Jenkins' career as a jazz artist has covered a wide range of musical experiences, bringing him to the forefront of jazz performing and teaching arenas. He is currently on the faculty of the Eastman School of Music, and performs and records regularly with the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, of which he is a charter member. Clay’s experience as a performer began at an early age, playing and recording with the Stan Kenton Orchestra and touring with the big bands of Buddy Rich and the Count Basie Orchestra.  In 1978 Clay moved to Los Angeles where he was in-demand as a performer and first-call studio recording musician.  Clay has performed on over one hundred recordings and released seven solo recordings under his name.  He has recorded with Gene Bertoncini, Kim Richmond, Joe LaBarbera’s Quintet, The Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Harold Danko and Rufus Reid. Clay’s latest recording project, soon to be released, included guitarists Gene Bertoncini and Larry Koonse, drummers Joe La Barbera and Jeff Hamilton, and bassist John Clayton. Clay attended North Texas State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in music theory. He received his master’s degree in jazz studies from the University of Southern California.