Hammond organ-heavy, R&B-influenced rockers The Gimme 5’s perform at the Cinema Bar this week, so the organ man himself, Jerry Borgé, told the News about what they have in store for Culver City…
When did you start playing and performing? When did the band form?
The Gimme 5’s are back! Established in 2007, the 5’s hit the LA club scene with their Stax influenced style of R’n’B and modern day classic covers. The brainchild of bassist Rob Douglas (Nick Waterhouse, Tony Gilkyson) and organist Jerry Borgé (Ziggy Marley, Jonathan WIlson) the two friends enlisted Rick Holmstrom (Mavis Staples) on electric guitar and Derek Brown (Eels, The Lumineers) on drums to carry out their vision. The Gimme 5’s recorded their lone debut EP with Pete Curry (Los Straightjackets) at Pow Wow Fun Room in Culver City, California.
What are your career highlights so far?
This band exists outside of what might be considered “career highlights” for its individuals as this is a diversion from our musical day jobs. But there was a great touring coincidence in the summer 2023-Mavis Staples and Ziggy Marley (along with Trombone Shorty) were all on a bill together that toured parts of the US. I got to see Rick play every night with Mavis and he saw me play with Ziggy-we had dinner together on many occasions during that run. Just hearing and seeing Mavis every night was something I’ll never forget! But I will say every time this band has a chance to play it is a personal highlight for me. We do it so rarely these days due to our schedules.
What recorded music is available — particularly the most recent?
You can hear our 4 song EP on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/the-gimme-5s. There’s a demo up there too-an attempt of the Cars’ “Touch and Go.” We recently took a stab at Ambrosia’s “Biggest Part of Me” which we will get up on the streaming platforms in the near future.
Have you performed at Cinema Bar before?
We’ve all played with different artists at the Cinema Bar over the years. I think Rick’s band has played there the most. My most recent gig there was last fall with Johnny Moezzi. Rob Douglas, the Gimme 5’s bassist, was also playing in the band.
What can we expect from the set this time?
Right now this is the only gig on the books and we’re hoping to do something in the winter when everyone is back home from their respective tours. Our die hards are familiar with our repertoire-we play some Booker T and New Orleans classics and then we’ll try to pick covers and approach them through our templete’s lens. Last time we played at a record store in Pasadena (Healing Force of the Universe) we attempted “Kiko and the Lavender Moon” by Los Lobos which took us into new territory. I played guitar which is a laugh when you have Rick Holmstrom in the band. We’ll plan a couple new surprises for Cinema.
The Gimme 5’s perform with the Rick Holmstrom Band at 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 3 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 April 5, with Diego Garcia. Go to boulevardmusic.com for more info.