Exclusive: Laura Karpman was drip-fed jazz notes when she was a baby. Her mother’s turn-table featured a playlist that included Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Wes Montgomery and Thelonious Monk, the virtuoso pianist, whose music informs and underpins her own jazz-infused score for Cord Jefferson’s scorching American Fiction.
“So I remember in her painting studio, my mother had a record player and she would play everything,” Karpman recalls, and for good measure her mother would spin Beethoven’s violin concerto and a piece by Stravinsky.
Karpman lapped it all up, just as her mother had planned, because Mrs.Karpman had preordained “that I would be a composer when she was pregnant,” she tells me.
Her mother was a painter and sculptor “and she always, I think probably inappropriately, thought that music was the highest art. And so she wanted me to be an artist and she wanted me to be a musician.
“So I remember in her painting studio, my mother had a record player and she would play everything,” Karpman recalls, and for good measure her mother would spin Beethoven’s violin concerto and a piece by Stravinsky.
Karpman lapped it all up, just as her mother had planned, because Mrs.Karpman had preordained “that I would be a composer when she was pregnant,” she tells me.
Her mother was a painter and sculptor “and she always, I think probably inappropriately, thought that music was the highest art. And so she wanted me to be an artist and she wanted me to be a musician.
- 12/18/2023
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
In the summer of 1989, Paul McCartney hit the road for the first time as a solo artist. The Wings tours of the Seventies had featured only a smattering of Beatles songs, but this time around he was going to play nearly 20 a night. Pulling this off would require a guitarist who was capable of re-creating some very famous parts originally played by George Harrison and John Lennon. McCartney had his choice of big-name players for the job, but he went with Robbie McIntosh.
“That tour was the high point of my life,...
“That tour was the high point of my life,...
- 5/16/2023
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
Dave Grohl listed off the numerous reasons to thank our neighbors to the north in a Super Bowl ad for Crown Royal.
The Foo Fighters frontman kicks off his salute to Canada by mentioning the country’s many “legends of music” including Joni Mitchell, Céline Dion, Oscar Peterson, and his recent on-stage bandmates Rush. He then rattles Canada’s other notable achievements like hockey, peanut butter, and the whoopee cushion. He also reveals a football-related fun-fact by crediting the Canadians for the earliest iteration of what later became America’s Game. “Yeah!” Grohl insists. “Look it up!”
There are plenty more thank-yous stashed away in a full series of ads via Crown Royal’s YouTube. Along with an extended cut of the televised spot that features guitarist and Prince collaborator Donna Grantis shredding the country’s National Anthem, another clip reveals Grohl’s incredulous reaction to some of Canada’s lesser-known claims to fame.
The Foo Fighters frontman kicks off his salute to Canada by mentioning the country’s many “legends of music” including Joni Mitchell, Céline Dion, Oscar Peterson, and his recent on-stage bandmates Rush. He then rattles Canada’s other notable achievements like hockey, peanut butter, and the whoopee cushion. He also reveals a football-related fun-fact by crediting the Canadians for the earliest iteration of what later became America’s Game. “Yeah!” Grohl insists. “Look it up!”
There are plenty more thank-yous stashed away in a full series of ads via Crown Royal’s YouTube. Along with an extended cut of the televised spot that features guitarist and Prince collaborator Donna Grantis shredding the country’s National Anthem, another clip reveals Grohl’s incredulous reaction to some of Canada’s lesser-known claims to fame.
- 2/12/2023
- by Bryan Kress
- Consequence - Music
Rolling Stone interview series Unknown Legends features long-form conversations between senior writer Andy Greene and veteran musicians who have toured and recorded alongside icons for years, if not decades. All are renowned in the business, but some are less well known to the general public. Here, these artists tell their complete stories, giving an up-close look at life on music’s A list. This edition features pianist Alan Pasqua.
When Bob Dylan entered the recording studio in early 2020 to cut his 17-minute epic “Murder Most Foul,” he could have phoned...
When Bob Dylan entered the recording studio in early 2020 to cut his 17-minute epic “Murder Most Foul,” he could have phoned...
- 1/27/2023
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
An array of Canadian artists have donated rare items for an important cause.
Geddy Lee, The Tragically Hip and Billy Talent are among musicians to have given up items to raise money for the Healing in Harmony Holiday Auction in support of trauma survivors.
The fundraiser, also featuring Oscar Peterson, Corey Hart, and more, will help Toronto-based non-governmental organization Make Music Matter expand its innovative music therapy program for marginalized communities.
The online fundraiser is set to run from November 24 to December 4, and will include everything from personalized autographed guitars to never before seen photos, event passes, merchandise, professional services for musicians, and more.
Geddy Lee has donated a signed Signature Fender Jazz bass, while Billy Talent and Sum 41’s Jason “Cone” McCaslin have also donated signed guitars.
Exclusive signed photos and artwork from the likes of The Tragically Hip, Blue Rodeo, Daniel Lanois and The Trews are up for grabs,...
Geddy Lee, The Tragically Hip and Billy Talent are among musicians to have given up items to raise money for the Healing in Harmony Holiday Auction in support of trauma survivors.
The fundraiser, also featuring Oscar Peterson, Corey Hart, and more, will help Toronto-based non-governmental organization Make Music Matter expand its innovative music therapy program for marginalized communities.
The online fundraiser is set to run from November 24 to December 4, and will include everything from personalized autographed guitars to never before seen photos, event passes, merchandise, professional services for musicians, and more.
Geddy Lee has donated a signed Signature Fender Jazz bass, while Billy Talent and Sum 41’s Jason “Cone” McCaslin have also donated signed guitars.
Exclusive signed photos and artwork from the likes of The Tragically Hip, Blue Rodeo, Daniel Lanois and The Trews are up for grabs,...
- 11/23/2022
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Click here to read the full article.
Janet Thurlow, the jazz singer and widow of famed trombonist Jimmy Cleveland who performed with Lionel Hampton’s orchestra and helped give Quincy Jones an early career boost, has died. She was 96.
Thurlow died Oct. 4 congestive heart failure at St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood, California, her family announced.
Thurlow first met Cleveland in 1951 when she joined Hampton’s band and he was playing with the vibes legend. They married two years later and performed together often until his death in 2008 at age 82.
The first of five children, Janet Lorraine Thurlow was born in Seattle on May 21, 1926. She received violin, piano and voice lessons as a youngster and played violin on a radio talent show hosted by Major Edward Bowes.
She began as a song stylist with Robert “Bumps” Blackwell’s Seattle-based band in 1949 before she was recruited by Hampton. She then pushed the bandleader to hire Jones,...
Janet Thurlow, the jazz singer and widow of famed trombonist Jimmy Cleveland who performed with Lionel Hampton’s orchestra and helped give Quincy Jones an early career boost, has died. She was 96.
Thurlow died Oct. 4 congestive heart failure at St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood, California, her family announced.
Thurlow first met Cleveland in 1951 when she joined Hampton’s band and he was playing with the vibes legend. They married two years later and performed together often until his death in 2008 at age 82.
The first of five children, Janet Lorraine Thurlow was born in Seattle on May 21, 1926. She received violin, piano and voice lessons as a youngster and played violin on a radio talent show hosted by Major Edward Bowes.
She began as a song stylist with Robert “Bumps” Blackwell’s Seattle-based band in 1949 before she was recruited by Hampton. She then pushed the bandleader to hire Jones,...
- 10/24/2022
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
By Eve Goldberg
Ronnie’s, a 2020 documentary, tells the story of Ronnie Scott and his legendary London jazz club.
From the opening sequence in which virtuoso pianist Oscar Peterson and his band perform in an exuberant split screen montage, the film announces itself as a vehicle where style reflects content, and the filmmakers really know how to present their material in a compelling way.
The documentary recounts how Ronnie Scott, a poor Jewish kid from London’s East End, becomes a top British jazz saxophonist in the 1940s and 50s. Eventually tiring of big band swing, and inspired by the new music of Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker, Scott forms his own Bebop ensemble. In 1959, Scott and his fellow musician and business partner, Pete King, open their own nightclub—Ronnie Scott’s. It doesn’t take long for their club to become the premiere jazz spot in London, and a...
Ronnie’s, a 2020 documentary, tells the story of Ronnie Scott and his legendary London jazz club.
From the opening sequence in which virtuoso pianist Oscar Peterson and his band perform in an exuberant split screen montage, the film announces itself as a vehicle where style reflects content, and the filmmakers really know how to present their material in a compelling way.
The documentary recounts how Ronnie Scott, a poor Jewish kid from London’s East End, becomes a top British jazz saxophonist in the 1940s and 50s. Eventually tiring of big band swing, and inspired by the new music of Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker, Scott forms his own Bebop ensemble. In 1959, Scott and his fellow musician and business partner, Pete King, open their own nightclub—Ronnie Scott’s. It doesn’t take long for their club to become the premiere jazz spot in London, and a...
- 4/10/2022
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Kenneth Wannberg, composer and Emmy-winning music editor who worked on nearly half of all John Williams’ films dating back to the late 1960s, died Jan. 27 at his home in Florence, Oregon. He was 91.
Wannberg was best known as Williams’ music editor, working closely with the composer on more than 50 of his films. He assisted Williams throughout the scoring process, from providing detailed descriptions of sequences to be scored to more technical aspects such as trimming or modifying music during the last stages of post-production.
He music-edited the first six “Star Wars” films, the first three “Indiana Jones” films and such other landmark Williams scores as “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “Jurassic Park,” “Schindler’s List” and “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”
During his 50-year career in films, Wannberg worked with many other composers including Bernard Herrmann (“Journey to the Center of the Earth”), Jerry Goldsmith (“The Mephisto Waltz”), Michael Convertino...
Wannberg was best known as Williams’ music editor, working closely with the composer on more than 50 of his films. He assisted Williams throughout the scoring process, from providing detailed descriptions of sequences to be scored to more technical aspects such as trimming or modifying music during the last stages of post-production.
He music-edited the first six “Star Wars” films, the first three “Indiana Jones” films and such other landmark Williams scores as “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “Jurassic Park,” “Schindler’s List” and “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”
During his 50-year career in films, Wannberg worked with many other composers including Bernard Herrmann (“Journey to the Center of the Earth”), Jerry Goldsmith (“The Mephisto Waltz”), Michael Convertino...
- 2/3/2022
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
Eva Orner’s Burning, about Australia’s devastating ‘Black Summer’, will make its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September.
Produced by Propagate Content, Dirty Films and Amazon Studios, the film marks Amazon’s first feature-length Australian documentary commission. To screen as part of the TIFF Docs strand, it explores what happened during the 2019 and 2020 bushfires from the perspective of victims, activists and scientists, as well as the lack of political will to address climate change.
In addition to directing, Orner executive produces alongside Cate Blanchett.
The LA-based Australian director won an Oscar for producing Alex Gibney’s 2008 doc Taxi To The Dark Side. Her credits also include Chasing Asylum, which tackled Australia’s treatment of refugees and asylum seekers, and The Network, a behind-the-scenes look at the largest TV network in Afghanistan.
Burning is one of two Australian films selected for this year’s TIFF,...
Produced by Propagate Content, Dirty Films and Amazon Studios, the film marks Amazon’s first feature-length Australian documentary commission. To screen as part of the TIFF Docs strand, it explores what happened during the 2019 and 2020 bushfires from the perspective of victims, activists and scientists, as well as the lack of political will to address climate change.
In addition to directing, Orner executive produces alongside Cate Blanchett.
The LA-based Australian director won an Oscar for producing Alex Gibney’s 2008 doc Taxi To The Dark Side. Her credits also include Chasing Asylum, which tackled Australia’s treatment of refugees and asylum seekers, and The Network, a behind-the-scenes look at the largest TV network in Afghanistan.
Burning is one of two Australian films selected for this year’s TIFF,...
- 8/5/2021
- by Jackie Keast
- IF.com.au
Toronto Film Festival Adds Docs and Midnight Titles Including ‘Titane,’ ‘Attica’ and ‘Neptune Frost’
The Toronto International Film Festival announced which films will fill the TIFF Docs, Midnight Madness, and Wavelength sections at this year’s edition of the event, which runs from Sept. 9-18. The festival also added new titles to the Special Presentation and Contemporary World Cinema programs.
Opening TIFF Docs is the world premiere of “Attica” by Stanley Nelson, which tells the story of the 1971 Attica prison riot. Coming about as a result of the prisoners’ fight for more humane living conditions and lasting for five days, it remains the deadliest prison rebellion in U.S. history.
Wavelengths will open with “Neptune Frost” from directors and married couple Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman. The film is billed a sci-fi musical romance between an intersex hacker and a coltan miner that will follow the “virtual marvel born as a result of their union.” This marks the North American premiere of the film,...
Opening TIFF Docs is the world premiere of “Attica” by Stanley Nelson, which tells the story of the 1971 Attica prison riot. Coming about as a result of the prisoners’ fight for more humane living conditions and lasting for five days, it remains the deadliest prison rebellion in U.S. history.
Wavelengths will open with “Neptune Frost” from directors and married couple Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman. The film is billed a sci-fi musical romance between an intersex hacker and a coltan miner that will follow the “virtual marvel born as a result of their union.” This marks the North American premiere of the film,...
- 8/4/2021
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
BenedictionThe lineup has been unveiled for the 2021 edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, which will take place over 10 days (September 9-18) both in-person and physically in Toronto, and digitally across Canada. Wavelengths - FEATURESFutura (Pietro Marcello, Francesco Munzi, Alice Rohrwacher)The Girl and the Spider (Ramon Zürcher, Silvan Zürcher)Neptune Frost (Saul Williams, Anisia Uzeyman)A Night of Knowing Nothing (Payal Kapadia)Ste. Anne (Rhayne Vermette)The Tsugua Diaries (Maureen Fazendeiro, Miguel Gomes)Wavelengths - SHORTSThe Capacity for Adequate Anger (Vika Kirchenbauer)Dear Chantal (Querida Chantal) (Nicolás Pereda)earthearthearth (Daïchi Saïto)Inner Outer Space (Laida Lertxundi)Polycephaly in D (Michael Robinson)“The red filter is withdrawn.” (Minjung Kim)Train Again (Peter Tscherkassky)Midnight Madness After Blue (Dirty Paradise) (Bertrand Mandico)Dashcam (Rob Savage)Saloum (Jean Luc Herbulot)Titane (Julia Ducournau)You Are Not My Mother (Kate Dolan)Zalava (Arsalan Amiri)TIFF DOCSAttica (Stanley Nelson)Beba (Rebeca Huntt)Becoming Cousteau...
- 8/4/2021
- MUBI
Titles include a new film from ‘Host’ director Rob Savage.
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has added 35 feature titles to its line-up for 2021, predominantly across the TIFF Docs, Midnight Madness and Wavelengths strands.
The new titles include 11 world premieres, consisting of eight in TIFF Docs and three in Midnight Madness.
Titles in the latter include Dashcam, the new film from Rob Savage, director of 2020 pandemic horror hit Host. Savage was named a Screen Star of Tomorrow in 2013.
Also in the Midnight Madness section is Kate Dolan’s You Are Not My Mother, inspired by the mythology of the Changeling, which...
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has added 35 feature titles to its line-up for 2021, predominantly across the TIFF Docs, Midnight Madness and Wavelengths strands.
The new titles include 11 world premieres, consisting of eight in TIFF Docs and three in Midnight Madness.
Titles in the latter include Dashcam, the new film from Rob Savage, director of 2020 pandemic horror hit Host. Savage was named a Screen Star of Tomorrow in 2013.
Also in the Midnight Madness section is Kate Dolan’s You Are Not My Mother, inspired by the mythology of the Changeling, which...
- 8/4/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
New nonfiction films from directors Liz Garbus, Stanley Nelson, and E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin will screen at the Toronto International Film Festival as part of the TIFF Docs program, TIFF organizers announced on Wednesday.
Nelson’s documentary “Attica” will serve as the opening-night film in the section, while other docs at the festival will include Garbus’ “Becoming Cousteau,” Barry Avrich’s “Oscar Peterson: Black + White,” Penny Lane’s “Listening to Kenny G” and Vasarhelyi and Chin’s “Rescue.”
The festival’s Midnight Madness section will open with the Cannes Palme d’Or winner “Titane,” by Julia Ducournau, while TIFF has also added three Special Presentations films that also premiered in Cannes: Nadav Lapid’s “Ahed’s Knee,” Bruno Dumont’s “France” and Ari Folman’s “Where Is Anne Frank?”
In the Contemporary World Cinema section, additions include Juho Kuosmanen’s “Compartment No. 6” and Khadar Ayderus Ahmed’s “The Gravedigger’s Wife.
Nelson’s documentary “Attica” will serve as the opening-night film in the section, while other docs at the festival will include Garbus’ “Becoming Cousteau,” Barry Avrich’s “Oscar Peterson: Black + White,” Penny Lane’s “Listening to Kenny G” and Vasarhelyi and Chin’s “Rescue.”
The festival’s Midnight Madness section will open with the Cannes Palme d’Or winner “Titane,” by Julia Ducournau, while TIFF has also added three Special Presentations films that also premiered in Cannes: Nadav Lapid’s “Ahed’s Knee,” Bruno Dumont’s “France” and Ari Folman’s “Where Is Anne Frank?”
In the Contemporary World Cinema section, additions include Juho Kuosmanen’s “Compartment No. 6” and Khadar Ayderus Ahmed’s “The Gravedigger’s Wife.
- 8/4/2021
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Toronto International Film Festival announced its section of TIFF Docs presented by A&e IndieFilms, Wavelengths and Midnight Madness sections, and confirmed additions to the Special Presentation and Contemporary World Cinema programs of the fest.
“We’re so proud to present the films selected for the popular programmes TIFF Docs, Wavelengths and Midnight Madness,” stated Joana Vicente, Executive Director and Co-Head. “Always provocative, exhilarating and engaging, this year’s offerings are guaranteed to thrill Festival audiences.”
“As an audience-first film festival, mesmerizing film lovers with boundary-pushing stories is pivotal,” said Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director and Co-Head. “It’s exciting that even in this exceptional time in our industry, we’re able to bring such thought-provoking selections to these coveted TIFF programmes.”
Of note today in the lineup is the international premiere of National Geographic’s documentary Becoming Cousteau from two-time Oscar-nominated and two-time Emmy-winning director Liz Garbus (The Farm, Angola USA,...
“We’re so proud to present the films selected for the popular programmes TIFF Docs, Wavelengths and Midnight Madness,” stated Joana Vicente, Executive Director and Co-Head. “Always provocative, exhilarating and engaging, this year’s offerings are guaranteed to thrill Festival audiences.”
“As an audience-first film festival, mesmerizing film lovers with boundary-pushing stories is pivotal,” said Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director and Co-Head. “It’s exciting that even in this exceptional time in our industry, we’re able to bring such thought-provoking selections to these coveted TIFF programmes.”
Of note today in the lineup is the international premiere of National Geographic’s documentary Becoming Cousteau from two-time Oscar-nominated and two-time Emmy-winning director Liz Garbus (The Farm, Angola USA,...
- 8/4/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Fremantle has acquired international distribution rights to Oscar Peterson: Black and White, the feature-length documentary about the iconic jazz pianist being directed by Barry Avrich. The deal is for overseas rights excluding Canada on the film, which is in production. A fall 2021 release is planned.
The doc will center on the life and music of the prolific jazz pioneer, whose blazing-fast hands on the piano were put to use via collaborations with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong and Nat King Cole. It also will dive into the racism that Peterson was forced to endure throughout his career, and his commitment to mentoring younger players.
Peterson, who died in 2007 at 82, won seven Grammys and was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Recording Academy in 1997 to honor his six-decade career.
The film hails from Avrich’s Melbar Entertainment Group, which is producing with Canada’s Bell Media.
The doc will center on the life and music of the prolific jazz pioneer, whose blazing-fast hands on the piano were put to use via collaborations with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong and Nat King Cole. It also will dive into the racism that Peterson was forced to endure throughout his career, and his commitment to mentoring younger players.
Peterson, who died in 2007 at 82, won seven Grammys and was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Recording Academy in 1997 to honor his six-decade career.
The film hails from Avrich’s Melbar Entertainment Group, which is producing with Canada’s Bell Media.
- 4/9/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Elvis Costello, Sting and Billy Joel are among the stars lending their support to a campaign to save the fabled New York City jazz venue Birdland. The effort includes a virtual concert — which Costello will partake in — airing January 24th at 7 p.m. Et.
Like so many venues across the country, Birdland was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced it to shut its doors. Despite the passage of the Save Our Stages Act in last year’s Covid-19 relief bill, which will provide targeted aid to the live entertainment industry,...
Like so many venues across the country, Birdland was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced it to shut its doors. Despite the passage of the Save Our Stages Act in last year’s Covid-19 relief bill, which will provide targeted aid to the live entertainment industry,...
- 1/22/2021
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Bruce Swedien, the celebrated audio engineer and producer who worked on records by Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, Donna Summer, Duke Ellington, Paul McCartney and many more, died Tuesday at the age of 86.
Swedien’s daughter, the musician Roberta Swedien, confirmed his death on Facebook, writing, “A legend in the music industry for over 65 years and five-time Grammy winner, he was known for his work with Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson and many more. He had a long life full of love, great music, big boats and a beautiful marriage. We will celebrate that life.
Swedien’s daughter, the musician Roberta Swedien, confirmed his death on Facebook, writing, “A legend in the music industry for over 65 years and five-time Grammy winner, he was known for his work with Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson and many more. He had a long life full of love, great music, big boats and a beautiful marriage. We will celebrate that life.
- 11/18/2020
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Did ex-Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan and the late London jazz club impresario Ronnie Scott ever cross paths? As key figures of the last century of music, it is certainly possible. And based on the documentaries Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds With Shane MacGowan and Ronnie’s, it is enticing to ponder the conversation that might ensue between the ragged Irish eccentric (MacGowan) and the witty tenor sax man turned club owner (Scott). The gobsmackingly entertaining Crock of Gold and well-made if less enthralling Ronnie’s make a strong case that both figures have left an indelible mark on music. And while director Julien Temple’s Gold is far more memorable than Oliver Murray’s Ronnie’s, both films deserve attention. Crock of Gold is making its North American premiere at the Doc NYC festival, while Ronnie’s is making its international premiere.
It should come as no surprise that...
It should come as no surprise that...
- 11/12/2020
- by Christopher Schobert
- The Film Stage
Spencer Davis, Welsh musician and founder of the Spencer Davis Group, died Monday while being treated for pneumonia in the hospital. He was 81.
Bob Birk, his booking agent for more than 30 years, confirmed Davis’ death to Rolling Stone. “He was a very good friend,” Birk says. “He was a highly ethical, very talented, good-hearted, extremely intelligent, generous man. He leaves behind his long-time domestic partner, June, and three adult children.”
Davis was born on July 17th, 1939 in Swansea, South Wales. Fluent in German, French, and Spanish, he was known to musicians as “the Professor,...
Bob Birk, his booking agent for more than 30 years, confirmed Davis’ death to Rolling Stone. “He was a very good friend,” Birk says. “He was a highly ethical, very talented, good-hearted, extremely intelligent, generous man. He leaves behind his long-time domestic partner, June, and three adult children.”
Davis was born on July 17th, 1939 in Swansea, South Wales. Fluent in German, French, and Spanish, he was known to musicians as “the Professor,...
- 10/20/2020
- by Angie Martoccio
- Rollingstone.com
The ultimate goal of Birding With Charles was always to bring people together to marvel at the wonderful world of birds. In the spring, a very stoned Valee stood in awe of the majestic creatures as he learned how to use binoculars. As the summer ended, Doja Cat remixed her viral hit “Moo!” into “Bitch, I’m a Bird.” Then on a brisk November morning, Jeff Goldblum decided to come to Central Park to partake in the serene world of birdwatching. Throughout the day, Jeff saw cardinals, blue jays, and...
- 12/20/2019
- by Charles Holmes
- Rollingstone.com
The absolute best small scale ‘perfect crime’ thriller has nail-biting suspense, humor, sexy scenes, a shocking violent scene and apparently a terrific collaboration between director Daryl Duke and writer Curtis Hanson. Elliott Gould and Christopher Plummer give unique, superb performances, and Susannah York is enticing as well. It’s not neo-noir, it’s better than neo-noir. With a very early John Candy performance, too.
The Silent Partner
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1978 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 101 min./ Street Date June 18, 2019 / available through Kino Lorber / 29.95
Starring: Elliott Gould, Christopher Plummer, Susannah York, Céline Lomez, John Candy.
Cinematography: Billy Williams
Film Editor: George Appleby
Original Music: Oscar Peterson
Written by Curtis Hanson from the book Think of a Number by Anders Bodelsen
Produced by Garth H. Drabinsky, Joel B. Michaels, Stephen Young
Directed by Daryl Duke
“We grab each moment and we make it count!”
The Silent Partner is a wonderful sleeper that most...
The Silent Partner
Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1978 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 101 min./ Street Date June 18, 2019 / available through Kino Lorber / 29.95
Starring: Elliott Gould, Christopher Plummer, Susannah York, Céline Lomez, John Candy.
Cinematography: Billy Williams
Film Editor: George Appleby
Original Music: Oscar Peterson
Written by Curtis Hanson from the book Think of a Number by Anders Bodelsen
Produced by Garth H. Drabinsky, Joel B. Michaels, Stephen Young
Directed by Daryl Duke
“We grab each moment and we make it count!”
The Silent Partner is a wonderful sleeper that most...
- 6/18/2019
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Michel Legrand, composer of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Yentl and The Thomas Crown Affair, died Saturday at the age of 86.
Legrand’s death was first reported by Agence France-Presse. The songwriter’s publicist also confirmed Legrand’s death to Variety, adding that he died early Saturday at his Paris home with his wife, French actress Macha Meril, by his side. His cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Former and current presidents of the Cannes Film Festival Gilles Jacob and Pierre Lescure expressed their condolences to the Paris-born legend on Twitter.
Legrand’s death was first reported by Agence France-Presse. The songwriter’s publicist also confirmed Legrand’s death to Variety, adding that he died early Saturday at his Paris home with his wife, French actress Macha Meril, by his side. His cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Former and current presidents of the Cannes Film Festival Gilles Jacob and Pierre Lescure expressed their condolences to the Paris-born legend on Twitter.
- 1/26/2019
- by Ilana Kaplan
- Rollingstone.com
Cuban-born musician Arturo Sandoval is well known as a top trumpeter and recording artist in the jazz world. Now, at 69, he’s thinking of changing careers, and hopes his score for Clint Eastwood’s “The Mule,” based on the story of an elderly Midwestern horticulturist who stumbles into a job transporting cocaine for the Mexican cartel, will be a big step in that direction.
Eastwood, who plays jazz piano, usually composes the themes for his films, and sometimes even entire scores, as he did for “Mystic River,” “Million Dollar Baby,” “Changeling” and others. But thanks to Andy Garcia, who played Sandoval in the HBO biopic “For Love or Country,” and who co-stars in “The Mule” as a drug lord, the director and musician met at Warner Bros., initially to discuss creating the Latin source music that would be needed for a party at Garcia’s character’s lavish digs.
Sandoval brought his portable keyboard,...
Eastwood, who plays jazz piano, usually composes the themes for his films, and sometimes even entire scores, as he did for “Mystic River,” “Million Dollar Baby,” “Changeling” and others. But thanks to Andy Garcia, who played Sandoval in the HBO biopic “For Love or Country,” and who co-stars in “The Mule” as a drug lord, the director and musician met at Warner Bros., initially to discuss creating the Latin source music that would be needed for a party at Garcia’s character’s lavish digs.
Sandoval brought his portable keyboard,...
- 1/2/2019
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
Roy Hargrove, a Grammy-winning trumpeter and jazz musician that worked alongside artists like D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Common and Sonny Rollins, died Friday at the age of 49.
Hargrove’s longtime manager confirmed the trumpeter’s death to NPR, adding that the cause of death was cardiac arrest; earlier in the week, Hargrove was admitted into a New York City hospital with kidney issues.
On Instagram, the Roots’ Questove paid tribute to the jazz musician. “The Great Roy Hargrove. He is literally the one man horn section I hear in my...
Hargrove’s longtime manager confirmed the trumpeter’s death to NPR, adding that the cause of death was cardiac arrest; earlier in the week, Hargrove was admitted into a New York City hospital with kidney issues.
On Instagram, the Roots’ Questove paid tribute to the jazz musician. “The Great Roy Hargrove. He is literally the one man horn section I hear in my...
- 11/3/2018
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
The trappings are all there: the smattering of polite applause, the tinkling piano laying out the chord changes of a familiar tune — Erroll Garner’s “Misty,” in this case. But with the entrance of the singer, something shifts; suddenly the record isn’t jazz as usual. Aretha Franklin lands on an opening “Ooo” softly and steadily, holding the note for what from anyone else would be too long and letting it slowly expand and brighten before contracting into a perfectly even vibrato. The song’s actual first word, “Look,” goes...
- 8/17/2018
- by Natalie Weiner
- Rollingstone.com
You’ve seen Phantom Thread, perhaps multiple times. You’ve been playing Jonny Greenwood’s score on repeat. And now you’re wondering what to do until the Blu-ray arrives this April. Well, Paul Thomas Anderson has you covered. In special screenings around the country, you might have heard a few songs play before the film begins, and now Tiff has revealed those were hand-selected by the director for a special pre-viewing playlist.
They’ve now revealed the full list of songs, clocking in at 23 and ranging from Beyoncé to Bruce Springsteen to Rihanna to Neil Young to Carly Simon and far beyond. Of course, there’s also some Bernard Herrmann thrown in for good measure. Ahead of 70mm screenings at the Tiff Bell Lightbox starting Friday, they’ve collected the tracks into a Spotify list, which can be listened to below, followed by a round-up of recent extensive Phantom Thread talks with its creators.
They’ve now revealed the full list of songs, clocking in at 23 and ranging from Beyoncé to Bruce Springsteen to Rihanna to Neil Young to Carly Simon and far beyond. Of course, there’s also some Bernard Herrmann thrown in for good measure. Ahead of 70mm screenings at the Tiff Bell Lightbox starting Friday, they’ve collected the tracks into a Spotify list, which can be listened to below, followed by a round-up of recent extensive Phantom Thread talks with its creators.
- 2/28/2018
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Paul Thomas Anderson is here to help you set the mood before your “Phantom Thread” viewing. While Jonny Greenwood’s Oscar-nominated score is well worth numerous streams, the director has curated his own mixtape of 23 songs he suggests you listen to before watching his romance drama. Anderson shared the playlist with Tiff., All 70mm screenings of “Phantom Thread” at the Tiff Bell Lightbox theater will play the songs before showtime.
The mixtape is pretty incredible on its own, featuring hits from Beyoncé, Rihanna, Carly Simon, Neil Young, and more, but it’s even better for those who have seen “Phantom Thread” and understand the relationship between Daniel Day-Lewis’ Reynolds Woodcock and Vicky Krieps’ Alma. Rihanna’s “Stay” is especially appropriate for the two lovers.
The full “Phantom Thread” playlist is below, courtesy of Tiff. The film is up for six Oscars at the Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
The mixtape is pretty incredible on its own, featuring hits from Beyoncé, Rihanna, Carly Simon, Neil Young, and more, but it’s even better for those who have seen “Phantom Thread” and understand the relationship between Daniel Day-Lewis’ Reynolds Woodcock and Vicky Krieps’ Alma. Rihanna’s “Stay” is especially appropriate for the two lovers.
The full “Phantom Thread” playlist is below, courtesy of Tiff. The film is up for six Oscars at the Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
- 2/27/2018
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Today being international jazz day, there will be much celebrating of the greatness of its history. I’ve done that in the past; it is a great history. But it is not all back in historical times; jazz lives, and evolves, and continues to be great. Yet how many lists of the greatest jazz albums include anything from the current century?
That they do not is no indictment of them; only sixteen percent of the years when recorded jazz has existed (not counting the present year yet) are in the twenty-first century, after all, and some prefer to bestow the label of greatness after more perspective has been achieved than sixteen (or fewer, for newer releases) years.
Nonetheless, if people are to respect jazz as a living art form, a look back at the best of its more recent releases seems worthwhile. Here’s one man’s “baker’s dozen...
That they do not is no indictment of them; only sixteen percent of the years when recorded jazz has existed (not counting the present year yet) are in the twenty-first century, after all, and some prefer to bestow the label of greatness after more perspective has been achieved than sixteen (or fewer, for newer releases) years.
Nonetheless, if people are to respect jazz as a living art form, a look back at the best of its more recent releases seems worthwhile. Here’s one man’s “baker’s dozen...
- 4/30/2016
- by SteveHoltje
- www.culturecatch.com
Emerging Canadian musicians, do not miss this opportunity of a lifetime!
Cineplex has been a proud sponsor of Canada’s Walk of Fame, which is definitely one of the coolest achievements a Canadian artist can achieve. Now Canada’s Walk of Fame wants to help emerging musicians have their shot at super stardom, and maybe one day we’ll walk on your name!
Cineplex has a long history with Canada's Walk of Fame, most notably through our Cineplex Legends Inductees Award. Every year we posthumously honour a Canadian artist for their formidable contributions to the arts. Among these artists are Jeff Healy, Phil Hartman, Oscar Peterson and Raymond Burr.
Take a look at some of their greatest moments below: Oscar Peterson Phil Hartman Jeff Healey Raymond Burr
It is through iniatives such as the Legends Inductee program that Cineplex recognizes Canadian talent in the arts, including music, film, and television.
Cineplex has been a proud sponsor of Canada’s Walk of Fame, which is definitely one of the coolest achievements a Canadian artist can achieve. Now Canada’s Walk of Fame wants to help emerging musicians have their shot at super stardom, and maybe one day we’ll walk on your name!
Cineplex has a long history with Canada's Walk of Fame, most notably through our Cineplex Legends Inductees Award. Every year we posthumously honour a Canadian artist for their formidable contributions to the arts. Among these artists are Jeff Healy, Phil Hartman, Oscar Peterson and Raymond Burr.
Take a look at some of their greatest moments below: Oscar Peterson Phil Hartman Jeff Healey Raymond Burr
It is through iniatives such as the Legends Inductee program that Cineplex recognizes Canadian talent in the arts, including music, film, and television.
- 4/6/2016
- by Adriana Floridia
- Cineplex
Jon Batiste gets off the elevator and doesn't say a word to the percussionists already tapping out rhythms for a rooftop soundcheck at New York's NoMad Hotel — he just plops down at the white Steinway and joins in. There's not much of an audience beyond a handful of photographers, a soundman and some staff steaming a white tablecloth for a makeshift bar. Still, he's performing: winking and smiling at everyone, digging into the keys, laughing, shouting. Until he gets up from his stool maybe a half-hour later, he doesn't ever...
- 8/5/2015
- Rollingstone.com
Songs On Screen: HitFix recurring feature of tributes by writers to their favorite musical moments from TV and film. Check out all the entries in the series here. There are three great songs from American film, and they are all about rainbows. “Over the Rainbow,” “Moon River” and “The Rainbow Connection” – are the three most quintessentially American songs ever to appear on screen, sung by three quintessentially American characters; and all three stand apart as plaintive cries of lonely souls dreaming of someplace far away..”Waiting round the bend” ”where troubles melt like lemondrops” for “the lovers, the dreamers and me” The things these songs share tell you everything needs to know about the character of 20th Century America. The things they don’t share tell you everything you need to know about how that character changed as the era wore on. Let’s start at the top, and the very top it is.
- 6/26/2015
- by Richard Rushfield
- Hitfix
Chloe Jasmine has criticised "rude" people who have poked fun at her accent.
The singer, who was put through to The X Factor live shows by her mentor Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, said she is upset at being singled out for the way in which she speaks.
"I said to Cheryl I'm just a normal girl," she said. "And it's really rude of people to think I'm not worth voting for just because of the way I speak. If I was from Essex, what would people say?"
Jasmine also said that she has not quite taken in the fact that she is through to the live finals of the competition.
"It felt amazing, but at the same time I felt sad for the other girls," she said. "I knew that would happen, obviously, but the reality is different. I feel a bit numb. I'm really, really grateful. I'm really shocked somebody could believe in me that much.
The singer, who was put through to The X Factor live shows by her mentor Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, said she is upset at being singled out for the way in which she speaks.
"I said to Cheryl I'm just a normal girl," she said. "And it's really rude of people to think I'm not worth voting for just because of the way I speak. If I was from Essex, what would people say?"
Jasmine also said that she has not quite taken in the fact that she is through to the live finals of the competition.
"It felt amazing, but at the same time I felt sad for the other girls," she said. "I knew that would happen, obviously, but the reality is different. I feel a bit numb. I'm really, really grateful. I'm really shocked somebody could believe in me that much.
- 10/5/2014
- Digital Spy
Those who keep up with the more avant-garde end of the jazz spectrum have long known that Matthew Shipp is one of the great pianists, but he's reached a higher level of creativity this decade, most recently displayed in his two releases this year, the new solo album I've Been to Many Places and the trio album The Root of Things.
Quick recap of how he got there: While growing up in Delaware, Shipp studied privately with Dennis Sandole, one of John Coltrane's teachers. Later, at New England Conservatory, Shipp studied with Joe Maneri, another avant-jazz great. Shipp's recording career began in 1988 with a duo album with saxophonist Rob Brown, and within a few years the pianist had joined the David S. Ware Quartet; he recorded with that group from 1990 until it disbanded in 2007, then increased his already prolific output by making over two dozen albums as leader or...
Quick recap of how he got there: While growing up in Delaware, Shipp studied privately with Dennis Sandole, one of John Coltrane's teachers. Later, at New England Conservatory, Shipp studied with Joe Maneri, another avant-jazz great. Shipp's recording career began in 1988 with a duo album with saxophonist Rob Brown, and within a few years the pianist had joined the David S. Ware Quartet; he recorded with that group from 1990 until it disbanded in 2007, then increased his already prolific output by making over two dozen albums as leader or...
- 10/4/2014
- by SteveHoltje
- www.culturecatch.com
"Are you kidding me, man?!" composer Angelo Badalamenti howls jokingly when Rolling Stone asks him what he thought of Twin Peaks, the TV series he scored in the early Nineties. "It was really off the wall. I thought it was either going to sink violently down the drain or, hopefully, capture the intrigue of enthusiastic people conversing by the office water cooler on a Monday morning."
12 Things We Learned from David Lynch's Talk at Bam
As it turned out, Twin Peaks was an instant hit when it premiered on April 8th,...
12 Things We Learned from David Lynch's Talk at Bam
As it turned out, Twin Peaks was an instant hit when it premiered on April 8th,...
- 7/25/2014
- Rollingstone.com
This year marks 100 years since animator John Hubley's birth. To celebrate the work of this man and his wife/collaborator Faith Hubley, Austin Film Society will be hosting an afternoon of shorts by the team as part of the Hubley Centennial.
Their daughter Emily Hubley, an animator and creative force in her own right, will introduce the screening and then participate in an Afs Moviemaker Dialogue afterwards (a separate ticket).
You may not think you've seen any of the Hubleys' work before, but given that they worked on TV ads and public television programs such as Sesame Street and The Electric Company -- along with their singular short films -- you most likely have. The shorts included in the Centennial programming are new 35mm prints from the Hubleys' oeuvre between 1956-1970. Their Oscar-winning Moonbird will be screened, as well as Windy Day (still above, includes voices of daughters Emily...
Their daughter Emily Hubley, an animator and creative force in her own right, will introduce the screening and then participate in an Afs Moviemaker Dialogue afterwards (a separate ticket).
You may not think you've seen any of the Hubleys' work before, but given that they worked on TV ads and public television programs such as Sesame Street and The Electric Company -- along with their singular short films -- you most likely have. The shorts included in the Centennial programming are new 35mm prints from the Hubleys' oeuvre between 1956-1970. Their Oscar-winning Moonbird will be screened, as well as Windy Day (still above, includes voices of daughters Emily...
- 5/5/2014
- by Elizabeth Stoddard
- Slackerwood
This year, Robert Lepage was honoured as the recipient of the Glenn Gould Prize awarded for “a unique lifetime contribution that has enriched the human conditions through the arts.” Previous winners include Leonard Cohen, Yo-Yo Ma, Oscar Peterson, and R. Murray Schafer. In association with The Glenn Gould Foundation, Tiff presented a retrospective on his directorial work. One of the most famed working filmmakers in Quebec, Lepage’s influence extends far beyond the screen and he is also one of the foremost directors of the stage. Considered an important figure in the theatrical avant-garde, he brings his multi-media and theatrical approach to the screen to create unique and layered visions of the world.
Back in 1995, Lepage made his feature film debut with Le Confessionnal, a post-modern Hitchcock pastiche set in Quebec. The film is the story of the Lamontagne family and spans two different eras and the issues and crises...
Back in 1995, Lepage made his feature film debut with Le Confessionnal, a post-modern Hitchcock pastiche set in Quebec. The film is the story of the Lamontagne family and spans two different eras and the issues and crises...
- 4/3/2014
- by Justine Smith
- SoundOnSight
Here it is; Sound On Sight’s list of our favourite soundtracks released this year. Usually we post a list of 10 to 15 picks, but this time, we decided to only publish five. With that said, we also recorded a bonus Sound On Sight podcast to complement this very article. In it, Simon Howell and I chose 10 of the best tracks from 10 of the best soundtracks for your listening pleasure. You can listen to the podcast here.
Soundtracks that make an appearance on the podcast include Her, The Bling Ring, Afternoon Delight, Sightseers, Frances Ha, Spring Breakers, The World’s End, and Drinking Buddies.
Last year, the soundtrack to Rick Alverson’s cheekily titled The Comedy topped our list. This year, another hipster-indie gem does the same. Here is our list of the top 5 soundtracks of 2013.
****
5. American Hustle
While Led Zeppelin’s “Good Times Bad Times” was used in the first...
Soundtracks that make an appearance on the podcast include Her, The Bling Ring, Afternoon Delight, Sightseers, Frances Ha, Spring Breakers, The World’s End, and Drinking Buddies.
Last year, the soundtrack to Rick Alverson’s cheekily titled The Comedy topped our list. This year, another hipster-indie gem does the same. Here is our list of the top 5 soundtracks of 2013.
****
5. American Hustle
While Led Zeppelin’s “Good Times Bad Times” was used in the first...
- 12/21/2013
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
Ed Shaughnessy, a longtime drummer for The Tonight Show band, died at age 84 of a heart attack while at home Friday in Calabasas, Calif., the Los Angeles Times reports. The jazz drummer played in Doc Severinsen's band from 1963 to 1992. Shaughnessy performed on the drums for artists as varied as Aretha Franklin, Johnny Cash and Oscar Peterson the Percussive Arts Society noted in a hall of fame profile. Story: Jay Leno Passes the Torch to Jimmy Fallon, or Lights a Fire With It Shaughnessy joined the New York jazz scene as a teenager before later signing up with
read more...
read more...
- 5/26/2013
- by Erik Hayden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Anyone can tell you who's already made it, but HuffPost Arts & Culture's On Our Radar series is here to tell you who's about to blow up -- and, in some cases, go pop.
At only 26, jazz pianist Eldar Djangirov has amassed an enviable list of career accomplishments. The Kyrgyzstan-born, Kansas City-bred musician has played Carnegie Hall, signed to Sony Classic, been nominated for a Grammy award, and traveled the world on the festival circuit, not to mention he's been labeled "a genius" by jazz superstar, Dave Brubeck. So what's an emerging musician to do after all that?
For starters, the young pianist is simultaneously releasing two albums this week. The first, "Breakthrough," is a bustling combination of standards and originals, featuring the accompanying sounds of Djangirov's longtime trio-mates, drummer Ludwig Alfonso and bassist Armando Gola. Our favorite of the bunch? A raucous cover of Radiohead's "Morning Bell," a hammering piano...
At only 26, jazz pianist Eldar Djangirov has amassed an enviable list of career accomplishments. The Kyrgyzstan-born, Kansas City-bred musician has played Carnegie Hall, signed to Sony Classic, been nominated for a Grammy award, and traveled the world on the festival circuit, not to mention he's been labeled "a genius" by jazz superstar, Dave Brubeck. So what's an emerging musician to do after all that?
For starters, the young pianist is simultaneously releasing two albums this week. The first, "Breakthrough," is a bustling combination of standards and originals, featuring the accompanying sounds of Djangirov's longtime trio-mates, drummer Ludwig Alfonso and bassist Armando Gola. Our favorite of the bunch? A raucous cover of Radiohead's "Morning Bell," a hammering piano...
- 4/9/2013
- by Katherine Brooks
- Huffington Post
If you think artists on Pandora never get paid by the music-streaming service, think again.
On Tuesday, Pandora founder Tim Westergren released a statement detailing just how much Pandora pays its musicians, and the figure may very well shock you.
Responding to criticism that artists make little or no money from its services, Westergren wrote that the "revenue stream" that musicians receive from Pandora can actually be "meaningful."
He claims that popular artists such as Adele, Jason Aldean and Wiz Khalifa are making more than $1 million every year, while some -- like Drake and Lil Wayne -- are raking in almost $3 million annually.
Westergren added that it's not just the superstar musicians who are benefitting from being on Pandora:
For over two thousand artists Pandora will pay over $10,000 dollars each over the next 12 months (including one of my favorites, the late jazz pianist Oscar Peterson), and for more than 800 we'll...
On Tuesday, Pandora founder Tim Westergren released a statement detailing just how much Pandora pays its musicians, and the figure may very well shock you.
Responding to criticism that artists make little or no money from its services, Westergren wrote that the "revenue stream" that musicians receive from Pandora can actually be "meaningful."
He claims that popular artists such as Adele, Jason Aldean and Wiz Khalifa are making more than $1 million every year, while some -- like Drake and Lil Wayne -- are raking in almost $3 million annually.
Westergren added that it's not just the superstar musicians who are benefitting from being on Pandora:
For over two thousand artists Pandora will pay over $10,000 dollars each over the next 12 months (including one of my favorites, the late jazz pianist Oscar Peterson), and for more than 800 we'll...
- 10/10/2012
- by Dominique Mosbergen
- Huffington Post
Stars have been making their sometimes-dancey, sometimes-depressed brand of relationship-centric music for over a decade now, so it's a bit jarring to hear singer Torquil Campbell open a song with a line like this: "There's been a lot of talk of love, but that don't amount to nothing."
But the lyric from "Hold On When You Get Love And Let Go When You Get It," a single off The North, is indicative of the album's refreshing candor. It's as though the old band has shed its skin and found new energy without compromising much of its sound.
So if some of the messages on The North are less subtle than the band's earlier work (there's a song called "Do You Want to Die Together?"), so be it. "I do find this record pretty different than the last record," Millan told The Huffington Post in an interview. "There's a fresh feeling going into this record.
But the lyric from "Hold On When You Get Love And Let Go When You Get It," a single off The North, is indicative of the album's refreshing candor. It's as though the old band has shed its skin and found new energy without compromising much of its sound.
So if some of the messages on The North are less subtle than the band's earlier work (there's a song called "Do You Want to Die Together?"), so be it. "I do find this record pretty different than the last record," Millan told The Huffington Post in an interview. "There's a fresh feeling going into this record.
- 8/20/2012
- by Kia Makarechi
- Huffington Post
Name: Paul Gbegbaje
Age: 19
From: Dagenham
Talent: Musician
Background: Paul began playing the piano when he was 14 and self taught himself by playing after a choir rehearsal at a local church, experimenting and learning to play the instruments available. His inspirations included Oscar Peterson, Chopin and Stevie Wonder, who he would listen to at home and go back to the church to apply his inspiration.
Paul lives with his mother, father, brother and two sisters in Dagenham. He is currently studying Music Management at university and can play the drums, guitar, recorder, steel pans, bass guitar and xylophone – playing most instruments by ear.
Questions:
Are you nervous about performing in front of Simon Cowell?
I am nervous about performing in front of Simon Cowell because he is someone who likes perfection and impressive performances, so I hope he sees my act as all of these things.
What would you do...
Age: 19
From: Dagenham
Talent: Musician
Background: Paul began playing the piano when he was 14 and self taught himself by playing after a choir rehearsal at a local church, experimenting and learning to play the instruments available. His inspirations included Oscar Peterson, Chopin and Stevie Wonder, who he would listen to at home and go back to the church to apply his inspiration.
Paul lives with his mother, father, brother and two sisters in Dagenham. He is currently studying Music Management at university and can play the drums, guitar, recorder, steel pans, bass guitar and xylophone – playing most instruments by ear.
Questions:
Are you nervous about performing in front of Simon Cowell?
I am nervous about performing in front of Simon Cowell because he is someone who likes perfection and impressive performances, so I hope he sees my act as all of these things.
What would you do...
- 5/29/2011
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
As American Idol Season 10 continues to wind down, viewers said goodbye to yet another favorite contestant, bassist Casey Abrams. Abrams departed the show last Thursday night after a long and torturous tease, compliments of a commercial break and the notorious "have-a-seat-and-wait" game administered by host Ryan Seacrest. In the end, it was down to Casey and country-crooner Scotty McCreery, with Casey receiving the fewest votes from America. During his time on the show, Casey delivered his own signature brand of cool. His rock, blues, and jazz - infused performances of songs like "Hi-De-Ho" and the gritty, growly "I Put A Spell on You," secured him as one of Idol's most original contestants of the season. Casey sat down with journalists the morning after his departure from the show to talk about his idol experience, and to address his rumored 'romantic' relationship with fellow contestant Haley Reinhart. He also discussed...
- 5/4/2011
- by jmaurer@corp.popstar.com (Jennifer Maurer)
- PopStar
Unlike the judges on "American Idol," I'm not going to mince words here: good riddance, Casey Abrams.
Yeah, the bearded lothario showed off some impressive musical skills during his improbably long run on the show. But in typical "Idol" fashion, we were expected to not pay attention to the fact that his vocals were frequently terrible and, frankly, sometimes just kind of disturbing, creepy and awful. It's a singing competition, right? Not a tryout for the "Wolfman" reboot?
I'm sure he's a nice fella (though his forced kisses on audience members as he made his way into the "Idol" netherworld were totally disconcerting), but he proved week in and out that he just wasn't right for this competition. "American Idol" isn't looking for the next quirky jazz star who will sell a "respectable" 100,000 copies.
Jimmy freakin' Iovine is the mentor this year. This the guy who gave the world Eminem and Lady Gaga.
Yeah, the bearded lothario showed off some impressive musical skills during his improbably long run on the show. But in typical "Idol" fashion, we were expected to not pay attention to the fact that his vocals were frequently terrible and, frankly, sometimes just kind of disturbing, creepy and awful. It's a singing competition, right? Not a tryout for the "Wolfman" reboot?
I'm sure he's a nice fella (though his forced kisses on audience members as he made his way into the "Idol" netherworld were totally disconcerting), but he proved week in and out that he just wasn't right for this competition. "American Idol" isn't looking for the next quirky jazz star who will sell a "respectable" 100,000 copies.
Jimmy freakin' Iovine is the mentor this year. This the guy who gave the world Eminem and Lady Gaga.
- 4/29/2011
- by Gil Kaufman
- MTV Newsroom
Thursday night’s American Idol Top 6 results show featured a moment of spontaneous profanity from an unexpected source (someone other than Steven Tyler), a spontaneous kiss for an unexpected judge (someone other than Jennifer Lopez), and a surprising elimination Ryan Seacrest promised would disappoint a lot of fans (someone other than Jimmy Iovine).
In the end, it was occasional jazzman/occasional Jack Black-style rocker Casey Abrams who received the lowest number of viewer votes, but the shaggy 20-year-old from California didn’t seem particularly devastated to reach the end of his Idol journey. After all, Casey had already survived one brush with elimination,...
In the end, it was occasional jazzman/occasional Jack Black-style rocker Casey Abrams who received the lowest number of viewer votes, but the shaggy 20-year-old from California didn’t seem particularly devastated to reach the end of his Idol journey. After all, Casey had already survived one brush with elimination,...
- 4/29/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
"A lot of fans are going to be disappointed with tonight's result," said Ryan Seacrest at the start of the hour on American Idol Thursday. That sounded ominous, but then again it wasn't the same as saying America would be shocked or faint dead away. Not a Pia Toscano moment, in other words. At the halfway point, Seacrest said: "Who is in and who is out? You may be surprised." Again, surprise - but not shock. … I sensed … Jacob Lusk. Spoiler! Keep reading to find out which one went home and who can claim top-five status! Quiz: Jennifer Lopez vs.
- 4/29/2011
- by Tom Gliatto
- PEOPLE.com
After tonight’s American Idol Top 6 results-show, a burning question still hangs in the air: Who was in the Bottom Three? We may never know for certain, seeing as how Ryan Seacrest informed us that he revealed the week’s results “in random order.”
But what we do know is this: Casey Abrams has growled his final growl on the Idol stage. Don’t shed too many tears, though, for the guy who likes wearing orange plaid shorts and standing in his socks on the kitchen counter. (Shudder.) Casey’s sing-out tonight to “I Put a Spell on You” felt more celebratory than mournful,...
But what we do know is this: Casey Abrams has growled his final growl on the Idol stage. Don’t shed too many tears, though, for the guy who likes wearing orange plaid shorts and standing in his socks on the kitchen counter. (Shudder.) Casey’s sing-out tonight to “I Put a Spell on You” felt more celebratory than mournful,...
- 4/29/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Among the numerous items on his résumé, Garry Dial can include playing piano for Frank Sinatra. Not in concerts, however. Dial was someone Sinatra asked to work the ivories at his Waldorf Astoria quarters while people dropped in for chats. Not a gig to sneeze at, as there can't have been many musicians whom Ol' Blue Eyes eyed for such a personal assignment.But if Dial had never accompanied Sinatra, the Manhattan School of Music staffer and independent coach, who's currently helping Ben Stiller prepare for his keyboard duties in the Broadway revival of John Guare's "The House of Blue Leaves," would still know plenty about accompaniment. At his Midtown Manhattan home and studio recently, he was happy to dispense any number of tips to Back Stage.A Little Knowledge Is a Discordant ThingThe bearded and friendly Dial—ever ready to illustrate a point at the piano—has firm...
- 1/5/2011
- backstage.com
Wakefield, Nc - Deep in the woods of Raleigh, I felt the ghost of Glenn Gould. He’s been dead since 1982, but there he was at a grand piano playing the first of Bach’s The Goldberg Variations.
His body wasn’t hunched over the keyboard on his collapsible chair. He wasn’t humming away as he played. But it was unmistakably Gould. The keys of the Yamaha Dcfiiiapro were stuck in his iconic way. His music filled the classical music concert hall covered in maple and cherry wood.
How can this be? Who conjured the Canadian classical music genius? Zenph Sound Innovations figured a way to make dead fingers play. This isn’t merely a piano roll, fake stereo treatment or a new noise reduction that goes beyond Dolby.
There is no other way to describe the technological miracle except in spiritual terms. This is the closest we’ll...
His body wasn’t hunched over the keyboard on his collapsible chair. He wasn’t humming away as he played. But it was unmistakably Gould. The keys of the Yamaha Dcfiiiapro were stuck in his iconic way. His music filled the classical music concert hall covered in maple and cherry wood.
How can this be? Who conjured the Canadian classical music genius? Zenph Sound Innovations figured a way to make dead fingers play. This isn’t merely a piano roll, fake stereo treatment or a new noise reduction that goes beyond Dolby.
There is no other way to describe the technological miracle except in spiritual terms. This is the closest we’ll...
- 8/20/2010
- by UncaScroogeMcD
July 17, 2010: Legendary Jazz music pianist Herby Hancock turned 70 this year. He however doesn’t seem to show signs of fatigue and is busy with his music as always.
Journalists had asked as to what kind of music Mr. Hancock listens to, and they had expected big iconic names of his peers like Oscar Peterson and Chick Corea; however Hancock was quite philosophic with his reply. He said that he listens to music but he primarily tries to listen to life itself. That’s as philosophic as it gets!
Hancock has been a Buddhist for the last 38 years and seems to have cultivated his mentality and attitude.
Journalists had asked as to what kind of music Mr. Hancock listens to, and they had expected big iconic names of his peers like Oscar Peterson and Chick Corea; however Hancock was quite philosophic with his reply. He said that he listens to music but he primarily tries to listen to life itself. That’s as philosophic as it gets!
Hancock has been a Buddhist for the last 38 years and seems to have cultivated his mentality and attitude.
- 7/17/2010
- by realbollywood
- RealBollywood.com
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