One of Baltimore’s premier ‘70s-80s rock bands. The Essex area band was formed in 1970 featuring the original line-up of Tim Miskimon (guitar, vocals), Richard Gelok (guitar), Jeff Dice (bass), Ramona Miskimon (organ), and Danny Ackwith (drums). The group was managed throughout the years by Roland Miskimon. An early gig at a UAW Hall concert on June 11, 1970 with Pen Lucy, and Cain established them as a top local band. Ramona left the group after the first year and BF became a quartet. They appeared at many teen centers and school dances such as Sparrows Point High, General Stricker Teen Center, Chesapeake Terrace Recreational Center…
Basement Floor was listed with the Unlimited, Ltd. Talent Agency operated by WFBR personalities John Councilman and Dave King. The group recorded a Pepsi-Cola jingle in 1972 that was heard frequently on the local airwaves. Their song “A Little Bit Here And There” was also recorded during the Pepsi jingle session. These recordings were done under the direction of George Massenburg.
Tragedy struck the band in the fall of 1972 as Jeff took his own life. Elmer Oechsler joined as the new bassist. At that time Danny also left the band with Mark Miskimon coming in as the new drummer. Under the Steve Zinz Agency, the group played the teen center and club circuits. The group established a connection with Don Turner at Lites, Inc. (later becoming Baltimore Stage Lighting) and featured an elaborate light show. They were possibly the first local group to incorporate fog machines, explosive boxes and pyro techniques into their stage show.
WFBR’s John Councilman and King started their own “Starr” record label and in 1974 released the group’s first single “(You Must) Release Yourself” b/w “Silver Wings” (Starr 250). The single featured the brass section from local band Smokestack Lightning.
John Denny (guitar) replaced Richard Gelok in 1975. The line-up of Tim, Mark, Elmer, and John were very serious about writing and recording their own music. Demos done at Sheffield Studios were used by R.I.A.A. for training on studio recording.
Locally Basement Floor could be seen performing at clubs such as the Hollywood Palace, Club 175, Martin’s West, Peddler’s Pub, Mimmie Jr.’s, the Barge, Red Rooster Inn, Jo’s Organic Bar, JG’s in Pasadena, and Pier 7 in Annapolis.
In 1978 their song “Sexy Woman” was included on the “98 Rock Album.” Another recording “Hideaway” was included on the WKTK album the same year. A radio jingle for the Red Cross Swim-a-thon was also heard on the air this year. The group sponsored a ticket giveaway over WIYY for fans to accompany them to New York where they performed in a showcase at Tracks Studios. Two busloads of friends and fans made the trip.
In 1979 the group adopted a new name calling themselves the Travelers. They played the Seagull Inn, Marble Bar.
Under the management of Tom Lipsky, the group negotiated a 5-year 5-album contract with Atlantic Records subsidiary Emerald City Records. The band recorded at Flite 3 studios in early 1980 with an album “We Got You Covered” scheduled for release in the spring. Due to a publishing rights dispute the LP was never released and eventually it took several years for the group to get out of the contract. The binding contract with Atlantic had essentially eliminated the possibility of making their music available through another label. The group was playing larger halls up and down the east coast by this time and had all but quit playing the standard club circuit. In late ‘80 BF released the single “Christmas Love” b/w “Christmas Time Alone.” The holiday release sold well and proceeds were donated to a local charity.
John left the band in 1982. The group continued to tour extensively and went through numerous guitar and bass players during the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Basement Floor drawing by Ginger Abrigo from their 1983 LP
In 1983 the group released the LP “Greatest Hits – Vol. One” (Eastern 43). It featured many of the original demos that several years prior had earned them a contract with Atlantic Records.
The group became known as Empire in mid-‘80s through early 2000s with promises of major label contract. They performed original music at The Zu, Purple Moose, The Barn, etc. Tim, Mark, Elmer, along with Johnny Blade, and Robbie Nuke (Nukolczak) released a 1995 studio album as by Empire titled “Driven by Rock” (BFP 199553). Guest musicians included Julius Fischer, Jr. (piano), Bob Betlejewski (lead guitar), Bill Erb (dobro), Lynn Smith (vocals), and Paul Zon (guitar). The disc was picked up by a German label and sold well in Europe.
Their songs “Travel Master” and “Miles Away” were included on the 1986 various artists album “Maryland Musicians for Music” (BFP 198657). A 1989 single “A Mountain of Sludge” was released as by the Bogus Brothers and received local airplay.
John and Elmer rejoined in July 2001 for their first show together since 1982. As Basement Floor they recorded new material and released remastered recordings of their previous recordings. Tim and Mark also released recordings of their ‘00s group Sons of Riley.
Basement Floor discography:
1974 Starr 250 (You Must) Release Yourself / Silver Wings
1980 Christmas Love / Christmas Time
1983(LP) Eastern 43 Greatest Hits – Vol. One
As Empire:
1995(CD) BFP 199553 Driven by Rock
2004(CD) Leeches
