Nordkraft Big Band - Døgnscenerier (2021)

It was as part of Nordkraft Big Bands' acclaimed 10-year plan that an artistic director was attached, who was to help develop the musical level in and around the big band.
John Clayton was the obvious choice - bassist, composer, arranger and big band leader with a past in the Count Basies Orchestra, Oscar Peterson Trio, many years of collaboration with Diana Krall and his own big band in the top class. But with a Grammy on the shelf, and a further eight nominations, there was a battle for a spot on his packed calendar. Nevertheless, in 2016 Nordkraft Big Band manager, Peter Lund Paulsen, managed to get a meeting in place in Germany, where the whole idea and sales speech was served. Clayton has subsequently said that it was precisely the determination, will and enthusiasm that Peter came up with that persuaded him to a multi-year collaboration in Aalborg.

In addition to his role as bassist, Clayton, in collaboration with his brother Jeff Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton, is also the leader of one of the best big bands in the United States - The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. He has also worked with the Diana Krall, Oscar Peterson Trio, Paul McCartney, Regina Carter, Dee Dee Bridgewater, The Count Basie Orchestra, Queen Latifah, Charles Aznavour, Whitney Houston, Milt Jackson, Monty Alexander and many others.
The collaboration with John Clayton was supported by the Spar Nord Foundation and the Oticon Foundation.

Nordkraft Big Band was formed in 2010 to focus on the rhythmic music in North Jutland. The initiative was taken by a group of local musicians who saw the need for a professional rhythmic ensemble in the region.
The bigband's overall management consists of a board that has hired a manager who handles the bigband's day - to - day management.
The big band also consists of 17 professional musicians, all of whom have extensive experience from other ensembles and bands, both nationally and internationally, just as several of the musicians teach at local cultural institutions.

Nordkraft Big Band has since its inception developed and inspired young talented musicians through collaboration and workshops, and has gathered and created connections between 23 amateur big bands in North Jutland.
The big band has also worked with i.a. Bob Mintzer (USA), John Clayton (USA), Sinne Eeg, Rasmus Bjerg, Martin Brygmann, Jimmy Jørgensen, Szhirley, Nikolaj Bentzon, Robben Ford (USA), Niels Jørgen Steen, Veronica Mortensen, Mike Andersen, Roger Neumann (USA) , Bobo Moreno, Birthe Kjær, Søren Sko and Dorthe Gerlach.