Born into an artistic family, 25-year-old alto saxophonist Clay Lyons has been enthralled by music from a very young age. Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Clay began his musical journey by playing the drums as a toddler, and then moved to cello and piano, after which he settled on his instrument of choice, the alto saxophone, at age 12. In high school, with the help of his father and some friends, Clay discovered the music of Charlie Parker, and soon realized that there was no turning back. Over time and after much practice, Clay became a prominent player at his high school and the local Madison jazz scene, where he studied with legend Richard Davis. In 2007, Clay was
awarded a full-tuition scholarship to the renowned Berklee College of Music, and since then, he has been a busy player in Boston and elsewhere - Clay has performed as a sideman and with his own groups in the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, China, Italy, Panama and Japan.
Sounds Like: Kenny Garrett, Cannonball Adderly