Today we’d like to introduce you to Ian Patrick Cler.
Thanks for sharing your story with us. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m a music director, an adjunct professor at PLNU, an arranger, a producer, and guitarist for several bands in the San Diego area including Shay & The Hustle, Durell Anthony, and Eastlake Church. Much of my musical career has been spent in and out of recording studios performing all styles of music-mainly gospel, jazz, funk, and R&B. I moved from Chicago where there are many well-seasoned musicians. I have either done sessions or performed with them, I have been fortunate to learn and perform with some of the most accomplished musicians around the world. That said, I believe there are some of the best musicians here right in the heart of San Diego.
I moved to San Diego from Chicago in 2012 for a job as a music director at Eastlake Church. But, because of my formidable musical session career from Chicago, education, and extensive recording background, sideman gigs and lead guitar positions opened for me in SD and LA. Soon after, I moved to San Diego, I began gigging extensively taking as much work as I could- mainly because I love playing. And, for the past seven years, I have been fortunate enough to gig and work sessions with many of the best musicians in SD including, Bob Magnusson, Kevin Freeby, Bobby Cressey, Tim “Figg” Newton, Whitney Shay, Durell Anthony, Noah Williams, Byron Cage, Myron Butler, Ed Kornhauser, Stephen McKinney, Robert Dove, Curtis Taylor, Lyrical Groove, David Dredden, etc. Thus, many of the best musicians have become my best friends. In addition to working in the SD music scene, I also landed an adjunct teaching position at Point Loma Nazarene University teaching guitar- primarily jazz and classical theory on guitar. Teaching is yet another passion of mine. I have a strong affinity for teaching bebop and straight-ahead jazz to the next generation.
My work as a professional guitarist/musician and producer has afforded me the experience of getting to know San Diego as a place of great musicianship. I believe there is no shortage of great musicians when it comes to SD. It has a long-standing history of producing some of the best musicians in the world. And, for that, I am proud to thrive in such a formidable city. As for me, I have only played a scant part in the cultivating musical history. For a few years, I have been a part of Shay & The Hustle, which includes some of SD’s finest musicians (Whitney Shay, Kevin Freeby, Ross Rizzo, and Tony Econom). I have been musically spoiled throughout the years of playing with them (both collectively and individually). Whitney Shay (San Diego’s Artist of the Year) started the group in hopes of delivering a new sound and vibe on the SD scene. I am proud to be one of the original members. Durell Anthony is yet another voice of San Diego that is constantly in high demand. I have been honored to accompany him on numerous projects and gigs throughout the SD area. He is also a humble person with a professional resume.
As for the rest of my musical career, I will be coming out with an album this year with my own group the Ian Patrick Cler Trio. It features me on guitar, Kevin Freeby on bass, Tony Econom on drums. The album has been inspired by writers such as Wayne Krantz, Oz Noy, Jesse Van Ruller, Charlie Hunter, and Bobby Broom. So, if you know those artist’s sound that will give you a ballpark idea. My original music is a weird amalgamation. I’ve always had a passion for playing guitar trio driven music. My natural playing ad approach caters more to the rhythmic and melodic sense to names I just mentioned above. That said, this album will hopefully add to the musical history made in San Diego- a place where I want to keep on cultivating a name.
Lastly, I have been blessed throughout the years of expressing my guitar shredding and musicianship to my community in Eastlake and San Diego. But, my true passion resides in raising kids (Lorelai and Wally) and loving my wife, Nichole. Being a professional guitarist/musician, a music director, producer, and professor is demanding. That said, I have so much support from my wife. We both love San Diego and never plan on leaving.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I have been fortunate enough to have great friends that have guided me throughout the years of my musical journey here in San Diego. I can say with confidence that most of my musical career has been built around those have been well-seasoned with experience. So, in short, it makes it harder to see things as struggles.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Guitarist, producer, and arranger. It has always been made aware to me that my guitar playing is unique. Yet, I can play many different styles pretty effortlessly because of my influences and past opportunities. I come from playing many styles of music. I have done many sessions that rely on an innovative sound or style. Because of my eclectic set of influences, I believe my playing is somewhat an amalgamation of different sounds taken from most of the greats I grew up listening to. So, in essence, I’ve tried my best to maximize what I have listened to in order to create my own sound.
As an arranger and producer, I have been hired for many sessions to either produce or assist in composing tunes. My jazz education and unique arranging style have to lead me to work with many artists in the San Diego area. I have been fortunate to work for some seasoned musicians.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Early on, in my jazz education, Dr. Shawn Purcell, a professor at the University of Illinois helped me in developing my approach, which really set the course of how I treated music. But, moreover, his personality and love for the instrument gave me the confidence and humility I need to start my musical path. Plus, he was just a badass instructor and super down-to-earth teacher. Later on, as I continued undergrad, I had the opportunity to learn jazz arranging from Scott Hall from Columbia College Chicago. His mentorship and professorship paved a way for me to gain an affinity for big band and small ensemble arranging. Next, my guitar mentor Peter Lerner, a jazz guitarist and instructor from Chicago gave me the tools to hone my skills and craft. He always taught me to treat the guitar with the right attitude. Then, lastly, Kevin Freeby, a professional bassist, and arranger from San Diego have been one of my main influences and friends here in San Diego. He has been such an inspiration both musically and personally. He is such a great composer and innovative bassist in the San Diego area.
Lastly, my wife deserves the most credit. She is my rock and my number one fan, she gives me a lot of confidence to do what I love and to live it out by serving those around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ianpatrickcler.com
- Email: ianpatrickclermusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: ianpatrickcler
Image Credit:
Frank Rodrick, Brenna Kelley
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