ALBUM REVIEW

Clay Giberson - Moment's Notice

Label: Origin Records

Released: October 23, 2026

DR: TBD

Clay Giberson is a jazz pianist and composer based in Portland, Oregon, with a style that blends thoughtful songwriting, adventurous improvisation, and a strong sense of melody. Growing up in Washington, with a piano teacher for a mother, music was part of his life from an early age. After studying jazz at the University of Miami and earning a master's degree in music technology in New York, he went on to develop his own voice as a performer, bandleader, and recording artist. Giberson has worked with an impressive range of musicians and explored everything from intimate solo piano to lively, modern jazz with his groups Upper Left Trio and Go By Train. His recordings reflect a curiosity about sound and a willingness to follow an idea wherever it leads, without losing sight of the melody. Now part of Portland's vibrant music scene, he continues to perform, record, and collaborate, bringing a personal touch and an open-minded approach to contemporary jazz.

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Opening with Upper Road, Clay Giberson on piano establishes a flowing melody with clear and free phrasing with David Ambrosio adding melodic structure on bass and John Bishop shaping the envelope with subtle changes in dynamics. With fluid bass concepts, Ambrosio adds depth to this solid opener. St. James Infirmary is so totally remade that it hints at Irving Mills' original composition. Giberson outlines the track on piano and Ambrosio double times the bass line on solo form and the track really has new breath. Bishop's hand is firm adding just what's necessary to carry the piece. Very nice.

Horace Silver's classic bop, Mayreh, really rides with Giberson creating the groove, structured by Ambrosio and adorned by Bishop. Heavy accents by Giberson and instinctive counter by Bishop makes for great counterplay and Ambrosio's standing bass solo is flavorful and tight. Poinciana is really a nice track with its quiet melody illustrated by Giberson. Bishop dresses this track nicely adding strong texture, giving Giberson more room to move away from the structural tune. Adding to his piano voice Giberson adds flute via keys for a counter melody giving the track yet another nice reflection.

Beauty and the Beast brings Wayne Shorter’s distinctive writing style to the set. With a casual Latin funk, Giberson illustrates the melody and Bishop really livens things up on the bottom. A driving bass line by Ambrosio gives a solid floor to stand on as he charges forward. The track seems to gather a real richness as it develops, surrounded by a rich electronic floor and active drum work by Bishop. Charlie Haden’s, First Song offers a quieter, more intimate feel with just the softest of bottom by Ambrosio and Bishop. Giberson just lets the melody breathe, cuddled in electronic strings with Ambrosio and Bishop supporting. Very nice.

The title track, Coltrane's Moment’s Notice, wraps the album with high level bop. Ambrosio provides a rock solid foundation, and Bishop’s attentive rhythm keeps the trio laser focused. Another strong solo by Ambrosio showcases his intuitive prowess and Bishop takes a moment of his own to rattle the cans giving the track, bringing the track a more powerful attack before it's final close.

📋 Album Credits & Production Info Toggle Display

Album Title Moment's Notice
Artist Clay Giberson
Record Label Origin Records
Release Date October 23, 2026
Personnel Clay Giberson (Piano/Keyboards), David Ambrosio (Bass), John Bishop (Drums)
Studio Production Produced and recorded by Clay Giberson at Gyberspace, Portland, OR; Mixed by Bob Stark at Bob Stark Sound; Mastered by David Glasser at Airshow Inc.

🎼 Track Listing & Personnel Toggle Display

Featured Personnel & Masters: David Ambrosio, John Bishop, and Clay Giberson.

Upper Road
St. James Infirmary
So Tender
Mayreh
Poinciana
Speak
Beauty and the Beast
First Song
Moment's Notice

📺 Session Video Performance Toggle Display

Watch: Clay Giberson play live sessions from Moment's Notice

🎵 Discography & Purchase Options Toggle Display

Album Title	Record Label	Accreditation	Year
Moment's Notice	Origin Records	Clay Giberson Trio Feature	2026
Pastures	Origin Records	Quartet Feature Release	2016
Minga Minga	Origin Records	Solo Piano Project	2015
Spaceton's Approach	Origin Records	Trio Extraordinaire Outing	2008
Aiming True, Vol. 1	Origin Records	Meditative Solo Piano	2003
Upper Road	Origin Records	Contemporary Ensemble Project	2002

My take

A lively, melodic jazz session that balances inventive reworkings and classic bop with quieter, more reflective moments, driven by fluid piano work, rich bass solos, and responsive drumming that gives the music both subtlety and punch.