Reader Spotlight: Bill Clements

Bill Clements

To say Bill Clements is an inspiration would be an understatement. A bassist for over 30 years, Bill lost part of his arm in an industrial accident in 1989. But that didn’t stop him. He’s continued to play and inspire people ever since.

Bill is this week’s No Treble reader in the spotlight. Here’s his story…

Bio:

I was born in the wagon of a traveling show, mama used to dance for the money they’d throw… in order to play the way I feel compelled, I realized I had to create a context in which to do so. I also realized that with few exceptions, my style doesn’t really lend itself to any real commercial application. Having long ago accepted that, I create what I do with no sense of obligation to anything but expressing myself.

Location:

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Day gig:

Bookseller.

Years experience:

Over thirty years before and after losing my arm in ’89.

Bands & Gigs:

I have several projects that record and perform sporadically, locally in Michigan and elsewhere.

Gear:

Basses by Regenerate Guitar Works, Marco Cortes, Lakeland, Fender… strings by Kalium, Gruv Gear Fretwraps… many thanks to all have been wonderful to me!

Why I play the bass:

It’s sound ,and it’s endless rhythmic possibilities. The feel… there’s more to it than that, but for brevity’s sake…

My bass superpower/claim to fame:

I only have one hand. And devastating charisma.

My influences:

Jaco, Geddy, Chris Squire, George Porter, Jr., Billy Sheehan, Bill Wyman, Buster Williams, Tony levin, Larry Graham, Charles Mingus, Dusty Hill, Mick Karn, Percy Jones, Ray Brown, NHØP, Sting, Dee Murray, Norman Watt Roy… Like most of us, I could do this all day… Carles Benavent, Brian Bromberg, Will Lee, Jeff Berlin, Lee Sklar…

More on the web:

I can be found at my Facebook page. And at [email protected]. I also have videos on YouTube. Most recently I was involved in a video for the 2016 Paralympics – filmed in London and recorded at Abbey Road Studio.

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