“Cantina music” band Tremoloco have played all over the U.S., and they’ve released a ton of great music which is available online. They perform at the Cinema Bar on Friday, so band member Tony Zamora told the News about what they have in store for Culver City…
When did you start playing and performing?
We are veteran players that started playing young in the L.A./Houston/Lafayette area. In short, it was always serious from the start but even to this day it’s always fun.
Tremoloco was a labor of love started by Tony Zamora [me]. The idea was for sidemen to have a project for ourselves to play music we love and enjoy playing. It attracted a lot of great musicians including some well known players, and several years later we are working on our sixth release coming this summer on the heels of our latest critically acclaimed release Curandera Vol I.
Players with credits from Los Lobos, Rosie Flores, Rose Maddox, Randy Newman, Sisters Morales, Rickie Lee Jones, Rank n’ File to Mark Ribot among many others will be performing at the Cinema Bar: Tony Zamora, Roberto Rodriguez, Jeffrey P. Ross, Cougar Estrada
Describe your sound…
We call it Cantina Music but it’s been described as Tex Mex, Gulf Coast roots music and Sonoran Gothic Folk.
What are your career highlights so far?
Too many to name but recent highlights include: last year’s promo tour, a showcase at Americana Fest in Nashville, along with a live TV performance in Lexington, KY and shows in Canada. Festivals are always fun but our biggest highlight is the amazing musicians who participate in this project and several are musical heroes of ours – that’s been most gratifying.
Do you have recorded music available?
A lot, available on most platforms
Have you performed at the Cinema Bar before? Any memories?
Yes we’ve performed there with this band and others (our guitarist was in Hot Club of L.A.) which has had a residency throughout the years. Wonderful folks and always a good time at maybe the smallest venue but one of the most fun.
What can the audience expect from the set this time?
The unexpected. I think we do well because we are different from the usual and folks enjoy it.
What else do you have coming up??
A new live album this year – we’ll be recording in Canada – and a lot of live shows. Our website has all the info including videos, tour schedule, reviews etc.
Tremoloco performs at 9 p.m. on Friday, April 26 at the Cinema Bar. Go to thecinemabar.com for more information about the show, and tremolocos.com for more about the band.
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 Maire Ni Chathasaigh and Chris Newman on Saturday, May 4. Go to boulevardmusic.com for more info.