A Jazz classic, Round Midnight, is the title song of Claude Jay’s new album by Harlem resident and small business owner, written by jazz master Thelonious Monk.
Claude Jay’s new recording has four songs, Round Midnight, Riding Along In New York City, to Thelonious Monk’s iconic, Straight No Chaser. These two songs feature Etienne Lytle, piano.
The other songs on the EP, The Millennium (Time to Begin Anew) and Emmett A Young Man, a tribute to Emmett Till and his mother, Mrs. Mamie Till Mobley.
Here’s the official Emmett A Young Man music video:
A Purple MaJic Production, Claude Jay Round Midnight is available on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, Google Music, YouTube, and other music platforms.
It was in October 2017 in New York City, during the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Jazz Master and Icon Thelonious Monk, that Claude Jay was introduced to TS Monk, by Douglas V. Holloway, President Rhythm-A-Ning Entertainment.
TS Monk is the son of Thelonious Monk, TS and Douglas work together on Thelonious Monk’s Music.
Douglas and Claude are elementary school friends and were neighbors growing up in Homewood, Pittsburgh, PA.
In his first conversation with TS Monk, TS said to Claude Jay you should write lyrics to Thelonious Monk’s songs.
Surprise and shocked, this statement hit a chord and resonated with Jay. This was a moment that was not easy to take in, “TS Monk ask me to write lyrics to, his father, Thelonious Monk’s music”.
Claude Jay took on this awesome task. He listened to, Straight No Chaser and heard it in a different way.
The creative process began to unfold Thelonious Monk’s music began to take Claude Jay on a ride, the classic rhythmic melody of Straight No Chaser brought forth lyrics and some additional music, the result, Claude Jay created lyrics and a vocal interpretation of Straight No Chaser.
The new lyrics to Straight No Chaser brought forth a new title, Riding Along In New York City.
Douglas Holloway, said, “Claude Jay sings, Thelonious Monk’s, Round Midnight as if the song was written for him. A gifted recording artist and songwriter, Claude Jay uses his gifts to write lyrics to the iconic Thelonious Monk classic Straight No Chaser, and now you’re, Riding Along in New York City. Listen and enjoy as Claude Jay takes you on a ride in New York City.”
Growing up in Pittsburgh, Claude listened to many styles of music on the radio and on the family record player, R&B, Jazz, and Gospel.
A recording artist, it is not by chance, Claude Jay recorded this jazz EP Round Midnight.
Claude Jay says, “making this jazz album took me back to growing up in Pittsburgh listening to jazz and hearing of the great jazz artist in and from Pittsburgh”.
While on tour in Japan a reporter referred to Claude Jay as, “An Ambassador of Music”. Claude Jay has performed on stages and venues in New York City and in different parts of the world.
He gave solo concerts at Carnegie Recital Hall, Central Park Harlem Meer Concert Series, sung at the Apollo Theatre, The White House, Merlot Jazz, Cotton Club, and on stages in France, Italy, Brazil, Argentina, and Japan.
A recording artist of many genres of music, Claude Jay’s voice and music have been heard around the world. His recordings include dance classics, Love Is the Answer, Find Your Light and Be Alright (A Starter Jacket Remix), and his classic gospel and inspirational recording, the EP, Sweet, Sweet Spirit.
Claude Jay has work with and cross paths with jazz royalty. Claude Jay was an honor to sing an original scared jazz composition by Max Roache in Harlem.
Mr. Roache let Claude Jay know he was very pleased with how Claude sang his new jazz composition. Claude Jay’s mentors include his Uncle Al Cleveland, a Motown songwriter, he co-wrote, What’s Going On with Marvin Gaye and Obie Benson.
Another mentor is Gilbert Price a four-time Tony Award Nominee. Claude Jay has shared the stage with Grammy Award Winner, Cissy Houston, Pete Seeger, jazz greats Dakota Staton and saxophonist, Max Lucas.
At 99 years old, Max Lucas shared many stories with Claude Jay about working with Billy Holiday, Louis Armstrong, and Nat King Cole. Claude Jay was honored to have a wonderful and inspiring conversation with jazz stylist and singer extraordinaire Jimmy Scott.
At that time, Jimmy Scott was in New York City to sing at a concert honoring Nancy Wilson.
Claude Jay, ambassador of music, continues to share and express his artistry, gifts, talent, and voice on his new jazz album, Round Midnight.
Get more information about Claude Jay’s here.
Photo credit: 1) Claude Jay. 2) Claude Jay, Youtube. 3) TS Monk and Claude Jay. 4) Claude Jay, and Max Roach.
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