John Jorgenson, best known for his guitar work with the Desert Rose Band and The Hellecasters, performs at Boulevard Music with fellow guitar virtuoso Carl Verheyen this weekend, so he told the News about what they have in store for Culver City…
When did you start playing, writing and performing, and when did it start to get serious?
I started playing piano at age 4, clarinet at age 8 and guitar at 12. I was always pretty serious about it, but at 15 during a performance of my rock band I’d say I had the moment that told me that I wanted to do this for the rest of my life, no matter what.
Describe your sound/style…
The sound that I always go for is full, clear, and bold-with lots of heart and emotion regardless of the actual instrument or style of music I am playing at the moment.
What are your career highlights so far…
Five number 1 chart singles with the Desert Rose Band 1987-90. ACM Guitarist of the Year 1991, 1992, and 1993. Guitar Player Magazine Album of the Year 1993 with the Hellecasters. Touring the world and recording with Elton John, including playing on the biggest-selling single of all time 1995-2001. My composition “Back on Terra Firma” performed at the closing ceremonies of the Sydney Olympics in 2000 by Tommy and Phil Emmanuel. Headlining the Django Reinhardt Memorial Jazz Festival in 2005 as an American, playing French-style gypsy jazz. Number 1 Jazz Album on ITunes in 2006 with The John Jorgenson Quintet. Composing and performing a duet with Peter Frampton on his Grammy-winning album “Fingerprints” in 2007. Nominated for a Grammy for “Bluegrass Album of the Year” with Earl Scruggs in 2008. Winning a Grammy for “Instrumental of the Year” with Brad Paisley in 2008. Instruments and stage clothing displayed in the Country Music Hall of Fame, The Musicians Hall of Fame, The Musical Instrument Museum and the Fullerton Museum, 2012-present. Joining Elton John’s “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour in 2019
What recorded music is available?
Many albums with The Desert Rose Band, The Hellecasters, Elton John, The John Jorgenson Quintet, J2B2 (The John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band), and as a solo artist.
Have you performed at Boulevard before? Any memories?
I have played many times over the years at Boulevard Music, usually acoustic gypsy jazz or bluegrass. It’s always a pleasure to perform there, as the vibe is intimate and only true music lover who know how to listen come to shows there.
What can we expect from the set this time?
Lots of guitar playing! As it is a duo show with myself and Carl Verheyen, we will be spurring each other on to greater heights on the fretboard! We will take turns supporting each other and taking the limelight, it should be a lot of fun and very spontaneous.
What else do you have coming up?
I am going to play a Blues Festival in Bellinzona, Switzerland in late July, along with a few shows in Northern Italy. Then in August will het the east Coast with my Bluegrass band for a run of shows. In September there will be Djangofest Northwest up on Whidbey Island-so there is always something exciting and eclectic around the corner for me.
John Jorgenson performs with Carl Verheyen at 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 14 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. Plus Rick Holmstrom, Jeff Turmes, Bruce Ray White, Ginger Merkin, David Serby, and more. Go to thecinemabar.com for more info.