Clifford has been known the last 20 years as a blues player, strapped behind a Stratocaster.
Clifford began playing guitar at 13 and almost immediately began performing. He has played in many genres including classic rock, country, folk, blues and Black gospel and has blended each to create his own unique style. Clifford formed one of the areas first all blues bands in 1983, Blue Tuna, which met with critical approval and developed a reasonable following before returning to more variety based bands.
In 1998, Clifford returned to an exclusive blues setting with local bands such as The Edge, The Blues Dealers, The Fabulous Greyhounds and Streetsmart and performing in bands with W.C Handy Award nominee James Armstrong and Eddie “BLUE” Lester as well as a “guitar for hire” side man. As an electric guitarist Clifford performed regularly in 2007, 2008 as the former music director/core member of the Gary Field’s Comedy Club Band.
Although most recognizable strapped behind a Stratocaster, Clifford is also an accomplished acoustic guitarist and songwriter who has been featured locally in various songwriter showcases. As a seasoned and experienced acoustic performer, Clifford can and has performed in such various venues as retirement homes, country bars, fern bars, fine dining establishments, roadhouses and on the street. Unlike many “specialized” performers, Clifford can adapt to his audience and his repertoire reflects decades of styles and titles.
CLIFFORD has shared the stage with artists as diverse as Blues player James Armstrong, jazz legend Bill Dowdy with Wyhommi Matthew's Eclectic Choral Black Gospel group, Ervin Williams of The Mighty Clouds Of Joy, Eastsider John Latini and done dozens of gigs with up and coming Warner's Brothers' country artist Frankie Ballard. Also opening for a range of artists from Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials to Humble Pie. CLIFFORD now wants to bring his eclectic mix of roots music and originals solo and acoustic to new audiences across the nation.
Born at what has become the crossroads of I-94 and I-69 on Friday the 13th. Born before but came alive when Momma bought me my first guitar. I have been known the last 20 years or so as a blues player, strapped behind a Stratocaster, but my heart of hearts is that simmerin' stew that comes from a blend that's known as Americana. Blues, country, folk, rockabilly, tin pan alley and rock & roll. After all, the blues is the bedrock. The only thing better then leaning back with a hot band and throwin' notes is writing and singing my songs. I have a deep feeling for honest, roots music . I did almost 180 gigs last year and all though there will be less this year, they are quality gigs playing the music I want to play.CHECK THE VIDEO BELOW my song, lead and vocals of a song I wrote as the last song of the night."MELODY & SONG"
Clifford Babcock - Lead/rhythm guitar, lead vocal, bass, keys, synth, background vocals, engineering, producer, arranger and songwriter. MY DEMOS (and they are only my home studio demos at this time, a time that seems to keep adding up. Anyone want to donate to my recording project?) ...... .. .. .. .. .. .................... /MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmltcmFkaW8uY29tL2luZGV4LnBocD9mPWFydGlzdHNfdmlldyZpZD05NTg4">....
Influences:
All things Texas - T-Bone Walker, Albert Collins, Johnny Winters, Texas Tornados, Austin Stevie & Jimmie Vaughn, Lou Ann Barton, Anson Funderburgh. Chicago - Muddy, Wolf, Sumlin, Rogers. FOLK & COUNTRY - Hank Williams, Roger Miller, James Taylor, Dan Baird, Bob Dylan, Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Allman Brothers. Story Tellers - John Prine, Jon Dee Grahm, Lucinda Williams, Doug Sahm, Tom Wait, Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Stephen Stills, The Rest of C.S.N&Y. Martin Lively. Jim Beam & What Made Milwaukee Famous.
MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/cliffordbabcock