Guitarist and harmonica player extraordinaire Pat Bergeson joins forces with virtuoso guitarist Bruce Forman at Boulevard this weekend, so Bergeson told the News about what they have in store for Culver City…
When did you start playing and performing?
I started playing and performing in about third grade. I started off as a drummer, playing in the school band, and then I took up guitar in about ninth grade. I got serious about playing the harmonica when I was about 26 years old. I now just play guitar and harmonica.
I met Bruce Forman through my wife (and jazz musician) Annie Sellick when they played together at the Newport Jazz Party around 2014. I have been a huge fan of Bruce since I first heard one of his records back in the early ‘80s. Bruce started attending the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society Convention a few years ago. We started playing together at the convention and also putting together gigs in Nashville at Rudy’s Jazz Room with my Organ Trio.
Our Duo is called 100BC, which stands for 100 years of Barney and Chet. They both would have turned 100 years old this year. Jazz guitar great Barney Kessel was a good friend and mentor of Bruce, and they worked together for many years. Also, I worked in Chet Atkins band for eight years and he brought me to Nashville in 1993. We recorded and toured together.
I inherited Chet’s Gibson Super 4000 Archtop Jazz Guitar, and Bruce has Barney’s Gibson archtop that he played for his entire career. As far as we know, they never played together but we figure the next best thing would be to get their guitars together. Bruce and I have a lot of fun playing together!
Describe your sound/style?
My sound and style is very diverse but for our show with 100BC, it is mainly jazz-oriented. We throw in some country and some vocal and harmonica tunes as well.
What are your career highlights so far?
Most recent highlight would be playing with Peter Frampton for his induction last weekend at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I have been touring with Peter as his guitar player in his band for the last year. I also toured and recorded with Peter Frampton, Chet Atkins, Tommy Emmanuel, Jerry Reed, Lyle Lovett, Joey DeFrancesco, Madeleine Peyroux, Suzy Bogguss, Shelby Lynne And many others.
What recorded music is available — particularly the most recent?
I have a couple recordings of my own available, and I am currently working on another record:
Country Gentleman: A tribute to Chet Atkins, and also Hippy Dance.
Have you performed at Boulevard Music before?
I have performed at Boulevard Music a couple of times with Annie Sellick and the Hot Club of Nashville. It was a really fun show. We loved playing there! Nice people
What can the audience expect from the set this time?
Expect a good time! Bruce and I like to entertain as well as dazzle you with our brilliance! Bruce and I like to connect with our audience.
What else do you have coming up?
I have more possible touring with Peter Frampton in 2025, but that is not for sure yet. Also, Bruce and I have plans for more dates in 2025. And we are playing the Musical instrument Museum in Phoenix, AZ on Sunday November 3.
100BC with Bruce Forman and Pat Bergeson perform at 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 2 at Boulevard Music. Go to boulevardmusic.com for more information about the show.
Elsewhere this week
The Culver Hotel will be hosting the likes of Sylvia & the Rhythm Boys, and Scotty Bramer. Go to culverhotel.com for more info.
There’s a full program of music at the Cinema Bar this week, as usual. The Hot Club of Los Angeles plays every Monday, and Wednesdays are singer/songwriter and open mic night. Other artists performing this week include Heartwells, Stoke Signals, and Dennis Spencer Tall Guy. Go to thecinemabar.com for more info.