British guitarist Clive Carroll blends roots genres into an intoxicating mix, and is a captivating performer. He plays Boulevard Music again on Friday, and he told the News about what he has in store for Culver City…
What have you been up to since we spoke two years ago?
I’ve been writing and touring quite a bit. Much of the new material I’ve written is played on a hybrid baritone guitar, which I am enjoying very much.
I’m spending more time in he US right now and it’s been wonderful to visit and play everywhere from San Diego to Seattle, Boston, and Miami. I’m getting about!
Do you have any new recorded music available?
I’ll be recording a solo album in August… just after Boulevard Music! As far as film sessions go, one of my most recent recordings was playing “Pete Seeger” banjo parts on the recent Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown”.
What do you remember about your last show at Boulevard Music?
As soon as I walked in, I saw a photo of the legendary Ted Greene. The owner of Boulevard Music Gary Mandell, then proceeded to tell me that Ted used to teach there and he even showed me some of his hand-written chord studies. It was a real “fan boy” moment!
Later on that night I played the Bill Evans piece “Blue in Green” by way of appreciation of the genius that was Ted Greene.
What can the audience expect from the set?
I’ll be playing new music on the hybrid baritone guitar I mentioned, so I’m really looking forward to that. Much of the music has a contemporary Celtic flavour with other influences ranging from Gustav Mahler to Elliot Smith.
What else do you have coming up?
After the US tour, I’ll be recording the new pieces for release in February 2027. I’ve also wanted to re-visit my orchestral writing days and after several offers to perform a guitar concerto, I better get cracking on writing the thing! You never know, I might be lucky enough to have it performed in Culver City sometime…
Clive Carroll performs at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 12 at Boulevard Music. Go to boulevardmusic.com for more information about the show.
Elsewhere this week
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 Jake Dupre, Bruce Ray White, The Young Ones, Then Joy Riders, Mary Beth Abella, Kevin Houlihan, Low Coast, Cats on the Bandstand, and more. Go to thecinemabar.com for more info.