Jazz guitarist Scotty Bramer is something of a regular at the Culver Hotel, performing regularly solo or with other musicians. He’s back this Friday, and the CCN asked him about what we can expect, as well as about his career so far…
When did you start playing music, and when did it get serious?
My interest in music started when I was very young, maybe 2 or 3. My uncle bought me my first guitar when I was 8-years old, and have been playing ever since. Around the same time, I also picked up the clarinet for a few years, which gave me a lot of musical training. However, it was guitar that I stuck with, as I was very inspired by some of the guitar greats such as Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. When I was 11, I started taking lessons and learning blues improvisation – it became serious from there, and soon after I started my love affair with jazz.
Describe your sound…
My sound is unique and original, as I tend to blend my years studying straight ahead jazz and bebop with more modern sounds and textures. My variety of influences does tend to emerge through my playing. I have a warm and clean tone that is both traditional and forward moving at the same time. I strive to combine tasteful melodies with lush chords and harmonies, creating a full and rich sound that is inviting to the listener.
What are your career highlights so far?
As a young musician I performed at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, which was a major highlight. I was also very fortunate to have the opportunity to perform as a leader at the wonderful Los Angeles jazz club the Blue Whale, shortly before it closed. Additionally, I have gotten to work with so many stellar musicians – both locally in Southern California and around the country. I also teach and love to inspire young musicians to express themselves through music.
Do you have any recorded music available?
I have a special live studio video from L.A.’s Nest Recorders with a 7-piece band performing an original composition, which was released on YouTube this past August. This is the first of four videos. I also have an EP of an original music project titled “Bodhisattva,” available on all online platforms.
Have you performed at the Culver Hotel before? Any memories?
Yes, I have performed there many times! My first time was around 2012, shortly after graduating from college. It is a special and beautifully historic place that feels like home. Playing there for the holidays has especially been a blast. Same with performing upstairs for some amazing special events they host.
What can we expect from the set this time?
A fantastic and engaging show! Featuring many well-known jazz standards, blues, Bossa Novas, and we may include some pop songs too. Some of our favorites include Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, and John Coltrane. We always enjoy performing for the audience there, and we are known to take requests as well.
What else do you have coming up?
Other than the Culver Hotel, I have a regular show at Liberate Yourself in Sherman Oaks – usually the second Saturday of the month. It is generally with my quartet or solo guitar. My next video release is coming up on November 11th as well, which is very exciting! My group actually recently finished a string of shows, but there will be more in the coming months. A new website is currently being built, so at the moment you can find more information on social media and Linktree.
Scotty Bramer can be found at https://linktr.ee/bodhisattva_music_1111 or https://www.instagram.com/scottybramer/. He performs on Friday, Oct. 28 at the Culver Hotel. More info on the show at culverhotel.com.
Elsewhere this week
Culver City’s music venues have a full calendar of entertainment over the next four weeks. For the Cinema Bar, that includes the Hot Club of Los Angeles (every Monday), Open Mic Night every Wednesday, Bruce Ray White, Tom Gramlich, the Everglades, Jetpack, the Mike Livingston Trio and more. For more information, go to thecinemabar.com.
The next show at Boulevard Music will be Laurence Juber on Saturday, Nov. 5. Go to boulevardmusic.com for more info.
