Accomplished musician Mark Leggett will be performing at Boulevard Music this weekend, on a bill with the Chris Smith Quartet. Leggett recently released a collection of Beatles covers called Guitars & Blackbirds, and he’ll be performing a selection of those in Culver. He told the CCN about that and more…
When did you start playing and performing?
I started as a teen playing guitar in bands and writing songs. As my dad was in the Air Force, my family moved quite a bit. I was fortunate to learn from a wide variety of musicians in each new town.
Describe your sound/style?
I like to play in a blues/folk fingerstyle guitar tradition. I try to interpret popular tunes instrumentally and hopefully put an original spin on them.
What are your career highlights so far?
I also compose music for tv and film. A highlight has been scoring several movies for Dolly Parton (Netflix, NBC). Another was writing for Levon Helm on a documentary. I also loved the four years I spent writing the music for “My Name Is Earl” on NBC.
What recorded music is available — particularly the most recent?
I released the album Guitars & Blackbirds last year. It’s a collection of Beatles tunes for solo guitar, available on all streaming outlets. There are also many soundtracks of projects I’ve written music for available under my name.
Have you performed at Boulevard Music before?
Yes! I opened for the great Jim Kimo West in 2019. It was the most attentive audience. Nothing like playing for a guitar crowd. It really pushes you as a player to be worthy of the attention. Boulevard Music is the perfect venue for an intimate show. Gary Mandell creates a warm, creative environment.
What can the audience expect from the set this time?
I’ll be doing a few Beatle arrangements as well as a couple of Leo Kottke tunes. I’ll throw in a couple of my pieces as well.
What else do you have coming up?
Next month I’ll be releasing my new album Folktown, all original instrumental tunes in an Americana vein. Also, my quartet, The Mark Leggett Quartet, plays every third Tuesday of the month at TRiP in Santa Monica. It’s an eclectic set featuring percussion, bass, drums and guitar.
Mark Leggett performs alongside the Chris Smith Quartet at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 18 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 the Groovy Rednecks, Greg West, John Surge & the Haymakers, the Jeff Rhymes Show, and Patrolled By Radar. Go to thecinemabar.com for more info.