Throughout his career, he has collaborated with notable artists such as Diana Krall, Roy Hargrove and Dianne Reeves, among others. Most recently, Monterey Jazz Festival Artistic Director Tim Jackson appointed Clayton Director of Next Generation Jazz Orchestra. In 2019, he received a commission from LACMA to compose a musical pendant for artist Charles White's “5 Great American Negroes” mural. Clayton titled the project “White Cities: A Musical Tribute to Charles White.” In January 2020, he began work on the critically-acclaimed score for Sam Pollard's award-winning documentary MLK/FBI. Clayton's arrangements lend subtle tones of humanity to the film. Currently, the musician delights with his concept album "Bells on Sand" about transience and responsibility.

On Gerald Clayton's side, the renowned jazz musicians Jeff Ballard on drums and Joe Sanders on bass, who have previously captivated the audience in Düdelingen with their performances in different line-ups.