artist Cliff Howard

Cliff first started expressing himself musically when he began studying piano at the age of 8. He made it through to completing Grade 8 Royal Conservatory Piano, eventually teaching students of his own at the age of fifteen. In his early twenties, Cliff spent time composing world/classical inspired instrumentals.

During this time he had his first paid gig, composing music for a documentary about the Koran entitled ‘The Signature of the Creator'. Cliff struggled to break free of the rigidity of his classical training and after answering an ad in the paper he hooked up with guitarist Spencer Toyne.

Cliff and Spencer's first project together involved composing an instrumental entitled ‘Ethnic Jungle' which got airplay on CBC's Brave New Waves. Though Cliff was not jazz-trained, working with Spencer helped him develop his own style as a keyboardist. They formed a duo called Chartreuse, later to become a trio with the addition of a lead female vocalist, the blues/r&b infused Clare O' Callaghan.

Cliff started getting into the martini lounge scene that was popular at the time. In 1996, he formed Red Velvet Swing with lead vocalist Janet Thornton. This was the time when Cliff developed his singing voice with the guidance of opera singer/vocal coach Bremner Duthie. In 1999, Red Velvet Swing evolved into a four piece with the addition of Shaun Lester on bass and Wayne Turone on drums. They released a CD entitled ‘Paramours' in the fall of that same year. In 2001, Red Velvet Swing disbanded after enjoying many successes including winning a semi-final position on VTV's Dreamseekers as well as a featured spot on CBC radio. Within that same year, the group had their songs featured on a compilation CD entitled ‘The Beautiful EP'.

Cliff redefined his sound once again with the addition of electronic beats and a greater sense of intimacy, both lyrically and vocally, working with former Red Velvet Swinger, bassist/producer/engineer Shaun Lester. Cliff is now in the process of recording his first solo CD which is set for release in the summer of 2007.