We are honored to announce trumpeter Clifton Lee as our featured artist.
A true legend of the scene, Cliff has played with some of the greatest names at some of the greatest venues. From Snow Hill, Alabama, Cliff described his childhood as atypical to others in Jazz.
“I’m a little different to most musicians. I came up in Alabama surrounded by a family of musicians. I was the youngest of seven kids and everyone picked up an instrument – my brothers Leonard and Clarence played Sax and trombone, my sister Grace was a vocalist, my brother Billy is an outstanding composer and bass player, my Sister Consuela was a great pianist and they’ve worked on Spike’s (Cliff’s nephew and acclaimed director Spike Lee) film soundtracks. My father was a band leader and my mother was a concert pianist so yeah I was definitely surrounded by talented musicians”
His childhood in Alabama happened during times of racial segregation and harsh discrimination
“I grew up in the Jim Crow era. There were white bathrooms and colored bathrooms, separate water fountains and we sat at the back of the bus. Fortunately my Grandfather, William James Edwards set up a music academy in 1893 (By 1918 the school, known as the Snow Hill Institute, owned 24 buildings on more than 1,900 acres and had between 300 and 400 students pursuing both academic subjects and vocational training. It shut down in 1973) which kept us above a lot of the racism that was going on but we were still greatly affected”
The main difference of his musical introduction was that he didn’t pick up the trumpet until the age of 12, considerably later than most. “I always played but didn’t take to the trumpet professionally until the 70s playing in a family band when I got called up to the sinners”.
On moving to the north-east he noted the difference in approach to race that he experienced. “I recently went back to a museum in Montgomery and couldn’t believe the difference in racism. It’s much better now but it still exists in small pockets. People just weren’t subjected to the same in NYC”
This move to New York brought him to teaching music at a junior high in Brooklyn in the 60s.
“I loved it. I introduced them to jazz when all they had was classical music. One boy, Arthur Rhames (saxophonist and guitarist) was in one of my classes. I definitely get some credit for getting him started!”
When asked about the music of today, Lee remains a fervent fan of the old school.
“There are lots of great young players, guys that are carrying on the tradition. I’m not much for fusion – I like the classical feel. Miles, ‘Trane, Errol Garner – these guys. These guys can’t be replicated. The scene is moving, but these guys cannot be replicated.” Cliff was actually the first musician to receive a check from Keyed Up! when he played with the Low Key Trio at Turnmill. Upon hearing this news he smiled, laughed and said “it is an honor! Keyed Up! Is doing some great work.”
Cliff will be playing with the Low Key Trio at Turnmill at the start of the New Year, January 2nd.