Clarence’s Page

Clarence Green is a songwriter and the front man for the Downbeat Project. Following his father’s love for jazz Green started learning the trumpet at the age of 12, Studied piano for a few years in High School, and eventually moved to guitar and songwriting at 19. “I always felt like those (instruments) were big pieces to an even larger puzzle for me. Like a lot of teenagers, I went through a lot. Peer pressure and mean kids, but music always left me feeling better about life.” says Green.

Beginning his songwriting amidst the birth of the larger Charlottesville music scene, Clarence recalls, “I remember seeing the Dave Matthews Band, Agents of Good Roots, and G Love & Special Sauce rock Trax all the time. I was mostly into pop music at the time, and it really opened my eyes to what’s possible.”

With James Brown, J.S. Bach, Herbie Hancock, MMW, Bob Marley, De La Soul, and The Police as a list of just a few of his influences, people often have had a hard time describing his music. His blend of pop, hip-hop beats, reggae, rock, and soul continues to fuel his musical expressions. “Good music is good music.  If when you listen it makes you feel something, than it’s undeniable, and that’s what makes the music good.”