Bob Clarke – A Shipwright by Trade – was a superb Jazz Violinist who has rubbed shoulders with such Jazz Legends as Joe Venuti & Stephane Grappelli. His professional career began back in the early-1950s when he began playing the Legendary Soho Clubs, including The Cottage where Grappelli came to listen to him. 

Following a Festival in Moscow in 1957, Bob joined a Trio that toured literally World-wide, taking in Tokyo, Las Vegas, New York & Beirut as well as Venues all over Europe. Paris, he recollects, was always his favourite.  

Bob played with the Tony Oreshko Trio for the 1st time at the 2006 Keswick Jazz Festival, and brought the house down with his fantastic playing!

Bob’s Professional career began in the early-1950′s when he was often to be found playing in the Soho Clubs of that era.  It was an environment that he enjoyed working in & eventually Bob went on to play in some of the iconic Soho Jazz Venues such as the Mandrake Club & Ronnie Scotts – at its original Gerard Street location. On one such gig, Stephane Grappelli happened to be in the Audience. They met & became friends, often Dining together & no doubt discussing Gypsy Jazz at some length.

In the late-50s he went to play in Moscow with the Denny Wright Trio & then went on to Tour the World. 

Eventually, Bob settled in Paris playing at many of the Top Venues including 10 years at the Crazy Horse.  During his travels, he associated with many legends and enjoyed a number of musical collaborations.  

On a trip to Las Vegas met both Duke Ellington & Nat King Cole. Bob also played on a number of occasions with Diz Disley and introduced Diz to Stephane Grappelli who in later years would work together.  

By 1977 Bob had now formed the Bob Clarke Ensemble and returned to England from Paris.  The Gigs quickly followed with a Season’s Contract at the Victoria Palace. Then in Silver Jubilee Week, they played the opening Act at the London Palladium. Nowadays, Bob still ventures down to London to play and during the summer months was often be found at the Keswick Jazz Festival where he played to a loyal and appreciative audience.

He Returned to Dundee in 1985 to play and tour with Havana Swing.