Musician and songwriter Ben Vaughn, along with his accomplished ensemble, blends old school rock ‘n’ roll with Americana/country, and the results are staggering. The group performs at the Cinema Bar this week, and Vaughn told the News about what he has in store for Culver City…
When did you start playing and performing? When did the band form?
I began performing at the age of 12, initially as a drummer and then as a guitar player. I played record hops in South Jersey. It was a great training ground. You had to keep people dancing, or you weren’t hired back. I eventually began writing songs and found my own sound. My current band has been together for 10 years.
Describe your sound/style?
I’m mostly influenced by ‘50s and ‘60s rock ‘n’ roll. Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry in particular. But I’m hugely influenced by country artists like Roger Miller and John D. Loudermilk. Great songwriters, those two. And of course, Bob Dylan.
What are your career highlights so far?
I was a TV composer for a while, and did the music for 3rd Rock From The Sun and That ‘70s Show. I also toured in East Germany when it was still a communist nation. And I once played harmonica on stage with Lynyrd Skynyrd. Bob Dylan played me on his radio show too. All exciting stuff.
What recorded music is available — particularly the most recent?
My most recent album is called The World Of Ben Vaughn. I played all the instruments myself. It’s available at https://lnkfi.re/TheWorldOfBenVaughn
Have you performed at Cinema Bar before?
I’ve performed at the Cinema Bar more times than I can count. Literally. I’ve been playing there for probably twenty five years now. So many great memories. I love that place.
What can we expect from the set this time?
Our show will be full of surprises. Even I don’t know what to expect. My band and I never rehearse, which keeps things fresh. They’re great musicians and we know probably close to 100 songs. The definition of “know” is a little vague but they’re amazing and we keep each other on our toes.
What else do you have coming up?
I recently recorded an album backed up by Deer Tick, a really cool indie rock band from Rhode Island. They’re younger than me, so the results are not what I would have done on my own. That record should be released by the end of the year.
The Ben Vaughn Ensemble performs at 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27 at the Cinema Bar. Go to thecinemabar.com for more information about the venue.
Elsewhere this week
The Culver Hotel will be hosting the likes of Sylvia & the Rhythm Boys and and Scotty Bramer. Go to culverhotel.com for more info.
The next concert at Boulevard Music is on March 8, with The Miskey Mountain Boys. Go to boulevardmusic.com for more info.
Photo by BV Interpretations.