It was a real treat to get to play for the crowd during the KWFC Anniversary concert.  All the groups sounded realy good and the crowd showed great response.  Despite the stroms and bad weather there was still just over 2000 people.  Looking forward to working with the gang from KWFC again.

We just added a new concert at West Division Street Baptist Church in Springfield, Mo on April 22nd at 6pm.  Looking forward to this great event in my hometown.  You do not want to miss out.

On February 26th, 2012 I was scheduled to play at Northstar Church located in Pryor, Oklahoma.  As usual, I arrived the night before and was scheduled to do sound check with the praise band.  The address that was given to me ended up being for the Pryor community center.  Come to find out, they set up their complete stage, lighting, backdrop, back line, and chairs every week while they are developing their new location they just purchased.  All the Sunday School rooms, down to the floor mats, are all packed in weekly.  I was given the grand tour by pastor Roy Evans where he shared about his "Family".  You see, his although his kids worked in the church with him, he was referring about his church family.  This church has grown so much in the few years, single digit, that they have already started a new building process that will house the growing population. 

I was blown away by all the volunteers that showed up and took pride in their church and to think they do this every week.  Two semi trucks fully loaded are packed in and out every Sunday.  I was quick to tell pastor Roy that this comes from his leadership.  I was so excited and encouraged to see this.  It starts at the head in the leadership.

I'm really excited to be back down in Pryor on Easter morning.  It was a great church and anyone looking for a home church in the Pryor area, be sure to check them out.  1111 S.E. 9th Street (Community Center).  Tell pastor Roy I recommended them.

Clayton

Well I flew into San Diego on Sunday and will be here till Thursday morning.  I have had a great stay and have been treated real nice from the folks from CJFM ministries.  Dr. Gary Hedrick and his staff are a great group of people to work with and am very thankful they choose me to work their conference again.  Last year I worked with them in Branson at the Hilton Convention Center.   Dr. Gary first heard me playing in Branson at The Branson Landing approached me about playing music for there events.  I am blessed to have this opportunity and look forward to future events with CJFM.

 

I had a great time running sound for the first KWFC talent show in Springfield, Mo March, 3.  Heard a lot of great vocalist and amazing talents.  I also had the privilege of warming up the crowd before the evening concert.  It was a lot of fun pulling people up on stage to sing improve.  Even had a Santa Clause on stage and got him to sing "I'm Dreaming of a white Christmas".  Having a hyper active brain can be very dangerous.  I'm already looking forward to next years talent show.  To the winners and all the entrants, Great Job!!!

The tourist town of Branson, MO was hit by an early morning Tornado that has damaged and destroyed several homes and business.  The town is currently in the recovery mode and starting cleanup.  Many roads are still impassable.  The ever so popular Branson Landing had a direct hit too.  The Landing is where I have been playing piano for the past 5 years now.  Last year we suffered from the Spring flood that left the $7.5 million dollar water show effected.  As of time of this post I have received any word of theextentt of damage.  As you can see by the pictures here there is some damage. 

Most of the entertainers got together to help raise funds for the community of Joplin after its terrific tornado and rest assured that we will work together to see Branson taken care of. 

My heart and prayers go out to everyone that suffered loss and damage.  If we can do anything to help...let us know.

Clayton

Big Clayton

Boogie Woogie Man

With over 20 years of experience, self-taught pianist Clayton Watson debuts with an impressive collection of boogie-woogie, stride, and early rock ‘n’ roll piano, showcasing the instrument’s foundational role in early popular music, as well as Big Clayton’s command of hip-shaking boogie and mesmerizing improvisation. Boogie Woogie Man is almost entirely instrumental, and the simplicity of a solitary piano on every track emphasizes Clayton’s skill.

Big C Boogie is probably the most purely boogie-woogie track, alluding to innovators like Albert Ammons and even Pinetop Smith. He gets right to the heart of the sound—an infectious groove with exuberant melodies and fills in the treble. No Dimes goes to Chicago, and Clayton sings a little. But it is his command of the piano style that is his strength.

It appears Clayton is deliberately teaching listeners about piano boogie: many of his titles are clear about what he’s attempting. On Striding Along he offers a mid-tempo stride number that suggests innovators like James P. Johnson and Willie “The Lion” Smith, without getting lost in the expressiveness of the approach.

Amazing Grace, Big Style, and Stepping Out keep a boogie flavor while toying with a West Coast attitude. The former is especially jazzy and improvisational, kicking the album off with nearly ten minutes of dynamic, elegant sound.

Clayton’s forays into early rock ‘n’ roll will educate anybody who wonders exactly how the genre made folks get up and shake things. Old School Rock ‘n’ Roll and Tickling the Ivories each flaunt a boogie-woogie bass line that magnifies exciting piano riffs that tickle and repeat.

The album strolls away on Walking the Landing, inspired by Clayton’s time as a regular on the Branson Landing. The track has a laidback tempo and a New Orleans feel. The melody trickles and leaps all around the beat staying loose and comfortable. It’s a friendly way to say good-bye—fitting after such a devoted and frank articulation of boogie-woogie’s early avatars.

If you’re looking for fresh yet timeless piano CD, definitely check out Boogie Woogie Man

--Katie Lambert

Hi everyone,

Just finished about 8 hours in the recording studio today working on the song "Joshua Fit The Battle of Jericho" for my new Fan Requested album.  A year ago I asked my fans for their request and we are getting them down in the studio.  This album will feature some great gospel songs, including "I Can Only Imagine".  I have also got "Unclouded Day" almost done.  Most of the songs are instrumental, but will have one that will feature some guest vocals.  Most people know that Gospel is my primary genre even though I play many styles at my show in Branson, Mo.   We are shooting for a Spring 2012 release for this new gospel project.  We are taking pre-orders on the "Sponsors" page.

Sign up to be apart of the "Big Club" and receive a free mp3 download and we will keep you up-to-date on the new project.

Thanks again,

Big Clayton

Big Clayton and daughter Kesha discuss some of the celebs that is in the news.  Katy Perry and Russel Brand, Lindsay Lohan, Miley Cyrus, and Lady Gaga.  We have special guest cousin Kendra and Meranda, the baby.  Visit www.bigclayton.com for more pod cast and blogs along with new music.

Big Clayton and daughter Kesha give some introductory thoughts and comments on their first pod cast.  Big Clayton tells about the book he is reading "Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook" by Bob Baker and Kesha talks about the book she is reading.  Some sneak previews of new music right from the pro tools recorder in the studio.  New Boogie Woogie sounds.