Biography
Born on 25 June 1944 in Hexham, Northumberland, England, David John Cliff took up the guitar during his early teens while growing up in Newcastle upon Tyne. Jazz soon captured his attention, prompting him to perform locally with several ensembles and to share stages with figures such as George Chisholm. He later enrolled at the Leeds College of Music; upon completing his studies there he relocated to London. In the capital he began working alongside Peter Ind, an association that led to tours with distinguished visiting musicians including Warne Marsh and Lee Konitz. Cliff subsequently joined Tommy Chase’s hard-bop ensemble.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s he collaborated with numerous artists, among them Chas Burchell, Ray Manderson—joint leader of a small group—and Bob Wilber, as well as Bernie Cash, whose Great Jazz Solos Revisited package he performed with on the road. During the 1980s he expanded his activities into teaching, ultimately securing a post at Trinity College, Wavendon, yet he maintained an active performing schedule well into the following decade. In those years his sideman credits encompassed Bruce Turner, Alan Barnes—another Leeds College of Music alumnus—Georgie Fame, Harry Allen, Kenny Davern and Humphrey Lyttelton.
The 1990s saw Cliff appear on many recordings as a supporting player while also co-leading a touring and recording group with tenor saxophonist Geoff Simkins. He further issued several albums under his own name, working with guitarist Howard Alden and engaging the services of leading accompanists such as Dave Green and Allan Ganley. Cliff’s electric-guitar style remains crisp and economical; although his technical command is considerable, he frequently adopts a discreet, supportive stance that serves the musicians he accompanies. When he chooses to deploy his full resources, he does so with measured discernment. In solo passages he reveals himself as a robust-toned, articulate improviser capable of articulating demanding musical ideas with complete clarity.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s he collaborated with numerous artists, among them Chas Burchell, Ray Manderson—joint leader of a small group—and Bob Wilber, as well as Bernie Cash, whose Great Jazz Solos Revisited package he performed with on the road. During the 1980s he expanded his activities into teaching, ultimately securing a post at Trinity College, Wavendon, yet he maintained an active performing schedule well into the following decade. In those years his sideman credits encompassed Bruce Turner, Alan Barnes—another Leeds College of Music alumnus—Georgie Fame, Harry Allen, Kenny Davern and Humphrey Lyttelton.
The 1990s saw Cliff appear on many recordings as a supporting player while also co-leading a touring and recording group with tenor saxophonist Geoff Simkins. He further issued several albums under his own name, working with guitarist Howard Alden and engaging the services of leading accompanists such as Dave Green and Allan Ganley. Cliff’s electric-guitar style remains crisp and economical; although his technical command is considerable, he frequently adopts a discreet, supportive stance that serves the musicians he accompanies. When he chooses to deploy his full resources, he does so with measured discernment. In solo passages he reveals himself as a robust-toned, articulate improviser capable of articulating demanding musical ideas with complete clarity.
Albums
