Bas Clas (pronounced ‘bahs clahs’) is derived from a Cajun term meaning "low class." The name is a tongue-in-cheek poke at prejudice, a reflection of the band's attitude about many things. From 1976 to 1991, the band worked the clubs of the Deep South.
"You may not know who the hell I am, but I was a vice-president of CBS Records for many years and had a lot to do with everybody from Billie Holiday to Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen; and frankly it does take quite a lot to impress me. Just let me say I'm impressed," wrote the late John Hammond in 1983.
But the grind of the road and the lack of support from the recording industry caused the band to end its full-time status in grand style at the 1991 N.O. Jazz & Heritage Festival.
In 2002, Bas Clas reunited for a benefit and began a new journey.
In late 2011, joined by a host of friends, including Dickie Landry, Eric Adcock, Roddie Romero, David Greely, Christine Balfa, Mitch Reed and Leslie Blackshear Smith, the band spent a week at Dockside Studios with engineer David Farrell. “Big Oak Tree” featured the first new Bas Clas recordings in more than 20 years. In 2012 and 2013 the band returned to Dockside for more recording sessions, and released "Love Food Sex Peace" on December 27, 2013. The CD received a strong review in OffBeat Magazine and brisk sales at Louisiana Music Factory. In March 2016 the band released "In Wonderland" featuring the Bonerama Horns, Sweet Cecilia, Marc Paradis of Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes, and more.
In 2021 Bas Clas released “Meteorite” which features Jonno Frishberg, Mitch Reed, and Chris Stafford on strings, and a mix of songs capturing the essence of our troubling times. In May 2023 the band will release its first live album, a show recorded in February 1988.
Bas Clas continues to perform its high-energy, Louisiana rock and roll. Join our mailing list and stay in touch!
