Dave Cliff

Dave Cliff

Dave Cliff is a British jazz guitarist from Hexham, Northumberland, born in 1944. He begins his career playing rhythm and blues in the Newcastle area before moving into jazz.

Early career and training

In 1967, Cliff moves to Leeds, where he studies at Leeds College of Music and gains a diploma in jazz studies. He studies with bassist Peter Ind and Bernie Cash. In 1971, he moves to London and becomes established on the local jazz scene.

Work as a performer

From 1976 to 1977, Cliff tours Holland, Denmark, Italy and the UK with the Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh Quintet. The following year he tours the UK with Soprano Summit, the group led by Kenny Davern and Bob Wilber. From the 1980s onward, he works increasingly as a freelance musician.

Recordings and collaborations

Cliff’s first album under his own name is The Right Time, recorded in 1987. It features alto saxophonist Geoff Simkins, and marks the start of a long association with Simkins. He collaborates extensively with Simkins on a number of recordings.

He appears frequently at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in a range of settings, including performances with Georgie Fame’s Blue Flames, the Mike Carr Trio, Irene Reid, the Dick Pearce Sextet and the Bruce Adams Quartet. He also works extensively with visiting American musicians including Slide Hampton, Nina Simone, Kenny Davern, George Masso, Spike Robinson, Herb Geller, Lanny Morgan, Harry Allen, Buddy Childers, Lew Tabackin, Mundell Lowe, Bucky Pizzarelli, Jack McDuff, Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Richie Cole and Ken Peplowski. He is also a member of the Brian Lemon/Roy Williams Quintet.

Award

In 1998, Cliff wins the BT Jazz Awards guitar category.