Sat. Oct. 18, 2025: Jim Clayton @ Laidlaw United Church, Hamilton

Jim's solo shows are well explained in this review from AR Stash, of a recent show at Reid's Distillery in Toronto:

"The evening was a fascinating mix of the Great American Songbook and pop favourites that Clayton reworked into new jazz classics. His background as a radio announcer explains the ease with which he engages his audience. He’s charming and funny.
"Clayton is a wealth of information about the songs he performs, and has stories for every occasion. He’d have held our attention simply by sharing anecdotes and trivia, but mixed with his captivating piano style (he calls it “a blend of bebop and New Orleans”) and his warm vocals, his shows aren’t just a concert or a recital; they’re an experience. His online viewers dubbed his shows Jim’s Piano Bar, and if jazz clubs had been invented by Generation X, this is what it’d look and sound like.
"Clayton’s ability to accompany himself is on another level. For some songs it’s a one-man big-band sound, and for others it’s a syncopated, grooving left hand bass with a right hand that’s playing a counterpoint or harmony to his vocals. And when he’s not singing, his solos are melodic and interesting, even at blistering tempos. He could clearly hold an audience’s attention with just his piano playing, but luckily for them, he sings too."

From Susan Hay, Global News:
“After spending time with Jim, hearing him sing, play piano, and speak about his passion for people and music, it was obvious to me why he’s an award-winning artist.”