Clay Jenkins - Trumpet

Clay Jenkins began playing at an early age with the Stan Kenton Orchestra, recording three live albums and teaching at the orchestra’s residence jazz camps. Clay moved to Los Angeles in 1978, where he was in demand as a live performer and studio-recording musician. He toured with the big bands of Buddy Rich and Count Basie and was a charter member of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra (with whom he still performs and records).
Since moving in 2000 to Rochester, NY to join the Eastman School of Music faculty, Clay has maintained a busy performing, recording, and teaching schedule. He has his own quartet and is co-leader of an ensemble with Kim Richmond. Clay has headlined 12 albums, the newest being “Good Signs” and “Joy,” in a trio with guitarist Gene Bertoncini. He has recorded with many jazz greats including Milt Jackson, Diana Krall, Lyle Mays, Ray Brown, Joe LaBarbera, Kurt Elling, Dr. John, Eric Reed, Bill Cunliffe and Ernestine Anderson.