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The term "supergroup" came into vogue in 1969 when British act Blind Faith formed using Cream, Traffic and Family alumni. The moniker also took a major hit when they broke up the same year. So, let's just say BMZ is made up of four musicians from Northeast Ohio who have their mark regionally in various bands and let it go at that. Fueled by "The 2 Is Silent," their 15 track initial disc release, OhioOnline music correspondent Peanuts recently questioned Fairview Park bassist Jim Bacha on a variety of subjects related to the band.
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| OO: |
What got you interested in playing music? |
| JB: |
"For me, music has always been in the family. When I was 13, the music revolution was in full swing with the British Invasion. It was a great time to grow up. I use to hang out with my older brother. David, who at the time in the house band at Leo's Casino on Euclid Avenue on Cleveland's near east side and later on at LaCave, a venue out by Case Western Reserve University." |
| OO: |
Why bass guitar? |
| JB: |
"My brother brought home a bass from Mario's Music Villa, where he worked as a guitar teacher. I found my calling. By 16, I was doing studio work at WNCR-FM in downtown Cleveland. After graduating Maple Heights High, I moved into a band house with 4 other musicians." |
| OO: |
What national acts have influenced your song writing? |
| JB: |
"Personally, I'd say The Beatles, Humble Pie, Jeff Beck and Cactus. Other group influences would come from The Small Faces, The Rolling Stones, The Who and Deep Purple." |
| OO: |
How would you describe the music on the disc? |
| JB: |
"I would describe BMZ as Melodic Hard Rock, we purposely like to avoid using the term Classic Rock, as it is too stigmatized. Or, retro rock with a Millennium edge" |
| OO: |
What national act would be good to open for? |
| JB: |
"Cheap Trick or Motley Crue" |
| OO: |
How about some background on "The 2 Is Silent"? |
| JB: |
"It is a collection of originals each of us had in the can and wanted to get out. We are currently in the studio working on our next disc, 'What 2",' which is more of a group effort" |
| OO: |
Where was the disc cut? |
| JB: |
"It was a homegrown initiative recorded at Zsigo Studios in North Ridgeville." |
| OO: |
Favorite Ohio Venue? |
| JB: |
"The Cleveland Agora or the Beachland Ballroom, on Cleveland's east side. Our absolute favorite is the now defunct Squeeze Play, on Cleveland's west side, although I understand it is going to reopen in another location this summer." |
| OO: |
And the band name? |
| JB: |
"We started off as a trio, so it was simple using the first letter of the last names: Bacha, Misiak, Zsigo. When Brindier came into the picture, we squared the B, although we don't pronounce it that way. Hence, that's how the disc got its name." |
| OO: |
Long term plans? |
| JB: |
"Open up for the national acts locally here in Cleveland. Headline whenever possible. Possibly a few short touring circuits. It would depend if we could get someone to pick up the disc on a national label"
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| OO: |
Any final thoughts? |
| JB: |
"Growing up in Cleveland music scene has been an absolute blessing over the years. There has been and still are some amazing musicians in town. It is unfortunate as to what happened to the club scene over the years and the lack of places a band can play out these days. It is stifling this town. There was a time when you could go out and see original acts every night of the week at a plethora of nightclubs."
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