical aspirations. You may have come to New York with your All State Band letters, fans, family, and local newspaper clippings. It doesn’t matter. No one cares. That is not what New York does. The people who live in New York are there to feed New York. Unless you provide the city with sustenance, you have no business being there.
That isn’t to say that New York doesn’t have its charms. As with any seductress, the charms are available to everyone. The seduction can lead you to an early sacrifice to the music gods, or you can keep the city entertained for One Hundred and One Nights. Me, I plan on living a long time, so I keep the seductress interested.
Do I want to encourage competition in the enchanted city? The competition comes daily without my beckoning. What I would like, and what I hope to encourage, is an qualified adversary. It’s no fun just taking away the candy from an unsuspecting adolescent. I want to give you a fighting chance. Here are some tools to help you with the game. In anticipation of your demise, the first thing I want you to is [to be continued…]
copyright 2009 by Lautir Publishing
Posted in jazz, music | 4 Comments »
Clark’s Interview with Roots to the Bone – Adam Reeves
Posted by C. Clark Gayton, Jr. on November 10, 2022
Dated March 29, 2022, this interview with Clark goes deep into his years with The Skatalites.
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Clark has some new SoundCloud tunes to lighten the mood
Posted by C. Clark Gayton, Jr. on November 10, 2022
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Soundtrack
Posted by C. Clark Gayton, Jr. on October 6, 2020
I was the music director for a new documentary “Hidden in Plain Sight – Revealing the Concealed Harpers Ferry Cemeteries.” Check out the soundtrack put together from my catalog.
If this moves you, here’s the trailer:
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News!
Posted by C. Clark Gayton, Jr. on August 18, 2020
Excited to share this news – produced the song “Red Pill” by Cat Dail that was just released in late July. So far, nice reviews and welcome ones!
From Indie Source:
“Producer and multi-winning Grammy winner, Clark Gayton (Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Prince and so on) proves the theory that winners beget winners. Cat Dial is a creative force and “Red Pill” is a delicious swallow.”
From Music Mecca:
“The new single, “Red Pill,” boasts a star-studded supporting cast, and offers a hard rocking sonic delight with just enough indie pop to create a recollection of your favorite early 2000’s alt radio hits.”
Take a listen!
Take a look! Performing the song Flow Zone. Can’t believe this is from just last year in NYC!
What do you think?
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April seems so long ago … RNZ Interview
Posted by C. Clark Gayton, Jr. on July 21, 2020
Posted in gigs, music, musicians | Tagged: business, gigs, music, Musicians, New York City, trombone | Leave a Comment »
March 2020
Posted by C. Clark Gayton, Jr. on July 13, 2020
Benefit for Aaron Johnston – right before the world changed.
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2015 – Fatboy Kanootch!
Posted by C. Clark Gayton, Jr. on July 13, 2020
What a difference five years makes.
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New York Blues Hall of Fame – Induction
Posted by C. Clark Gayton, Jr. on July 13, 2020
So glad to find this! I remember it well.
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The Grammys are to music as …
Posted by C. Clark Gayton, Jr. on February 17, 2012
It may be time to create an event that is dedicated to representing exceptional music in America. I guess it would be hard to determine who is going to decide what is good and what is not. Well, as far as I’m concerned, we all know deep down. It would just take some folks who want to have an event, and make the best choices.
The frauds will be peeking around the corner, wondering why they weren’t chosen. They’ll pretend not to care at first- why would they? There won’t be big endorsements, no big dance routines, no gift bag with a Cartier watch in it… why would we want this award? Will Justin be there?
An event about music would have everyone reeling right now. A modest, but significant award meant for artists, not entertainers.
Anyway- I think there’s something wrong with trying to seek acceptance from people who don’t like you. I say, just move on.
Fighting for your rights is so… 20th century.
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The View from the Sacbut Section 