Virtuoso guitarist Bruce Forman and virtuoso vocalist Teresa James will be performing their dual virtuosity at Boulevard at the weekend, so Forman told the News about what they have in store for Culver City…
When did you start playing and performing?
We both have lengthy careers, both internationally and here in L.A. Teresa is well-known and respected in the rock and blues community (I have often heard her referred to as Bonnie Raitt’s favorite singer) and me in the straight ahead jazz world. We have mutual friends, and I suggested we get together and do a duo of standards from the American Songbook, to hear her amazing vocal style in an intimate setting, with just guitar. We tried it, and loved it…it’s been a couple of years now that we have been playing gigs.
Describe your sound/style?
We’re a soulful, melodic jazz, voice/guitar duo.
What recorded music is available — particularly the most recent?
We haven’t recorded in this format as yet, but are discussing it! We do have many recordings out as leaders and as side musicians.
Have you performed at Boulevard Music before?
We played there about a year ago, it is a great listening venue, intimate, and I get extra special vibes, I can feel the guitars on the wall vibrating along with the music.
What can the audience expect from the set this time?
We have a had a bit of a layoff due to other projects and are excited to get back to this…I sure hope lots of our old fans (and new ones) come out!
What else do you have coming up?
I have a new project in the works, more with Teresa, my trio, and my one-man show The Red Guitar are all going strong, plus school is about to start and I am excited to begin my 18th year in residence at USC Thornton School of Music…so many talented young musicians! (Please contact Teresa for her story)
Teresa James & Bruce Forman perform at 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 24 at Boulevard Music. Go to boulevardmusic.com for more information.
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 Captain Danger, Sons of the Engineers, Tom Gramlich, Jack Texas & Black Welder. Go to thecinemabar.com for more info.
