About

Cliff Stevens

Cliff Stevens, the blues-rock guitarist of British and Scottish descent based in Montreal, has led a captivating life deeply rooted in music. From an early age, he displayed a profound interest in music, and his exceptional guitar skills quickly gained him popularity among his schoolmates. Inspired by influential guitarists such as Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny Winter, and Rory Gallagher, Stevens embarked on a journey to craft his unique sound and style.

Stevens experienced the highs and lows that many musicians encounter throughout their careers. He spent years performing in various groups, playing concerts of all sizes and settings, from small gigs to massive crowds at the prestigious Montreal International Jazz Festival. However, the demanding lifestyle of constant touring, combined with the temptations of alcohol and drugs, eventually led Stevens to make a courageous decision. He decided to step away from the touring life and pursue a more stable career as a taxi driver, a path he followed for a significant period. During this time of reflection and personal challenges, he found the strength to achieve sobriety in 1998.

Revitalized by his recovery and driven by gratitude, Stevens redirected his focus to his songwriting and embarked on a solo career. Since then, he has graced many stages at esteemed festivals such as the Tremblant International Blues Festival, the Eutin Bluesfest, and the Vienna Blues Spring, captivating audiences across Canada, Europe, Mexico, and Morocco. In 2014, he had the opportunity to tour Europe as the opening act for the legendary rockers, Wishbone Ash, further solidifying his reputation as a remarkable musician.

Throughout his journey, Stevens has released several notable albums, including “Feeling The Blues” (2014), “Grass Won’t Grow” (2016), “Live in Germany” (2017), and the critically acclaimed “Nobody But You” (2019). The latter enjoyed an impressive 58 consecutive weeks on the Roots Music Report (RMR), with a remarkable 20-week run in the Top 10 of the Blues Rock and Canada Top 50 Album charts.

Now, with his fifth solo release, “Better Days,” Cliff Stevens explores new sonic territory, presenting twelve original songs that encompass a range of styles, from energetic blues-rock to heartfelt acoustic country blues. This album reflects a more personal and introspective phase of his life, while still retaining the signature blues-rock edge that his fans adore. “Better Days” soared to the top of the RMR Canada Top 50 Album Chart, with three different songs claiming the number one spot for three consecutive weeks.

In addition to his musical accomplishments, Cliff Stevens has deepened his knowledge by earning a Master’s degree in Music and Education from Concordia University in Montreal. Just like fine wine improves with age, Stevens’ guitar playing, singing, and songwriting have all matured and flourished over the years. With his latest release, he promises that even better days lie ahead for both himself and his listeners.