"It's interesting to see how the listener reacts to the music and how much they love the music in other parts of the world. It seems to be a universal music that moves people everywhere."

John Clifton: Coast to Coast Blues

As a co-founder (w/ brother Bill Clifton) of Fresno's The MoFo Party Band, John Clifton has solidified himself as one of Central California's most in demand Blues front men since he started in the late '80's. His from the gut vocal and harmonica presence and high energy performances have captivated audiences worldwide. In 2016, The John Clifton Blues Band performed on the Doheny Blues Festival, with Edgar Winter and Lynyrd Skynyrd headlining. With style and prowess on the level of Kim Wilson and Rod Piazza, John has always kept it real with his own voice and identity and never set out to be a copy of any of his musical heroes. As a showman he delivers straight from the heart, soul, and gut, staying clear of the typical clichés and novelties. He also keeps things fresh and exciting by effortlessly infusing styles from West Coast to Chicago Blues, classic R&B and Soul, to some hard driving vintage Rock'n'Roll. Formerly Clifton mixed selected covers with originals. On his new 4th full length release “Too Much To Pay” (2024) Clifton gives us ten new originals, three co-written with Roger Perry. Clifton, vocals, harmonica and acoustic guitar is joined by the Poish R&B boogie band The Boogie Boys. The album was recorded in Warsaw Poland and mixed at Wolfsound Audio in Fresno, California. In fact every track is a gem, an album with high voltage tapestry of style and sound.                                       (Bill Clifton / Photo by Rick Horowitz)

John's reputation and performances have earned him the respect of many of the greats as he has been invited on stage with the likes of James Cotton, Rod Piazza, Tommy Castro, John Mayall, Huey Lewis, Willie Big Eyes Smith, Luther Tucker, Kim Wilson, Billy Boy Arnold, James Harman, and Rusty Zinn. He was also given the honor of opening for BB King, winning the Modesto Area Music Awards, and receiving the "Declaration of Appreciation" from the State of California for his contribution to the arts. In addition, John was asked to tour and record as the featured harmonica player with Big Bill Morganfield, on release "Blood Stains On The Wall". John captured the attention of Scott Abeyta, owner of Rip Cat Records, and was added to a roster that included The Blasters, the 44's, and Kid Ramos among many other great names. He released his first solo album "Let Yourself Go" in 2015. In 2018 and 2019 brings two CDs on Rip Cat Records "Nightlife", and "In The Middle Of Nowhere". John Clifton, one of those rare musicians that has dedicated himself to the Blues and has found continued success and relevance by remaining dedicated, excited, hardworking, and focused.

Interview by Michael Limnios

What do you learn about yourself from the Blues people and culture? What does the blues mean to you?

I think musically I've really learned to let out what is going on inside my head, and to have my own voice allow my influence to flow freely without being a carbon copy and still staying true to the form of the blues. I also believe its important to treat everyone with respect, especially fellow musicians no matter what level of expertise they are at. My stage is always open to friends and fellow musicians to come up and do their thing. To me that's what a musicians community is all about. Every show should be like a community event even if there's a beginning player than would like to try his or her hand at the stage I'm open to letting them try especially in a small club setting. I don't think there is enough of that kind of thing going on. Without this kind of thing cliques develop and that not good for anyone.

What were the reasons that you started the Blues researches? How do you describe your songbook and sound?

When I was 6, I saw an old film of Leadbelly from the 50's It stuck with me. I was never really into the same thing the other young people I knew were into. I always liked Oldies like Fats Domino and Elvis, Soul and R&B, and Country Western. I was an avid record cover reader that's how I would discover new artists. I read song writing credits to Juke on a Charlie Musselwhite record when I was 15 That lead me to discovering Little Walter then a whole bunch of things were exposed to me. My songbook is primarily Chicago Blues at the core, but I'm influenced by lots of stuff and I incorporate it all I'm also not afraid to let the influences of some of the later day blues artists come out in what I do as well. My sound is just "My sound" I can't really pin point what it is and I'm comfortable with that.

"I think just the sound got me turned on. The seamless moaning bending of notes and the rhythmic ability of the instrument. It really is a deep instrument. The secret is the harmonica is the instrument of life. Its the only instrument that you inhale and exhale to make sound just like breathing... It's living, so your true soul comes out of it when you play." (Photo: Bill Clifton)

Why do you think that Californian Blues Scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

California is a melting pot of many cultures and with that comes many musical styles. The blues of most notably Chicago and Texas along with styles from all over the country were blended together to create a real hybrid blues style that is both fun and energetic. I think since there is so many elements to it appeals to a large group of the populous.

You’ve one more release with a Polish band. How did that relationship come about?

I first met the Boogie Boys when Pianist Bartek Szopinski was a Tour Manager on my first tour in Europe. We’ve been friends ever since. We have worked together on a lot of recording projects and performed live many times. It just made since to use them on this record.

Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album “Too Much To Pay” (2024)?

The only interesting thing I can think of now is one of the songs from the album “It wouldn’t stop Raining” came to me in my sleep on 2 separate occasions while I was writing it. I deemed hearing sand singing the melody and some of the words, I drew a blank and had trouble finishing the song and needed more lyrics to finish it, on a separate night I dreamed singing the part of the song that was not finished and the lyrics I dreamed were perfect!

What moment changed your music life the most? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?

I don’t think there was one moment, but the most important awakening I had was finding my own voice tone and style and being comfortable with it. Knowing your own voice and style is one of the key factors in growing as an artist. I believe you need both Soul and Technic and as much of both you let into your toolbox the better you will be... Some of us have more of one or the other, but without both you’re either style as an artist or a clown.

"California is a melting pot of many cultures and with that comes many musical styles. The blues of most notably Chicago and Texas along with styles from all over the country were blended together to create a real hybrid blues style that is both fun and energetic. I think since there is so many elements to it appeals to a large group of the populous." (Photo: Bill Clifton)

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Again, finding your own voice and tone. To me it’s the most important thing you can do, I also think working hard, as hard and as smart as you can on all aspects of the craft. Whether it be the Business, promotion, or the music, you have to work hard at it in order to stay on an upward trend.

How do you prepare for your recordings and performances to help you maintain both spiritual and musical stamina? 

I think I just do it, I do warm my vocals up with exercise and try to take care of myself... but other than that, there is no mystery to it.

Which acquaintances have been the most important experiences? What was the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Playing Luther Tucker were probably the most profound musical experiences ever! He was the guitarist on all the records I loved. He was cool to me always and one of the greatest musicians I've ever known. Some guys Like Rod Piazza, Big Bill Morganfield, James Harman and Mark Hummel are guys who I am in contact regularly with and have done lots of projects together. They are real friends to me. the best advice I got was from Rod Piazza it was "Keep doing what you are doing" It took me awhile to figure out what he meant exactly, I wanted more quick fix technical answers, but once I figured out what he meant it was the greatest advice anyone has ever given me.

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

I used to sit in with a Piano Player named Dave Alexander AKA Omar "The Magnificent" Shariff. He held a Jam session at various clubs in Fresno CA where I'm from. He was the first real world class blues musician I played with. He was the best piano player I've ever seen. I knew everyone and introduced me to Albert King back stage at a show. he was the real deal... there were times he'd go off on a musical tangent it would be like he was in a trance and he's masterfully blend Chopin with Charles Brown, Ray Charles, Lloyd Glenn, Art Tatum and Albert Amonds all together it an amazing boogie woogie tinged jam... I've never seen anything like it to this day. He's a true nearly forgotten master of the blues.

What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I miss going to Festivals and seeing acts like Little Milton, Ruth Brown, Clarence Garlow and James Cotton all on the same bill. I hope people continue to make good music and I hope listeners find value in it and continue to understand the history of all music.

"My songbook is primarily Chicago Blues at the core, but I'm influenced by lots of stuff and I incorporate it all I'm also not afraid to let the influences of some of the later day blues artists come out in what I do as well." (Photo: John Clifton & James Cotton)

If you could change one thing in the musical world and it would become a reality, what would that be?

Ownership, people are too quick to not want to own media... Streaming audio is really hard on the blue-collar musician. I hope people turn their thinking around and continue to buy CDs and records, and books too. When people own a record or CD, they tend to have a more endearing connection to the music, they put value on it... plus no one can take it away from you.

What touched (emotionally) you from the sound of harmonica? What are the secrets of?

I think just the sound got me turned on. The seamless moaning bending of notes and the rhythmic ability of the instrument. It really is a deep instrument. The secret is the harmonica is the instrument of life. Its the only instrument that you inhale and exhale to make sound just like breathing... It's living, so your true soul comes out of it when you play.

Do you think there is an audience for roots music in its current state? or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans?

I think there always will be an audience for roots music of all kinds. There are some great young artists coming up that are no less than phenomenal, perhaps even better than a couple generations before them. The Young cats have a deeper understanding for the music and the future looks bright, at least that’s how I see it.

How has the Blues influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

It's interesting to see how the listener reacts to the music and how much they love the music in other parts of the world. It seems to be a universal music that moves people everywhere.

What is the impact of Blues music and culture to the racial, political, and socio-cultural implications?                                  (Photo: Bill Clifton)

I'm not sure how to answer this. First and foremost, blues is music that requires a certain taste. Aside the scene and society aspect it is still just a music genre it’s Important for the art to remember this. Plus, that's a lot of pressure for a music genre. Music in general can-do great things... I will say I think as long as people just tolerate each other we will never take a step forward the word tolerance needs to be replaced with love and acceptance.

Most blues fans and very cool, and accepting and open people, unfortunately I still run into a few people who claim to be blues enthusiast that are still following racists beliefs, but with that being said perhaps blues music can educate people to embrace diversity. I think it does do that to a point and if it changes at least one person’s views then that's a beautiful thing.

John Clifton - Home