Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leo.goff
Musician Profile
How long have you been playing?
In the beginning ...I was always fascinated by the upright Bass players I had the opportunity to see performing live at an early age. I had an uncle who carried me to a lot of the open music venues during the early to mid-fifties in Memphis when I was a very young child, and that probably planted the seed of music in me.
I knew I wanted to play the Bass... and I got my first Bass, at age 12. It was a Kay hollow body electric, in the winter of 1962. I talked my Mom into it; along with a Mel Bay "Learn how to play the Bass" book. After about three enthusiastic months of studying the book and practice, I was able to pound out a few simple songs. I had not received any formal lessons, (which I probably should have done) but studied some books on Bass, and listened to a lot records.
I listened to just about every type of popular music that was readily available, but really liked a lot of the Blues coming out of Chicago's Chess Records, along with the R&B and Blues coming out of Detroit, and out of my home town, Memphis, along with the Memphis Rock & Roll.
Of course, we all were impressed by The Beatles, and the other British acts popping up so strong on the scene throughout the mid-sixties. But.... I have to say the groove of the Blues and R&B was, and continues to be, my greatest influence. I wasn't old enough to get to many places where live music was being played on my own, but by the time I was 15, I was playing with a group, and other groups in the Memphis area were forming, and places to perform were springing up all over town.
This gave me the opportunity to hear other bassists, many of whom were much more experienced than I was at that time. This was an exciting time for me....as I could watch, and hear, what was being played. Most of the older players were friendly and helpful, and would show me things and answer questions when I had the chance to speak with them. Often, if I would hang out at the music store long enough, I was able to learn a lot by just listening and watching the more experienced players who came to the stores to check out the latest equipment, and just hang out. As things progressed, I continued to play with more groups, and I’ve been gigging in the Memphis area since 1963.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
I’m not sure exactly the first time I experienced live music, but I remember as a young child being impressed by some of the concerts at the Overton Park Shell, and in our neighborhood movie theatre, The Roxie, in the early to mid-Fifties. My Uncle would grab me up, and he would take me along to the Shell to many of the concerts they would have. I didn't really know who I was seeing, or what I was hearing at the time, but it was always an exciting time for me. The sight of the musicians, and singers, performing on the stage, was a fascinating spectacle to a 5 year old child. As I got a little older, and began to understand what this music thing was all about, I looked forward to catching any live music venue I could find my way into.
For some reason, I was fascinated by the guys playing the upright bass. I remember seeing this one fellow quite often, jumping around the bass, and playing it very animated...slapping the fret board, and moving with it, like it was his dance partner. I later learned it was Bill Black, a prominent bass man on the early Memphis Rock & Roll scene. I thought.....that's a cool instrument.....I wanted to be a bass player!
I later met Bill Black at a house party my mother was having. I think it was the summer of 63'. I had just got a new Fender Jazz Bass, (which I still own) and he took some time to show me a few things, and talk about playing in a band. Bill Black was a friendly, humorous guy.
What gear do you use?
I have every Bass I've ever owned....except for one, which I sold to a friend who was taking up the Bass. People ask "What's your favorite Bass?" I always reply...."The one in my hand right now!" I have two Barker Vertical Basses, which are really my favorites, and the ones I play the most.
I still like my old Fender Jazz Bass, which I've had since 1963.
Who was your biggest musical influence growing up?
Bill Black, for his influence and impression he made on me as a young child. The recordings of Blues great Willie Dixon, Jazz Greats Ray Brown, Wilber Ware, and Charles Mingus. One of my favorites is the great James Jamerson. I still study and dissect his bass lines. Duck Dunn....what Bass Player has not been influenced by Duck....one of the best, and a great guy.....R.I.P. Duck.... Although not a Bassist, Harry Winfield opened my eyes to what playing and the "feel of the music" was all about. Harry Winfield was the band director at Porter Jr. High school in Memphis. He was very influential in forming the Bar-Kays. He was great at putting young people together to form groups, and mentoring and coaching them to work together, along with helping them to be a better musician. His work with me was in forming the group, The Soul Syndicate, a group he helped put together consisting of racially mixed members…Black and White young musicians…..something you didn't see to much of in Memphis in 1966. He would come by our rehearsals, and work with us. During one of those visits, Harry took me aside. He spent some time with me, and discussed the importance of "The Feel" the Bass added to the music. He explained its role in laying the foundation for the music, and the importance of working with the drummer to achieve that foundation.
He taught me, and explained by example.... where, and how.... to place the bass note on the back of the beat….behind the snare drum… in an effort to give the tune a feel...a laid back thing.... what many refer to now as "That Memphis Feel". The way he explained it to me...I was just a kid of 17....it really hit home, and it was a pivotal moment, and a great learning experience, in my Bass playing. For better or worse, it's the way I play. The great Tommy Cogbill. I consider myself very fortunate to have had Tommy as a friend, and running buddy. My conversations with Tommy greatly influenced, and gave me insight, to my playing. Many nights while working the clubs around Memphis, Tommy would come by, and catch the last set. We rode motorcycles together, and after gig, we would often ride around early into the morning, usually ending up at a cafe for a late dinner, or early breakfast. Would always ask Tommy to critique my playing from the set he had just heard, waiting for me to get off for the night for our ride. Tommy would always make great suggestions, and thoughtful comments. I listened, and tried to incorporate what we discussed into my playing. He was a great mentor and influence on me. I'll never forget one piece of sage advice he once gave me. Tommy said...."Leo, it's not always what you play, but what you don't play"
I've tried to remember that, and I know I've been guilty of not following his advice on that one more often as I should! Tommy would have me to some of his sessions, and it was always a great learning experience. Unfortunately, Tommy Passed away in Nashville December 7th, 1982, from heart failure. He is sorely missed. Memphis is blessed with many fine musicians, and more than its share of fabulous Bass Players. I'm very fortunate to count most of them as my friends and buddies.
Who are you working with now?
I'm currently working with Eric Hughes, as full time bassist in the Eric Hughes Blues Band. Eric Hughes has 4 CD releases out now, as we were in the studio in early November, for his 4th CD, "DRINK UP!" which is getting great reviews, and airplay on over 160 stations worldwide. This will be his first CD for the I-55 Record Label. I'm also working with my long time close friend Jack Rowell, in his Blues Band. Jack has a CD release, "Sleeping with the Blues", recorded and engineered by my Son, Leo Goff III, in his Memphis Studio. This CD won The Sonny Boy Blues Society "Best self-produced CD", and was submitted to the Blues Foundation as the SBBS entry for the International Blues Challenge "Best self-produced CD” The Jack Rowell Blues Band also won the 2013 "Beale St. Blues Kings Award" given by the Beale St. Merchants Association, during the 2013 I.B.C. We are now in pre - production for The Jack Rowell Band's newest CD, which is being produced by Jerry Williams and Boo Mitchell, at Royal Studios. I am also in pre - production with Sterling Billingsley, of The Sonny Boy Blues Festival Fame, on his new CD, also being done at Royal Studios by Jerry and Boo, in late August.
I have been fortunate to have a good amount of session work with many artists here in Memphis, and those who come to Memphis to record. Other CD projects I have been involved with lately are those from Elizabeth Wise, and Memphis Izzi. Keith Sykes latest CD, "BUCKSNORT BLUES" has done very well, and there is a Music Video of the song "City Of Good Abode" which features City of Memphis Mayor A.C. Wharton.
I also did J.T. Lauritsen's latest CD, J.T. Lauritsen & Friends, "PLAY BY THE RULES". J.T. is from Norway, and is a major player on the European Blues scene. I will be doing a European tour with him later this year. I also did a CD at Royal Studios with Tessa De Vreese, a very popular Blues Performer from Belgium. I work occasionally with Nancy Apple and her "Whole Damn Band", as well as Brandon Santini and his band, and Barbara Blue, and Don Nix occasionally as well. I also do some occasional work with Boogie Woogie / Rock & Roll Pianist Landon Lane.
I worked with Victor Wainwright for several years on Beale St, and although Victor spends most of his time now touring on the road, I will occasionally play with Victor during some of his Memphis shows.
I also work occasionally with Bob Horn and Buddy Davis, in Bob's Blues Group, "The Famous Unknowns" I've lately done a Festival and Club Venue with Mississippi Blues Man Danny Lancaster. I've recently done some Jamming with Bobby Whitlock, from "Derek & The Dominos" fame, and will be doing some shows with Bobby in the future. I've worked over the years with many well-known and influential artists….Rufus Thomas, Albert King, Kenny Neal….to name a few.
If you could jam with anyone, who would it be?
I have always thought I would enjoy being on stage with BB King. I've always enjoyed BB's work, and he's always been friendly and a lot of fun to have conversations with, although I've never played alongside of him. I would like to jam with Clapton too, as well as Buddy Guy.
What's the biggest audience you ever performed to? What's the smallest?
Biggest audience? Hard to say..... Probably some Blues Festival over the years. Smallest? Probably my back yard playing for my 2 dogs....Most memorable....hard to say, probably some of the Festivals over the years.
You're stuck on a desert island and only get to bring one album with you. What do you pick?
BB King, live at the Regal, 1964. I think it's the quintessential Blues Album....BB at his best.
Schedule
Eric Hughes on Facebook
Jack Rowell Jr. on Facebook
Leo Goff on Facebook
Reviews
Articles