Bamff

Bamff was and is the musical creation of Danice McLeod, one of the original U-J3RK5, "the seminal Vancouver artrock band, including Ian Wallace, Rodney Graham and Jeff Wall.

I have not listened to Bamff for some time. One of my favourite U-J3RK5 songs was "Marnie" about the Hitchcock movie. Marnie. Marnie. MARNIE. Cue the psycho violins. Like the movie, I mean. Shower scene. You know. There was always a Tippie Hedron vibe to Bamff but warmer, sexier. coy and kittenish. The sly smile as she named a song Little Bush ( for her cat).

Bamff was also notable for Scott Harding's contribution as main partner from 1983 through 1988. Bamff was also the start of his recording career. Scott got his initial studio engineer training with Ron Obvious at Bamff's studio, Crevice Tool Clean Sound while "Come Outside" was being recorded and mixed and assisted with the 2nd album under Greg and Glen Reely, John Switzer and other engineers/producers. Scott also played on the 2nd. and UNRELEASED Bamff album,"Frankly I Deserve Nine Socks".

Danice is one of those Vancouver icons that deserve more ink than they received, not only for her music, but for her contribution to the start of Scott's career. He was in both videos "Crevice Tool" and "50 Miles" from that album, and both were on REGULAR rotation at Much Music in 1987. He was credited for co-writing the songs “Crevice Tool” and “Pony Hips” and full credit for his instrumental “Endless Discretion” all on Bamff’s 1st album “Come Outside”, released on Mo Da Mu in 1987.

I remember when she asked me whether I would mind if she covered a Rhythm Mission song I had written, Words Fail Me. I barely remember the song, but maybe I'll find a copy of it somewhere. Now it's my memory that fails me, not just the words. One thing I will never forget is going out to dinner with Danice, and I forget what triggered it, but Danice offered to buy a round of Spanish coffees for the table. It was a perfect gesture of kindness. I could use one now.