Sylvia Rodriguez has a number of different musical projects on the go, but it is her work with the Rhythm Boys that is of most interest to us thanks to the fact that she performs with them every week at the Culver Hotel. It’s interesting stuff too; while the jazz is traditional, it also has that swinging, 1920s, prohibition-era feel. Al Capone and the Untouchables. Cigarettes in long cigarette holders. There was a perceived glamor to the decadence and rampant crime that might seem strange today, but we get to look back with rose-tinted glasses and that’s ok. Rodriguez and her music helps with that…
Culver City news: When did you start singing and playing?
Sylvia Rodriguez: I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember at a very young age, perhaps 8 years old. I’ve been professionally performing for about 20yrs.
How do you describe your own style/sound?
Singing songs that were originally recorded by such artists as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee and Anita O’ Day has been my passion for a very long time. My music takes you back to a time when Swing Music and Jazz were still hot and new. Growing up in a small town just outside of Carson, CA, is where I worked on my craft. Listening ever so intently to the unique phrasing of each vocalist while taking note of the swingin’ styles made famous by fellas like Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Nat King Cole and the like.
Where are you based? What do you think of the local scene?
I’m an LA girl. I live in San Pedro, CA ,and do most of my musical performances in the Orange County and LA County night clubs. The Scene is good; I think it could be better in that I’m always so hopeful of keeping our gems and treasures, such as the Culver Hotel alive and well. It’s always such a treat to perform in such rooms that have such wonderful history attached to them.
Do you have CDs/albums/singles available?
Published songs are available on iTunes, CDbaby, and other streaming services. I also have a new album that I’m working on right now, soon to be released. Unpublished recordings are available upon request.
Describe the Sylvia Rodriguez live experience…
Take a step back in time with “The Music of Sylvia Rodriguez.” A unique sound featuring the music of the prohibition era thru vintage, traditional-jazz! Our Playlist runs the gamut from classic swing era tunes to dixieland favorites, as well as novelty numbers to jazz standards that are foot-stomping and swing hard — It’s no wonder we’ve been delighting audiences with our cool licks and hot rhythm.
How did you come to play at the Culver Hotel?
I was invited to perform at the Culver Hotel for one evening and it went so well and quite fitting for this Vintage, Classic Hotel, that I was invited back as a permanent resident performer.
What sort of a crowd do you draw there?
Downtown Culver has a great scene, and many people walk in to check out the music at the Hotel. Now that we’ve been there for some time, we have developed a regular following. It’s nice to see familiar faces visit us on a weekly basis. It’s terrific! Music Lovers and Swing Dancers alike, all come in and stay awhile.
What can we expect from your set?
Low-down rhythms brought forth by hot jazz and early swing from the 1920s to vintage, traditional jazz!
What else do you have going on?
I also have another residency at yet another classic room that was built in 1926, The Sky Room in Long Beach where I perform quite frequently with 2 of my bands; “Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys” and “Sylvia & The Savoy 6”. I will in fact be there this Saturday Night, Sept. 23rd, swingin’ tunes for the dancers. Also, another residency, again in Long Beach is at The Exhibition Room, a Speakeasy Vibe, where we play the music of the Prohibition Era.
Sylvia and the Rhythm Boys perform at the Culver Hotel every Tuesday from 7:30 p.m. 9400 Culver Blvd., Culver City; 310-558-9400. For more information, visit sylviarodriguezmusic.com.