Melancholy rootsy blues man Jeff Rymes performs at the Cinema Bar this week, his second appearance at the lively venue. Rymes told the News about what he has in store for Culver City…
When did you start playing and performing?
I started trying to learn the guitar after high school. I started trying to write songs at that time also. I was doing little gigs in my early 20’s, but it took me quite awhile to figure out what the heck I was doing.
Describe your sound…
For the gig at the Cinema Bar, I’ll be playing with The Rick Holmstrom Band. I recorded an album with these guys last year (yet to be released), and that’s mostly the material we will play. It’s an old school sound, rockin’ blues, country blues, rhythm and blues.
What are your career highlights so far?
I’m not much of a career person, more like a goin down the road feelin’ bad-guy.
Do you have recorded music available?
I have three solo albums that I’ve put out over the last few years, pretty easy to find in the digital world. I’ll have CDs at the show.
Have you performed at the Cinema Bar before? Any memories?
I played there once before, a few years ago. It was a good time. I shared a bill with Rick Shea and the Losin End.
What can the audience expect from the set this time?
We’ll be showcasing the material we recorded last spring plus a few older or newer songs. We’re also planning to feature extraordinary backup vocalists, The Misty Mountain Maids, on a few numbers.
What else do you have coming up?
Playing out in Joshua Tree on Sat June 8, Unurban Cafe on Tue June 11, in the back of a pickup truck in Downtown Ventura on Sat June 15. Then back to Oregon.
Jeff Rymes performs at 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 6 at the Cinema Bar. Go to thecinemabar.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.
The next show at Boulevard Music is The Mighty Echoes, on Saturday, June 8. Go to boulevardmusic.com for more info.