Part of the thrill of being a journalist is finding yourself in exceptional situations. On January 23rd, 2002, I found myself climbing the crowded Café Campus stairs to interview Cliff Gelfand, Jimmy James' sideman, during their show to kick off the 10th edition of the en Blues series.
From the first electric chord, it was pure magic. If Jimmy James is "a musical chemist*," then, Cliff Gelfand is definitely a wizard! It isn't just that his Russian-Austrian name is similar to Gandalf, good wizard in The Lord of the Rings, but that his mastery over the bass allows him to take it, and thankfully us, along for a thrilling ride deep into uncharted musical territory.
Cliff, cradling a beautiful long-necked ebony-black bass, enchanted a full to brimming house of Blues fans with his charismatic smile and comfortable style of performing. For me, his magic was poured into three outstanding numbers, the James Brown song, Payback, a Tony J. White song, Polk Salad Annie, and the Jimmy James original, Thank You.
During our backstage interview, Cliff beams appreciatively, "The bass is often overlooked." But praise and passion for bass playing quickly replaces his humility.
A Montréal-native, Cliff, 47, was exposed to music at a young age. His father, a professional musician, played in local Big Bands "doing lots of neat swing stuff" during the 40's and 50's and an older brother played rock in some "basement" bands. Cliff noted, "I remember being near the stage (of my father's band) and hearing the sounds of the tuba. The lower chords always fascinated me."
Cliff is known for his special style of "popping" on bass solos. The story goes back to 1979. At least 10 years afer picking up the bass, he saw a video with musicians ‘hand-slapping' their way through some Samba music. Intrigued by the sound it created, he began adapting the technique as he toured and played his way around the U.S. He also studied for a year, 1972, at Berklee before returning to play the Québec band circuit.
Cliff acknowledges Jaco Pastorious, outstanding U.S. bass player, as "having a huge influence on me." Jaco, who passed away in 1986, recorded the memorable album, Heavy Weather with his band, Weather Report.
A powerful duo, Cliff and Jimmy interpret, communicate and compliment each other with incredible finesse, each letting the other slide and travel, then return in time for a smooth finish of every number. When I asked for the set list, what I witnessed was confirmed. Cliff explained, "I can't help you there. Jimmy makes it up as he goes." He added, "We make up the songs on the spot. Most of what we play is ‘jammed' out. We only know the beginnings and endings, we have no idea what is in the middle. That's what makes the gig a lot of fun!"
Even when they took each other on for a round or two of guitar duelling, the harmony and respect between them could be felt in their music. Together for more than seven years, sideman, lead...these terms don't apply to this band. Cliff plays bass on both recordings released by James, Calling on Love (1999) and Blue Moon Rising (2001). A third CD is underway for release this year.
Besides the James' gigs, Cliff records studio work for various local bands. Taking a peak into his crystal ball, he saw "continuing with Jimmy, and maybe in the future, some tours in Europe and the States." Magic, pure magic.
* ZEB NEWS from Montréal - January 22nd, 2002
Copyright © Barbara Lavoie, 2002