Artist description The Cliff Knizley Group formed in Gainesville, Florida and consists of members Cliff Knizley, Jimmy Millsaps, and Kevin Wilson. Cliff performs live with the band and solo.

Music Style Acoustic Rock

Musical Influences Beatles, Nick Drake, Stones, Micheal Hedges

Similar Artists Dave Matthews, Led Zeppelin, Van Morrison, Live, Jayhawks

Artist History In theory. The Cliff Kniziey Group began as a studio project. The three principal members; Cliff Kniziey(vocals/guitars), Jimmy Millsaps(drums) and Kevin Wilson(bass/mandolin) got together in July of 1998 with the idea of recording some of Kniziey's original material. Kniziey had released a solo album, PASSING, in February 1998. Pleased with the results coming from his small 8 track studio, he added another 8 tracks and was ready to expand his horizons. However, after spending more than three years performing around Gainesville as a solo act, Kniziey really had no band at his disposal. Enter Kevin Wilson. Bass player extrodinaire Wilson had been a huge fixture on the Gainesville musical scene for nearly eighteen years. Although he had spent a great deal of that time in Nashville doing sessions or playing around the country with numerous road bands, the Ohio native had made Gainesville his home since 1980. His undisputed reputation as a phenomenal bassist, adept in all styles made him no stranger to Cliff Kniziey, a Gainesville native. The two were acquaintances and after a chance meeting at an open mic night, they scheduled a few informal jam sessions at Kniziey's home. After a handful of these sessions, the need for a drummer arose. Wilson suggested his long time friend and frequent band mate Jimmy Millsaps, another mainstay on the Gainesville scene. Although the two had never met, Kniziey had seen and admired Millsaps' playing for many years. Twenty five years of playing experience mixed with studies in percussion at Berklee and composition at the University of Florida had left Millsaps with a unique perspective. His groove oriented approach to his five piece set was highlighted by a genuine feel for dynamics and emotion. His combination of musical chops and artistic savvy made him the perfect fit for Kniziey's eclectic leanings. Introductions were made and after a few lengthy phone conversations, plans were made to begin recording in earnest. Over the course of just a few weeks, what began as a short term recording project quickly evolved into something very special. The first two days of recording were all it took for the trio of musicians to realize that an undeniable musical and personal chemistry existed between them. The extraordinary results of their initial recording dates inspired Kniziey, Millsaps and Wilson to officially form a band and produce a full-length album of material. During the next several months, the three worked in Kniziey's home studio. Emerging in June of 1999 with the 11 songs which had collectively come to be known as LET IT GO. Interspersed with their recording schedule, the group also took advantage of some opportunities to perform live. The most notable of these performances being a Friday night show at the 1998 Alachua Music Harvest. Starting with their reputations as individuals. The Cliff Kniziey Group used the exposure generated by these early shows and a few very welcome doses of positive, local press as a springboard for building a fan base, which continues to grow with each CD sale and each local performance. Gainesville Sun music writer Matt Thompson called LET IT GO, "a great album by a very talented band". Drawing comparisons to Jeff Buckley,Van Morrison and other such eclectic performers. The Cliff Kniziey Group with their emphasis on creativity and musicality, stands poised and ready to carry their music far beyond the reaches of Gainesville, or even Florida for that matter.

Group Members Cliff Knizley, Jimmy Millsaps, and Kevin Wilson

Instruments Taylor Acoustic Guitars, Fender Bass, Frogs Drums

Albums Passing, Let It Go

Press Reviews The evolution of Cliff Knizely When he returned to town in the summer 1992, Cliff Knizley became something of a musical chameleon. The Gainesville-born singer/songwriter had spent some time at the University of West Florida gigging around, later playing in the Doors-ish band Mood Grove and as a solo act. For quite a while, he could be seen on just about any given night in local clubs, playing his folk-tinged originals and the odd Beatles cover. However, all that's changed, and Knizley has settled down somewhat. With the release of his solo debut "Passing" earlier this year, Kniziey has cut out his vagabond ways and is settling into a more professional attitude. "I used to play every day if I could, just to make $10 and the bar tab," Knizley said. "I was writing two or three songs a week and seeing how the people reacted. When I'd worked up about 30 good songs, I just started recording. "Playing in front of people is great because you get your stuff down sharp, but I came to the decision that I wanted people coming out to see me instead of just coming to a club I happen to be at. I want to put out records and make it an event when I play." Knizley plays the Market Street Pub tonight and Durty Nelly's Wednesday. When he's doing his solo thing, Kniziey sounds much like what's on "Passing." His acoustic guitar playing and highly emotional vocals are very influenced by such eclectic performers as Jeff Buckley and Nick Drake, as well as the Beatles. He cites, however, influences from Jimi Hendrix to Willie Nelson to Ministry; basically anyone with good songs. "Especially in the '90s, people want to pigeonhole you as a style," Knizley said. "I want to be pigeonholed as a musician and a songwriter. A lot of people do just jazz and blues, which is cool, but it gets boring doing the,same thing over and over. I want to stretch out." Knizley has of late began to do just that, and even though he's been a one-man operation for the better part of a year, he said he's getting the collaboration bug again. To scratch that particular itch, Knizley has put together a group to explore the more rocking side of his music. The band, which consists of Kevin Wilson on bass and Jimmy Millsaps on drums, debuted last Friday at the Alachua Music Harvest, and Kniziey said he couldn't be happier with his new group. "They're both legends in town and it's a real honor to be playing with them," Knizley said. "I remember seeing these guys play when I was 18, and I'm still getting used to them actually playing with me. Having the band has made me realize that no matter how good you are, a really solid rhythm section just gives you that much more of an edge. - Matt Thompson

Location Gainesville, Florida - USA

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