Instrumental pop, soul and jazz artist Taylor Roberts performs at Boulevard Music for the first time this weekend, so he told the News about what he has in store for Culver City…
When did you start playing and performing?
I started on piano when I was about six years old, but I was a terrible student. All I did was pick out songs by ear on the radio and never practiced. I got my first guitar at 13, and I was lucky enough, or maybe stubborn enough, to determine right then and there that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. When I was a junior in high school, at age 17, I got a proper introduction to straight ahead jazz. I decided I wanted to study that in college and pursue a career in that genre.
Describe your sound/style…
Instrumental pop and R&B 7-string guitar with a heavy jazz accent.
What are your career highlights so far…
I was the primary in-house musician at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island from 2014 to 2023. In the summer of 2019, I got to play for the Rolling Stones when they stayed at the hotel. It was a three day affair, starting with a birthday dinner, front row seats to their concert, and ending with receiving a guitar pick from Keith Richards himself after playing for him for a couple hours. I’ve also been afforded many opportunities to travel the world, including a two week residency at the Ritz-Carlton in St. Thomas.
What recorded music is available?
I have three albums currently out. The first two are solo (one recorded live), and the most recent is a jazz quintet.
Have you performed at Boulevard before? Any memories?
This will be my debut! I’m really excited to bring my music to this part of the country for the first time.
What can we expect from the set this time?
Quite a variety! Everything from old jazz tunes to Current pop and R&B songs, possibly with an original or two thrown in there. Storytelling and dad jokes are inevitable.
What else do you have coming up?
This will be the first ticketed event of a Southern California tour that will last the second half of April. After Boulevard Music, the next big show worth mentioning will be Alva’s Showroom in San Pedro on April 25.
Taylor Roberts performs at 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 19 at Boulevard Music Go to boulevardmusic.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.
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 Jim Doyle & Co., Dennis Spencer, Talkin’ Treason, Sons of Engineers, David Serby, and more. Go to thecinemabar.com for more info.