Flowerpot Productions
RADICALLY COMMITTED TO OUR CLIENTS
Flowerpot Productions transforms creative ideas into captivating shows and recordings that entertain, inspire, and connect with audiences.
Flowerpot’s secret sauce is our unwavering commitment to our clients. We build deep relationships that bring their vision to life.
- Audience Engagement & Merchandising
- Packaging & Booking
- Tour Management
- Education & Programming
- Community Partnerships
- Marketing & Promotion
Mz. Val “Simply Me”
“It was always in my heart to do something on my own”
Valerie Monroe (MzVal) has established an impressive musical legacy over the past decades. A relative of the illustrious Clayton jazz family—bassist John, the late saxophonist and flutist Jeff, pianist Gerald—Monroe was inspired early on by Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, Nancy Wilson, and Nina Simone. She got her first big break as a Raelette—a backing singer for The Genius himself, Ray Charles.
“With Ray every show was magical, and I took it all in,” the native Texan says of those two international tours, in 1990 and 1991. “I still have my scrapbook!”
Monroe eventually settled into her day job as an academic counselor at a high school. But music never left her blood. The alto-contralto kept her creative fires burning—whether on the theater stage (Ain’t Misbehavin’, Chicago) or the NBA stage; she sang the national anthem at numerous Lakers, Clippers and Spurs games. In 2018, she made inspired appearances on cousin Jeff’s 2018’s Listen Through the Looking Glass.
All these experiences forged who she is, and what she wants her music to impart. “I like music that can be playful, happy, thoughtful, and emotionally invoked—and jazz allows me the space and freedom to create music that speaks to me. I’m able to be simply me”.
FORREST ROBINSON’S FUNK ASYLUM
Forrest Robinson isn’t just keeping the funk alive—he’s reviving its sacred pulse.
With the release of Funk Asylum Vol. 1, the veteran drummer, musical director, and soul innovator launches an electrifying homage to the golden era of funk (1976–1985), channeling the spirit of legends like Rick James, The Brothers Johnson, Angela Bofill, and Shalamar with fierce originality and reverence. This eight-track debut isn’t a throwback—it’s a spiritual continuation. What Robinson calls an “apostolic succession” of Black American music, crafted with bold intention and cultural clarity.
“This sat in my heart for 17 years,” Robinson says. “We’re not just playing songs—we’re carrying a culture.”
Produced in collaboration with multi-Grammy Award-winner Ralph Johnson of Earth, Wind & Fire, Funk Asylum Vol. 1 pulses with lush arrangements, blazing horn lines, and a groove-driven foundation that both honors and reimagines its roots. It is a sonic revival—equal parts celebration and reclamation. “It’s great to see a full band—vocals and musicians—working together. Earth, Wind & Fire had that too,” says Johnson. “Funk Asylum is well on their way to preserving funk and being true stewards of the genre. The songs they’ve chosen reflect that—it’s a strong cross-section. Every musician is a steward of the sound they carry. It’s about presenting it at its very best.”
Backed by Flowerpot Productions’ Executive Producer Lindsey Nelson, whose no-censorship creative direction allowed for raw authenticity, each track became a space for emotional truth. From dance floor anthems to introspective ballads, the album offers funk not just as a genre, but as a healing vibration, a spiritual force born out of joy, struggle, and community. When asked about this album functioning as a bridge for younger audiences unfamiliar with classic funk, Nelson responded “I think they’ll respond to the freshness of the sound—because it’s distinct from what’s been circulating lately—but it’s rooted in the music of the ’70s and ’80s. Any curious listener will almost inevitably trace it back to the source—Angela Bofill, the Brothers Johnson, Sly Stone, Rick James, James Brown.”
The project’s first single, “I Try,” is a bold declaration of Robinson’s vision: to educate through rhythm and honor the personal and collective stories that shaped funk music. Originally performed by Angela Bofill, Robinson’s reimagined version—featuring lead vocals by Imani-Grace, a soaring saxophone solo by Gerald Albright, and lush strings arranged by John Clayton—invites listeners into a space of reflection, movement, and belonging. It’s a groove with a message, and a call to join the legacy.
Set for full release on September 21, 2025—the date immortalized in Earth, Wind & Fire’s legendary anthem—Forrest Robinson’s Funk Asylum Vol. 1 is a curated journey through funk’s most iconic expressions, revived with purpose and spiritual depth. Each of the eight tracks draws from the canon of Black American musical brilliance—from Rick James and Teena Marie to Shalamar and The Brothers Johnson—infused with new vitality by Robinson and his powerhouse collaborators. With Earth, Wind & Fire‘s own Ralph Johnson at the helm as producer, the project carries the torch forward, honoring the groove, joy, and legacy of the funk tradition.
Track Highlights Include:
“Give It to Me Baby” (Rick James) – Lead vocals by Mabvuto
“I’ll Be Good” (René & Angela) – Lead vocals by Mabvuto and Lauren Evans
“A Night to Remember” (Shalamar) – Lead vocals by Mabvuto and Lauren Evans
“I Need Your Lovin’” (Teena Marie) – Lead vocal by Lauren Evans
“Back Together Again” (Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway) – Lead vocals by Imani-Grace and Frank McComb
“I Try” (Angela Bofill) – Lead vocals by Imani-Grace, saxophone by Gerald Albright, with string arrangement by John Clayton
“Strawberry Letter 23” (The Brothers Johnson) – Lead vocal by Mabvuto
“Tomorrow” (Instrumental) –The Brothers Johnson features layered vocal textures from Lauren Evans, Terri Harper, and David Harper
The Band:
A world-class ensemble brings Robinson’s vision to life, featuring Tak Nakazawa (guitar), Isha Love (piano/keyboards), Robin Bramlett (bass), David Leach (percussion), and Michael Angel Alvarado (guitar). The incomparable Gerald Albright delivers masterful saxophone solos on “I Try,” adding his signature brilliance. Vocal firepower comes from lead vocalists Lauren Evans, Imani-Grace, Mabvuto, and Frank McComb, with rich harmonies provided by David Harper and Terri Harper. The dynamic horn section includes Jesse McGinty, Aaron Janik, and Ivan Malespin.
With Robinson anchoring the drums and guiding the creative direction, Funk Asylum Vol. 1 is a high-voltage celebration of musical heritage. Each arrangement is layered with reverence and intention, balancing groove-forward precision with emotional release.
“This isn’t about nostalgia,” Robinson says. “It’s about cultural succession—passing on the spirit of funk with authenticity and honor.”
CHJO: And So It Goes
The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra
AND SO IT GOES
This album was years in the making and it’s a pleasure to present it to you, our listeners. It represents the laughter, thoughts, hours of discussion and experimenting, choking back of tears and just swinging hard for the sake of it, that exists in our band. I think you’ll hear some of the most intensely raw playing that this ensemble has ever done. The music covers the spectrum of colors and emotions from “letting it all hang out” (ok—I’m dating myself) to the more personal and introvertive perspective on the music.
Jeff Hamilton shines—he always does—as a player and composer. But this time he has brought some of his magical “red sparkle,” evidently left over from his pre-teen drum set.
One of my favorite tunes, BUHAINA, BUHAINA, was written by Ray Brown to feature Jeff in Ray’s trio. This definitely has that red sparkle all over it.
One could take a page out of Milt Jackson’s philosophy that if you want to be featured, contribute a tune that let’s you strut your stuff. Our bassist, Jon Hamar, did just that and the result is a wonderfully bass-centric song, THE BARN.
Our treatment of WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD is inspired by the inner conflict that Louis Armstrong had with his hit version. He was called an “Uncle Tom,” a traitor to the black community by singing a song that seemed to ignore the wars, civil rights movement, air pollution and more. His second version of the song included a spoken rebuttal that allowed him to explain what he meant; that was my head-space when I wrote this arrangement.
We dedicate this recording to the memory of my brother, Jeff. It’s our first recording without him. His spirit and musical concepts affect our approach and interpretation of everything we play. It is beautiful and uncanny how his soul remains a loving and permanent dye that colors all that we do.
AND SO IT GOES, originally arranged to feature Jeff, gets a heart-wrenching reading by our lead alto saxophonist, Keith Fiddmont.
Brother Jeff’s composition, THE JONES BROTHERS, features our newest member, alto saxophonist, Jacob Scesney and is full of the kind of fire that my late sibling would embrace.
There’s more. Lots more. I’m proud of each of these musicians and honored to grow and swing with them.
Thanks from your fan,
John
September 2023
The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra
AND SO IT GOES
This album was years in the making and it’s a pleasure to present it to you, our listeners. It represents the laughter, thoughts, hours of discussion and experimenting, choking back of tears and just swinging hard for the sake of it, that exists in our band. I think you’ll hear some of the most intensely raw playing that this ensemble has ever done. The music covers the spectrum of colors and emotions from “letting it all hang out” (ok—I’m dating myself) to the more personal and introvertive perspective on the music.
Jeff Hamilton shines—he always does—as a player and composer. But this time he has brought some of his magical “red sparkle,” evidently left over from his pre-teen drum set.
One of my favorite tunes, BUHAINA, BUHAINA, was written by Ray Brown to feature Jeff in Ray’s trio. This definitely has that red sparkle all over it.
One could take a page out of Milt Jackson’s philosophy that if you want to be featured, contribute a tune that let’s you strut your stuff. Our bassist, Jon Hamar, did just that and the result is a wonderfully bass-centric song, THE BARN.
Our treatment of WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD is inspired by the inner conflict that Louis Armstrong had with his hit version. He was called an “Uncle Tom,” a traitor to the black community by singing a song that seemed to ignore the wars, civil rights movement, air pollution and more. His second version of the song included a spoken rebuttal that allowed him to explain what he meant; that was my head-space when I wrote this arrangement.
We dedicate this recording to the memory of my brother, Jeff. It’s our first recording without him. His spirit and musical concepts affect our approach and interpretation of everything we play. It is beautiful and uncanny how his soul remains a loving and permanent dye that colors all that we do.
AND SO IT GOES, originally arranged to feature Jeff, gets a heart-wrenching reading by our lead alto saxophonist, Keith Fiddmont.
Brother Jeff’s composition, THE JONES BROTHERS, features our newest member, alto saxophonist, Jacob Scesney and is full of the kind of fire that my late sibling would embrace.
There’s more. Lots more. I’m proud of each of these musicians and honored to grow and swing with them.
Thanks from your fan,
John
September 2023
THE TUNES
1. See See Rider – Ma Rainey, Universal Music Corp/ASCAP Lena Arant/ASCAP 5:21
2. Thelonious – Thelonious Monk, Thelonious Music Corp/BMI 5:31
3. The Jones Brothers – Jeff Clayton, Claytonomics/ASCAP 7:33
4. And So It Goes – Billy Joel, Joelsongs/ASCAP 6:03
5. The Barn – Jon Hamer, Jon Hamer/BMI – 10:02
6. Haitian Fight Song – Charles Mingus, Flying Red Rhino/BMI 6:23
7. Buhaina, Buhaina – Ray Brown, Ray Brown Music/BMI 6:47
8. What a Wonderful World – Bob Thiele, George David Weiss, Abilene Music Inc./ASCAP, Bienstock Empire Music/ASCAP, Round Hill Songs II/ASCAP 3:17
9. Sybille’s Day – Jeff Hamilton – Hammertone Music/ASCAP 7:44
THANK YOUS
This album is dedicated to the memory of Jeff Clayton.
A ginormous thanks to the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra members for giving beyond the notes. Thank you, oh wonderful team: Terri & David Harper, Gail Boyd, Njari Sharif, and Shelley Hubbard. Russ Miller, none of this would have happened without you. Your friendship and devotion to us is invaluable. Thank you, Cathy Stone, for graciously continuing the loving support we’ve always received from you and Howard. Heartfelt thanks go out to Frank and Sue Malvezzi for your contribution to help give life to this album.
Produced by John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton
Recorded at Hitkor, LosAngeles, CA June12th and 13th, 2023
Engineered and Mixed by Russ Miller
Mastered by David Donnelly at DNA Mastering
Assistant Engineer – Michael Gorecki
Project coordination – J4U Entertainment, LLC,
Terri L. Harper, David A. Harper
Management – Gail Boyd Artist Management
Equipment manager, librarian -Jessica Ragsdale
Photo credit – Shane O’Donnell Photography
Album Art – Cassidy Douglas for RMI Music Productions Inc.
John Clayton uses Evah Pirastro strings
Jeff Hamilton plays: Mapex drums, Sabian Hammertone Series cymbals,
Innovative Percussion signature sticks and signature brushes, Remo drumheads. Canopus “Jeff Hamilton” cymbal stands,X-Percussion, Jeff Hamilton Signature X – Click accessories.
ProjectWET
Project WET: Water Education Today is dedicated to solving critical environmental challenges by teaching the world about water. We do this by providing hands-on, science-based water education resources to formal and non-formal educators around the world. These resources encourage responsible environmental stewardship and promote meaningful action to address environmental challenges, climate change, social justice, and sustainability.
We believe that creating a water literate society will allow our communities to value precious resources and make informed decisions. Our conceptual framework of Water Literacy Principles is the foundational element of our water education curriculum and serves as the basis to creating a water literate society. Learn more about how our methodology creates materials that are hands-on, interactive and encourage critical thinking on water and science topics.