Tom Culver

  • Post author:
  • Reading time:2 mins read

Tom Culver

The Gardenia, West Hollywood, CA, May 4, 2024

Reviewed by Mary Bogue

Tom Culver

Tom Culver’s recent performance at The Gardenia in West Hollywood was nothing short of spectacular, as it made for an unforgettable evening of cabaret bliss. Backed by the talented Karen Hernandez trio, Culver kicked off the night with the timeless classic “Without a Song” (Vincent Youmans/Billy Rose/Edward Eliscu) and instantly captivated the filled-to-capacity crowd of singers and patrons.

One of Los Angeles’ favorite crooners, Culver knows just how to command the stage and capture the hearts of his adoring audience. With his devilish humor, velvet voice, and effortless charm, he smoothly weaved his way through a repertoire of beloved tunes, including a magical interpretation of “This Is Always” (Harry Warren /Mack Gordon) that showed why he is a cherished fixture on the local music scene.

From swinging, Latin up-tempo numbers to soul-stirring ballads, Culver’s performance was a masterclass in entertainment. Each note was delivered with a precision and passion that drew the listeners in and held them captive until the final chord of “Forever Didn’t Last” (Effie Joy/Tom Culver). It was so gorgeous that hushed sighs and gasps were audible throughout the room.

What set Culver apart was his undeniable connection with the audience. As he crooned his way through each song, it seemed as though he was singing directly to each and every person in the room, creating an intimate and unforgettable experience.

With a big finish that left the crowd on its feet clamoring for more, Culver proved once again why he’s a force to be reckoned with in the world of cabaret. His performance at The Gardenia was nothing short of extraordinary, and it left both longtime fans and newcomers alike longing for the next opportunity to bask in his musical brilliance.

In addition to Hernandez on piano were Gary Wicks on bass and Dori Amarillo on guitar. Look for Tom Culver’s long-awaited book, a historical recollection of his time in costuming the stars, They Did It with Their Clothes On.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mary Bogue

Mary Bogue’s journey into the world of jazz began in 1981 when she was accepted by the Monterey Jazz Festival to cover the event as a writer. It was there that jazz tenor saxophonist Buddy Tate introduced her to the legendary vocalist Helen Humes. Their interview, later published in Jazz Dispatch and distributed at the Playboy Jazz Festival, marked the beginning of Bogue’s deep connection to jazz and storytelling. One unforgettable moment came when Humes introduced her to Count Basie, saying, “Bill, this is my friend Mary. Mary, this is Bill.” That simple introduction sparked a lifelong love for jazz and a passion for writing. Among her early interviews was a conversation with the legendary Les McCann, a connection that would come full circle years later when McCann joined Bogue on her debut album, Don’t Go to Strangers, released in 2012. The album, celebrated with a launch party hosted by KJZZ, gained national airplay and recognition. Her follow-up albums, Blue Smoke and One Night of Sin, further solidified her place in the jazz world. In 2015, Bogue was honored as a Living Legend of Jazz and recognized by the Duke Ellington Society, the United States Congress, the State of California, and the City of Los Angeles. Her cabaret career took off at the iconic Gardenia in Hollywood and continued in New York at the Metropolitan Room. That same year, she joined Cabaret Scenes Magazine as a reviewer of both cabaret shows and CDs, continuing to champion jazz and cabaret through both performance and the written word. In addition to her accomplishments in music and journalism, Mary is also an accomplished visual artist. She has designed album covers and created a wide range of artwork, including oil paintings of blues singers and expressive watercolors. Her visual work, much like her music, reflects her deep passion for the soul and spirit of jazz and blues.