Name? Jim Bacha
Birthday? July 11th
Band? BMZ
We spent the first year recording. Year two was spent opening for national acts whenever possible. We have
opened up for the likes of Gilby Clark, Tracii Gunns, Pat Travers, and Donnie Iris to name a few. We have also
headlined some shows along the way. The point being was that it was never our intent or part of the plan to go
out and be just another bar band, but to only play in concert-like venues. We are pretty excited in that we’ve
had some great success in doing just that. It's hard to be a rock star at this age.Billy has since decided to
leave the band back in March to pursue other interests and we made the call to remain a trio. All in all, four
years and two CDs later, we’re having a blast. There is more on all this at www.bmzmusic.com.
Moving back to the states, I worked extensively with 3 other musicians; Jeff Bates, Jeff Beer, and Bruce
Willis for 10 years creating several of Cleveland’s most unique rock bands, Clearlight and Masque, Throw
Money, and Insanity and the Killers. Each band was quite unique in style and approach. I like to call it
“Cleveland madness with swaggering street attitude." The most audaciously inspired moments created an
unearthly roar that made the competition sound positively demure in my book. For sheer brutal force, we were
heavyweight contenders in the Cleveland music scene. The following provides only a snippet of whom, what and
when and falls way short of the tales in between…
Clearlight - Part 1 - 1975
“The active force in energy rock and roll”
Jeff Beer and I had just returned from two years of extensive touring in Canada with my brother David in a
power trio called “Bacha.” Out of work and out of money, it was time to put the band back together. I
decided to look up an old acquaintance, Chris Paglia, whom Jeff Beer and I had met prior to leaving for Canada.
Jeff brought in Andy Mehall on guitar and Chris brought in Mike McCormack on guitar.
Aerosmith, ZZ Top, and Zeppelin were the featured covers with the goal of getting back to writing songs,
recording and going back out on the road. The band was loud, tight and had an enormous amount of attitude,
which made for legendary stage shows. Playing hard-edged guitar oriented cover tunes “Clearlight” started to
make a name for itself playing the local club scene. We dubbed ourselves “The active force in energy rock and
roll.” Although moderately successful, the band wanted to take the stage show to a new level.
Masque – Part 1 - 1976
The idea surfaced that we could bill ourselves as two bands instead of one, “Clearlight” being the opening act,
playing what we had been playing, guitar oriented cover tunes. We could then create a second band made up of
the same members, and explore more of a theatrical venue. “Masque” was born. “Masque” would take the
stage in black and white make up and custom black and white stage outfits. Paglia was center stage dressed as
a mime, creating different personas for each of the songs played. 10-foot circular screens flanked the stage
with rear-projected images, which would correspond with the music accompanied by a very large
pyrotechnic/light show. “Masque” would cover songs by Pink Floyd, Alex Harvey, and Alice Cooper. The idea was
a hit. Bill Terry was later added to the line up on keyboards to expand the sound and material offering.
As with all bands, personal issues ensued. Mehall, McCormack, and Terry left. Jeff Beer returned to Canada
to regroup with my brother David for further adventures in touring, and Paglia and I remained, feeling the
concept was still strong and wanted to continue on.
Clearlight and Masque - Part 2 –1976
"Prepare yourself for a visit from some strangers”
I brought in my old friend Jeff Bates on guitar whom I had played with in multiple bands since I was 16 years
old. Bates brought along keyboardist Bruce Willis. Paglia brought in his cousin Jimmy Brown to play drums. The
new and improved “Clearlight and Masque” was born.“Clearlight” continued as the opening act, playing hard-
edged guitar oriented cover tunes and “Masque” was reborn altogether. The bands new promo became “Prepare
yourself for a visit from some strangers.” Paglia continued with his mime routine, although each song now
featured more dramatic costume and mask changes. The rest of the band each had created their own stage
personas. All of the stage costumes were now chrome but unique to the individual. Chrome make-up used
instead of the previous black and white harlequin look. Glow-in-the-dark eye make-up. Masks were donned for
certain songs. An expanded light show that still included the circular movie screens, but now the stage was
wrapped in traveling marquee lights. Police lights and custom light boxes were dispersed between stage
amplifiers. All of the equipment was painted chrome along with a 20x30 foot backdrop with the Masque logo
that would light up under 12,000 watts of black light and turn into an aurora borealis. Flash pots,
flamethrowers, and other various props were used. Vegas on acid!
Throw Money - 1978
"Huh? Oh!”
A slight change in concept and line up …Jimmy Brown was replaced by Jeff Beer had who had returned from
Canada. Chris Paglia was replaced by Tom Kent, a member of the local band Reign. Bates and Willis remained.
Gone were the loud, guitar oriented cover tunes, the elaborate stage shows and make-up. “Throw Money” was
all about the music. The core group still had a strong following from our “Clearlight and Masque” days, but the
band decided on playing smaller venues and concentrated on writing original material and recording. No cover
tunes were ever played by this band. A 45 record was cut and distributed under the auspicious Huh? Oh!
Records, the bands own label. Everything was original. Seven songs from this band were finally recorded
including “Let Me CTV” and “Honey”, which were distributed locally on a 45 mentioned. Again these songs are
also featured on the bootleg CD mentioned earlier.
Insanity and the Killers – 1979 - 1985
“Too much emotion for anyone”
A slight change in line up … a major change in attitude!Tom Kent left the band and was replaced by Rod Mapes
from the King Crimson oriented band “Nautilus.” Bates, Willis, Beer and I remained as the core unit. A major
twist in approach now consumed this line up. It wasn’t about the commercialized rock and roll dream anymore.
Those dreams had faded. The “business” of music had taken them away. This band was about integrity to
themselves and their fans. It was about truth, honesty, and telling a good story. The following article from a
local magazine sums this band up the best:
“To be Insane is to be neglected, to be "outside the mythos." Perhaps in this sense, the name "Insanity and the
Killers" fits these progressive musicians from Cleveland’s west side. Garnering little recognition, few were
probably aware of these musical lunatics. Trying to overcome obscurity is not easy when you refuse to
compromise. Integrity is expensive. Their music, not quite new wave because the feeling of their concerts
conjures beatniks being cool; but not that dated because their songs are very reflective of today's society, is
somewhere in between. New-niks if you will.
Born from previous local bands Clearlight and Masque, and then Throw Money, the Killers as they are
affectionately known are Pinch de Mag Wad, apocalyptic bass, body effects, and vocals; Vasil Zook on
keyboards and Jesus; Turk Morrel, saxophone, synthesizer, and lead vocals; Peter Smee on drums and granny
glasses; and their leader Insanity, guitar and lead vocals.
Noted for their on stage energy and use of props, the Killers have created an original, humorous brand of music
much like what the Tubes and Frank Zappa have done. Their musical commentary includes such social phenomena
as sniffing tuleo, "Playpen Eyes," watching television, "Let me CTV," and modern love, "Do You Swallow It?” and
“Microwave, Suicide." Their humor is often satirical. They know how to tell a joke.
The Killers "dead set" must be seen to be appreciated. Members of the audience don masks and dildos and play
dead to songs like "Dead Men with Hard Ons," Necrophilia fever. A crowd favorite is "Slash Scrotum" which is
about a bellboy in a gay hotel who always wanted to be a surgeon. If you like to laugh and be musically
stimulated then I highly recommend them.” Jim Onysko, Scene Magazine
I left the band to pursue personal interests in 1983, and was replaced by Bob Baxter on bass. Jeff Beer left
for Arizona within that same year and was replace by Mark Helm on drums. The name was shortened to just
the Killers. In 1985 the band hit the wall and everyone went their separate ways.
The Motion – 1984-1986
My last attempt at playing the local scene was with a Metal Motown band called “The Motion,” a power trio
with a female lead vocalist. The concept took off but it became too hectic to now raise a family, build a career
and do what was required to stay in the music scene in Cleveland at that time. The band went on and
reformatted itself to be a premier true Motown band for many years here in the city although lost all
connection to its roots.I retired in 1986 until I met Jerry Zsigo in a bar 4 years ago. After the usual name
dropping, mutual acquaintances, band stories, shots and beers the discussion moved to a mutual need that both
of us seemed to have … oh sorry… I told that story already : )
Instruments you play? Bass Guitar. That’s it.
Talk about your gear, favorite instruments, why you like or use certain things. I recently bought a Line
6 Variax 705, 5 string modeling bass. It’s very cool. It’s loaded with 24 digitally modeled bass guitars. I use to
own many of them over the years…. Not that I’m that old but …. It sounds just like them and in many cases
plays better than the original (neck and feel wise). I also have a Fender Jazz Bass 5 string with custom
electronics and a 1984 Fender precision.
Amp wise I use an Ampeg SVT 350 with a 6X10 cabinet which I have yet to blow up. (that too is another story)
… I have this bad and “unfounded” reputation for destroying amplifiers and breaking borrowed basses…. It’s
not true … really I can explain… most of them …
Now I use to use a host of pedals and effects for most of my playing career. Actually I had a reputation as
such. Most of it was things that you would use on a standard guitar. I used them on Bass. Playing in power trios
for many years I found that they added depth to what was going on musically.
When I joined BMZ I sold them all as I wanted to get back to “bass-ics.. I just wanted to be a better bass
player. I felt that I relied on them almost too much. Now with the Variax I feel comfortable to go back and
start using them again. I have the Line 6 Bass POD XT Live which again is a modeling unit that has something
like 85 effects loaded into it.
I’m still going through the phone book of instructions trying to figure out how to turn it on. My how things have
changed….
Age you started playing? 13
Favorite venue to play? The Winchester.
Who would you like to perform with? Hendrix. (Sorry… you didn’t ask when.)
Music or artist you really like to listen to? 1) Hendrix. I’m a huge fan. 2) Any band that has Tim Bogert and
Carmine Appice playing in them. They are in my opinion the best rhythm section in rock and roll. That would
consist of Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, BBA (Beck, Bogert and Appice), DBA (Derringer, Bogert and Appice), and CBA
(Char, Bogert and Appice).
New music or artist you like? “Mute Math.” They are from New Orleans. I saw them perform at this year’s
Warp Tour and was totally blown away. Not only were they musically proficient but one of the best stage
shows I’ve seen from a new young band in years.
Five CDs you can’t live without? Hendrix – Are you Experienced”; Hendrix – “Electric Ladyland”; Vanilla
Fudge – “Near the Beginning”; Vanilla Fudge – the return; Cactus – “Barely Contained/The Studio Sessions”,
Not sure if you see a pattern here yet??....
Favorite movies? Boondock Saints, Clockwork Orange, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail are my top 3
favorites. After that is “The Matrix” trilogy.
Favorite television shows? There aren’t too many shows out there that I follow. Six Feet Under on HBO was
my favorite. I hated to see it go away. It was well done. If I watch anything religiously it’s “The Daily Show
with Jon Stewart.”
Your last meal on earth? Pork and Dumplings with Sweet and Sour Cabbage, followed by a shot of Jack
Daniels and a Stroh’s Beer for desert. I’m just a good old-fashioned Bohemian boy.
Do you collect anything? CD’s that have either Tim Bogert or Carmine Appice playing on them. I have a lot of
bootleg stuff that I paid way too much money for… but had to have.
Book that everyone should read? “Mutant Message Down Under” by Marlo Morgan.
Who are your heroes? My brother David. He never sold out.
What’s in your CD player right now? Cactus V. It was released this past month. It’s the first CD put out
by the band in 30 years. It’s hot.
First cut on your dream mix CD? Voodoo Child (slight return) - Hendrix
Day job? Director of Distribution for Herman Miller, Inc. I am responsible for half the US and all of Canada.
Simply put, I’m a business consultant for the company.
I finished the song and the set. Needless to say it was not good. I had second degree burns on my hand. Luckily
our roadie was a medic in 'Nam and still had his medic kit with him. He sliced the blisters off my hand with a
scalpel while I was pouring Jack Daniels over it so I could go out and make the encore.
I don’t do that any more.
Most unusual request while playing out? Do you guys know any Blood Sweet and Tears? Mmmmm lets see
now… we’re a power trio wearing make up …. And you’re asking us to play what???
Most tiresome request while playing out? “Turn down, you’re too loud!”
If you went to hell, what song would be played over and over? “Feelings.” That or anything by Barry
Manilow, like “At the Copa Cabana” ….auuurghhh!!
People who don’t know me well wouldn’t know that I……? Unfortunately I’m an open book.
Email address? bmz@bmzmusic.com
| Welcome to Spotlight! .....the opportunity for local musicians to be placed front and center. Enjoy the show! |
The sixth installment of Spotlight features legendary Jim Bacha, the driven hard-rocking
bass player currently in the band BMZ. Jim extended an invitation to a recent BMZ gig at
The Winchester, which was an incredible and unforgettable show. Jerry, Mike and Jim reveal
a stunning level of passion and intensity for their music which is unsurpassed. What a great
group of guys! Once I started talking to Jim about his music, I could see the stories waiting
to be told. He certainly did not disappoint in this interview. Be sure to catch BMZ at their
next gig!
bass player currently in the band BMZ. Jim extended an invitation to a recent BMZ gig at
The Winchester, which was an incredible and unforgettable show. Jerry, Mike and Jim reveal
a stunning level of passion and intensity for their music which is unsurpassed. What a great
group of guys! Once I started talking to Jim about his music, I could see the stories waiting
to be told. He certainly did not disappoint in this interview. Be sure to catch BMZ at their
next gig!
How did you end up in your current band? I met Jerry
Zsigo in a bar about 4 years ago. After the usual name
dropping, mutual acquaintances, band stories, shots and
beers the discussion moved to a mutual need that both of us
seemed to have. We had both written songs we wanted to
record but neither had a vehicle to record them with.
Numbers were exchanged and dates were set to get
together and lay down some tracks to fill the void. Zsigo
called on Mike Misiak, a drummer whom he had worked with
on and off over the years to sit in on the sessions. Things
seemed to gel quite well for the three of us and a “music co-
op” was formed so each musician could get their ideas out
and recorded. Although the idea was just to record each
musician’s songs, the music started to take on a life of its
own. Enter Billy Brindier.
Zsigo invited Brindier over to share some of the material
that had been recorded, and the idea about this music co-op
that was slowly becoming a band. Right time, right place,
right people, Brindier joins the band and BMZ is an official
all-original rock and roll band.
Zsigo in a bar about 4 years ago. After the usual name
dropping, mutual acquaintances, band stories, shots and
beers the discussion moved to a mutual need that both of us
seemed to have. We had both written songs we wanted to
record but neither had a vehicle to record them with.
Numbers were exchanged and dates were set to get
together and lay down some tracks to fill the void. Zsigo
called on Mike Misiak, a drummer whom he had worked with
on and off over the years to sit in on the sessions. Things
seemed to gel quite well for the three of us and a “music co-
op” was formed so each musician could get their ideas out
and recorded. Although the idea was just to record each
musician’s songs, the music started to take on a life of its
own. Enter Billy Brindier.
Zsigo invited Brindier over to share some of the material
that had been recorded, and the idea about this music co-op
that was slowly becoming a band. Right time, right place,
right people, Brindier joins the band and BMZ is an official
all-original rock and roll band.
Other bands you have been in? Once upon a time …… The early years
were the typical garage bands, but by age 16 I was doing studio work at
WNCR. At 17, I graduated high school and moved into a “band house”
with four other local musicians to find fame and fortune in rock and roll.
It was shortly thereafter that I received a phone call from my brother
(who lived in Toronto, Canada) that his bass player had just quit and he
needed someone to sit in that night. I caught the next plane out and
stayed for two years. The band became the Canadian phenom power
trio “Bacha”. The road stories from this band have all the makings of a
good book someday so I’ll wait to tell that story and fast forward……….
were the typical garage bands, but by age 16 I was doing studio work at
WNCR. At 17, I graduated high school and moved into a “band house”
with four other local musicians to find fame and fortune in rock and roll.
It was shortly thereafter that I received a phone call from my brother
(who lived in Toronto, Canada) that his bass player had just quit and he
needed someone to sit in that night. I caught the next plane out and
stayed for two years. The band became the Canadian phenom power
trio “Bacha”. The road stories from this band have all the makings of a
good book someday so I’ll wait to tell that story and fast forward……….
The band was bigger, louder, tighter, and had more
attitude than ever before. Shows were compared
to that of the Tubes, Kiss, and Genesis. This line up
finally went into the studio and recorded six original
songs used exclusively in the “Masque” stage show,
which are featured on a CD that although not for
sale anywhere, has quite an underground cult
following.
attitude than ever before. Shows were compared
to that of the Tubes, Kiss, and Genesis. This line up
finally went into the studio and recorded six original
songs used exclusively in the “Masque” stage show,
which are featured on a CD that although not for
sale anywhere, has quite an underground cult
following.
Influences? First and foremost my brother David had a
major impact on me. He is an incredible singer, songwriter,
player, musician, performer. Next is Tim Bogert from
Vanilla Fudge, the first “lead” bass player. This is before
Entwistle, Squire, Clark or Jaco. He forged the way for bass
guitar in similar fashion the way Hendrix changed the way
everyone approached a six-string guitar. Billy Sheehan as
well as many others all credit Bogert as setting the
touchstone for rock and roll bass guitarists.
Favorite local artist? I’m pretty old school here. To the
left I like Glass Harp, to the right I like the James Gang. I
saw them both many times at high school sock hops before
anyone knew who they were.
major impact on me. He is an incredible singer, songwriter,
player, musician, performer. Next is Tim Bogert from
Vanilla Fudge, the first “lead” bass player. This is before
Entwistle, Squire, Clark or Jaco. He forged the way for bass
guitar in similar fashion the way Hendrix changed the way
everyone approached a six-string guitar. Billy Sheehan as
well as many others all credit Bogert as setting the
touchstone for rock and roll bass guitarists.
Favorite local artist? I’m pretty old school here. To the
left I like Glass Harp, to the right I like the James Gang. I
saw them both many times at high school sock hops before
anyone knew who they were.
Most embarrassing thing in your CD collection?
You had me here as my collection is quite specific
and eclectic... I had to look … I found the “The
Lion King” soundtrack … not really sure how that
got there. It surprised me the hell out of me.
What the hell was that doing in there? Sorry.. I’
m embarrassed!
You had me here as my collection is quite specific
and eclectic... I had to look … I found the “The
Lion King” soundtrack … not really sure how that
got there. It surprised me the hell out of me.
What the hell was that doing in there? Sorry.. I’
m embarrassed!
Relate a funny or outrageous story from a gig. I set myself on fire
during a bass solo. I was playing a club in NY. During my bass solo I
would occasionally throw lighter fluid on my bass and burn it while I was
playing it… well I had this cool little half hand glove that I use to wear
from time to time which had tassels on it.
To make a long story short some lighter fluid got on the glove. Now this
was not a slip-on glove… the glove had 4 tiny little hasp’s that someone
else usually had to hook up for me to hold it on … SO I’m on stage... the
crowd is loving it and thinks this is all very cool, my bass is burning …
my hand is burning .. I’m swinging my arm around, doing my Pete
Townshend imitation trying to put the glove out and make it look like all
this was supposed to happen. Finally the glove burned down to the point
where it fell off.
during a bass solo. I was playing a club in NY. During my bass solo I
would occasionally throw lighter fluid on my bass and burn it while I was
playing it… well I had this cool little half hand glove that I use to wear
from time to time which had tassels on it.
To make a long story short some lighter fluid got on the glove. Now this
was not a slip-on glove… the glove had 4 tiny little hasp’s that someone
else usually had to hook up for me to hold it on … SO I’m on stage... the
crowd is loving it and thinks this is all very cool, my bass is burning …
my hand is burning .. I’m swinging my arm around, doing my Pete
Townshend imitation trying to put the glove out and make it look like all
this was supposed to happen. Finally the glove burned down to the point
where it fell off.
