Gretchen Parlato, Alan Hampton, Gerald Clayton & John Clayton Release New Track “If It Was” | WATCH NEW VIDEO!
Edition Records presents
If It Was
Gretchen Parlato, Alan Hampton,
Gerald Clayton and John Clayton
The New Single
“If It Was” is the latest single from vocalist Gretchen Parlato and bassist/guitarist/vocalist, Alan Hampton. Originally written by Alan in the aftermath of the 2011 Japan tsunami, the Los Angeles based pair now revisit the piece following the Eaton fires that impacted their Altadena community, joined by renowned pianist Gerald Clayton and beloved bassist, John Clayton.
“Playing this song is like saying I love you.” Alan shares. “Deeper than the lyric and melody of the song itself, I now find more meaning in the reason to play it. This time the disaster happened right here at home. Everyone involved in this project was affected by the fires. We all lived in or near Altadena, and many of us lost our homes, schools, and community.” Gretchen adds, “The song honors our shared experience of suffering. Alan tenderly expresses acknowledgment and acceptance of tragedy, while filling us with comfort, faith, and perseverance for whatever may lie ahead.”
Phenomenal artist and photographer, Kevin Cooley has provided the cover photograph, capturing Altadena’s spring regrowth and renewal; a poignant reminder that life always finds a way. John shares a similar resilience and fortitude: “The devastation revealed not just a loss, but also something gained. It deepened my commitment to continue doing what I do.’” “What an uplift this has been to play this special song in this moment with Gretchen, Alan and my father.” Gerald reflects. “I’ve never felt so profoundly, such a sense of gratitude for the blessings in my life. How rich I am in the kind of value of that which can’t be burned – love, friendship, and community.”
The support, respect and admiration between these musicians runs deep. “Gerald has such a distinct touch, groove, energy in his playing, always so thoughtful with every single sound and texture”, praises Gretchen. “John is a living legend! Such a generous, warm, caring soul. It is a gift to have both of them grace us on this song.” “The father – son musical connection between John and Gerald is indescribably human.” reflects Alan. “Witnessing their synergy was one of the most moving aspects of this recording. I think this process was cathartic for all of us.”
“If It Was” follows the success of two Grammy nominated projects, Flor honoring Gretchen’s love of Brazilian music and Lean In, her acclaimed duo album with guitarist Lionel Loueke, both released on Edition Records. Collectively, those two albums have surpassed 15 million streams, highlighting the broad and lasting impact of Gretchen’s creative voice and intimate collaborations.
Since first meeting at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz in 2005, (now the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz) Gretchen and Alan have played in each other’s bands, collaborated on original music, most notably “Still” and “Turning Into Blue”, and are now working on music for Gretchen’s upcoming 2026 release. “I have a profound adoration for Alan, as a songwriter, guitarist, bassist and vocalist, he is heart wrenchingly beautiful. And one of the greatest human beings I’m lucky enough to know.”
Alan concludes, “If It Was” is an offering of hope, healing, and restoration. May the listener feel some of what we felt: playing music with people we love, sharing a moment of collective loss.”
All proceeds from “If It Was” will be donated to altagether.org which works “to help neighbors connect with each other to navigate all steps of the post-wildfire process, keep residents in Altadena, and work together for collective recovery.”
Edition Records