James Clay
Tenor Sax Solo on
B.T.

About

James Clay's two-chorus tenor saxophone solo opens the improvisation on this hard-charging Timmons composition. At 256 BPM over the 32-bar AABA form in C minor, Clay's powerful sound and aggressive rhythmic attack are well suited to the tune's dark tonality and urgent atmosphere. As the first of three solos, his two choruses establish the intense, competitive energy that defines the performance. At just 19 to 20 years old, Clay demonstrates a maturity and force that belie his age, his robust tenor sound cutting through the fast-moving minor-key changes with conviction.

James Clay was 19 to 20 years old at the time.