Local jazz man Teddy Bang has a Tuesday residency at the Culver Hotel, so he told the News about what he and his Trio have coming up to thrill Culver City…
When did you start playing and performing?
I started playing piano in 2nd grade maybe. My first performances were recitals and church concerts. Around 12 or 13 though, I switched to playing bass and haven’t looked back since.
Describe your sound…
I’ve gravitated more towards jazz as I’ve gotten older. Stylistically speaking, I have a big range of influences which have contributed to my playing. Throughout my career, I’ve played in bands spanning many genres of music including rock, reggae, RnB, latin, ska, cumbia and much more. One of my favorite bassists though is Oscar Pettiford. He’s a great composer and just a really melodic player that I enjoy.
What are your career highlights so far?
I can’t think of anything in particular. I appreciate all of the phenomenal musicians that I have had the opportunity to share the bandstand with.
Do you have any recorded music available?
I have recordings with bands including Paper Pills and latin band Mayaztek, but I haven’t spent too much time recording jazz. Stay tuned though… I’m planning to record a trio album soon with guitarist Hideaki Tokunaga.
How long have you been performing at the Culver Hotel?
I believe it’s going on a little over three years now. I appreciate this gig. I meet so many nice people including the fantastic staff. Plus, I live in Culver City so it’s nice to be close to home.
What do you have planned for your sets over the holidays?
We will continue to play a mix of latin and American jazz standards. We always try to play to the room there. There is so much history in that building which we try to tap into. We occasionally include some of the Wizard of Oz or Gone with the Wind repertoire. Now that November is here though, we will definitely throw in some arrangements of holiday tunes as well. Vocalist Tracey Hopson Hart is joining us. If you haven’t heard her sing, you’re missing out!
What else do you have coming up?
Please stop by the Culver Hotel on Tuesdays and Fridays. We’re performing in the grand lobby area from 7-10pm. In addition, some of my other current regular gigs include Mercedes Grill in Venice on Saturdays (6:30-9:30pm), Nalu Vida, also in Venice on Thursdays (6-9pm) and The Washington in Mar Vista every other Wednesday (7:30-10:30pm). Feel free to follow me on social media (IG @teddybangbass, FB @teddybangjazz), I make an effort to always advertise my gigs. Hope to see you soon!
Teddy Bang Trio performs on Tuesdays at the Culver Hotel. For more information, visit culverhotel.com.
Elsewhere this week
The next concert at Boulevard Music is on December 6, with the Susie Glaze New Folk Ensemble. Go to boulevardmusic.com for more info.
At the Cinema Bar, enjoy the Hot Club of Los Angeles (every Monday), Open Mic Night every Wednesday, Tom Gramlich, and more. For more information, go to thecinemabar.com.