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Clifford “Buck” England was born in Morton, WA on October 10, 1942. As a small boy sitting at the piano with his father, he was taught a simple “ditty.” Asked if he liked the piano, Buck answered, “Yes” and so his father bought a new piano and hired a teacher. His first music lessons were with a local piano teacher, Quevy Thomas, begun at the age of five. Growing up, he was exposed to all kinds of music, but found himself more interested in blues, R&B, and jazz than most of the "pop" and rock of the time.
His earliest "public" performances were on Sunday's at grandma’s (with cousin Joe Johansen, another NW icon) and then for the local PTA with his sisters. Buck England started playing piano professionally in his early teens. His first band gig was with local teen sensations, Clayton Watson & the Silhouettes, who backed up famous bands on tour in Southwest Washington and Oregon including Jerry Lee Louis & Buddy Knox. He next went ‘amplified’ and then bought a Wurlitzer electric piano to “get that sound.”
He toured and recorded with numerous local bands and appeared with Jimmy Bowen, Buddy Knox, The Fleetwoods, and many others. While attending college he discovered the "Mighty Hammond" and from there went on to appear with Sly Stone, Janis Joplin and many others at concerts and festivals in the San Francisco- Berkeley area while working steadily on North Beach and back in Seattle at clubs and taverns.
Buck was first captivated by what would become his life's passion, the Hammond B-3 organ when a friend gave him a Jimmy Smith album. Shortly after, he heard Dave Lewis in Seattle and became one of Dave’s full time subs at the console. When Jimmy McGriff played to a packed house at Seattle’s famous Black & Tan Club, Jimmy let Buck watch the performance standing next to a Leslie speaker. It changed his sense of sound forever. His earliest B-3 influences include Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Jack McDuff, Richard Holmes, Hank Marr, and of course, the local great, Dave Lewis. In 1963 he purchased his first Hammond, then traded up to his first B-3 in 1964 and never looked back
The arrival of disco on the music scene was a factor in his decision to take a sabbatical for a time during the 70s. But the desire to make music plagued him and he finally began recording again and appearing with and opening for the likes of Jr. Wells, James Cotton, Kim Wilson, Dr. John, Soloman Burke, Winona, Otis Clay, Ike Turner, and the greats -- Willie Nelson and Ray Charles.
Today, Buck wants us to know the purity of sound his instrument is famous for and it is his calling to show why the B3 holds such a unique place in music history. He currently plays with ButterBean, Buckshot, Hat Trick, and is the regular backup keyboardist for The Blues Power Revue featuring the New Blues Brothers. He is frequently tapped to gig at local area jams and band reunions, as well as to play at numerous NW clubs & festival shows. He recorded with Dean Reichert on his solo album, "Misty's Joint." A memorable performance for Buck was ButterBean's opening performance at Joey DeFrancesco's recent visit to Tacoma. In his 40+ year musical career, he has become known as one of the pioneers of the NORTHWEST SOUND. For his passion, dedication, talent and hard work, plus a deep love of music, Buck has garnered many awards and honors.
Buck's Gear: 1959 (??) Hammond B-3 console with a Trek II preamp and reverb, a custom direct out and low pass filter. 1964 Hammond B-3 Console--stock and thoroughly maintained with reverb. Leslie speakers A 122,a 122rv, a 251 and a Franken Leslie - 2 at a time. Loads and unloads with industrial casters fastened to the Leslies which are removed for performance when possible. R.O.K's and custom covers on both Hammonds and 2 Leslies. Tri-fold modified wheelchair ramp bolted inside the side door of a full size Chevy Van. Webness: jazzina@comcast.net Copyright 2006 Butterbean. All rights reserved. |
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