Vibraphonist Stefon Harris, in rehearsal with the CHJO, prior to the WBGO Champions of Jazz Gala.

John Clayton goes over the score with Nikki Yanofsky, who seems to channel Ella Fitzgerald when she sings.

90 year-old Snooky Young, who plays trumpet in the CHJO, is visited backstage by his fellow Basie Band alum and NEA Jazz Master, Frank Wess.

WNBC anchor, Lester Holt, was host of the WBGO Champions of Jazz Gala. Who knew he was also a first-rate bassist? Here, he exchanges roles with John Clayton.

John Clayton goes over the score with pianist Tamir Hendelman.

Fifteen year-old vocal sensation, Nikki Yanofsky, rehearses for the WBGO gala with John Clayton in his role as bass player/orchestra leader.

Freddy Cole rehearsing “If I Should Ever Love Again,” in a new arrangement by John Clayton, who is leading the band in rehearsal.

With the empty Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center behind them, John Clayton goes over the drill for the WBGO anniversary concert with Freddy Cole.

Co-leader of the CHJO, Jeff Hamilton, is greeted by legendary vocalist, Ernie Andrews, at rehearsal for the WBGO 30th Anniversary gala. That’s Christopf Luty tuning his bass.

Rehearsing for the WBGO Champions of Jazz Gala at Lincoln Center. Jeff Clayton, co-leader of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, arrives for rehearsal, fully armed.