James Clay

James Earl Clay (September 8, 1935 – January 6, 1995) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist and flutist.

Early life Clay was born in Dallas, Texas, on September 8, 1935. While in school, Clay played alto saxophone, and then played with local bands from around the age of 17.

Discography

As leader The Sound of the Wide Open Spaces!!!! (Riverside, 1960) with David Newman, Wynton Kelly, Sam Jones and Art Taylor A Double Dose of Soul (Riverside, 1960) with Nat Adderley, Victor Feldman, Gene Harris, Sam Jones and Louis Hayes Bill Perkins–James Clay Quintet: The Right Chemistry (Jazz Mark, 1987) I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart (Antilles, 1991) Cookin' at the Continental (Antilles, 1992)

As sideman Frank Morgan: Frank Morgan (Gene Norman Presents, 1955) (Clay featured on additional tracks not issued on original album, but available on the 1991 complete edition CD) The Lawrence Marable Quartet featuring James Clay: Tenorman (Jazz: West, 1956) with Sonny Clark Red Mitchell: Presenting Red Mitchell (Contemporary, 1957) Wes Montgomery: Movin' Along (Riverside, 1960) Hank Crawford: True Blue (Atlantic, 1964) Ray Charles: Sweet & Sour Tears (ABC-Paramount, 1964) Ray Charles: Have A Smile With Me (ABC-Paramount, 1964) Ray Charles: My Kind Of Jazz, Part 3 (Crossover Records, 1975) Roger Boykin: Cycles (Soultex Records, 1981) The Paul Guerrero Quintet featuring Marchel Ivery and James Clay: Texas Tenors (Jazz Mark, 1985) Billy Higgins: Bridgework (Contemporary, 1987) Don Cherry: Art Deco (A&M, 1988) David "Fathead" Newman: Return to the Wide Open Spaces (Amazing, 1990) with Ellis Marsalis and Cornell Dupree Joe McBride: Grace (Heads Up, 1992)