Not content to merely be a Hollywood superstar, style icon, man of the moment, and absolute legend, Jeff Goldblum, celebrated his 66th birthday at the InStyle Magazine awards at the Getty Museum, Los Angeles, where he was honoured as this year’s “Man Of Style”. The award came ahead of the release of his debut jazz album, ‘The Capitol Studios Sessions’, which he recorded earlier this year with his long term band, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. ‘The Capitol Studio Sessions’ will is released today through Decca Records.
Comprising 14 tracks, including songs and patter from Goldblum, ‘The Capitol Studio Sessions’ also features guest vocals from Imelda May, Haley Reinhart, and Sarah Silverman, as well as the extraordinary Grammy-nominated trumpeter Till Brönner.
Goldblum and The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra will come to London in November for their first ever live shows in the UK – a performance at Ronnie Scott’s world famous jazz club, and Cadogan Hall, as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival, before taking the show to Europe, performing at venues in Paris and Berlin. Understandably, the London shows sold out immediately.
Goldblum has been playing piano since he was a child, and has performed with his jazz band at venues around Los Angeles and New York City for decades. When he’s not otherwise engaged with filming, he hosts a weekly jazz variety show at LAs Rockwell Table And Stage. The shows, which are frequented by fans, locals, and A-listers alike, are a warm blend of Goldblum’s love of jazz, combined with his passion and skills for improvised comedy. Again – understandably – these sessions sell out as soon as they’re announced.
‘The Capitol Studios Sessions’ captures the atmosphere and energy of these shows, with Jeff giving the credit to producer Larry Klein, known for his work with Joni Mitchell, Herbie Hancock, and Madeleine Peyroux. Larry recreated the buzz of The Rockwell at the legendary Capitol Studios in Hollywood, by transforming it into a jazz club – food and drink was served to an invited live studio audience made up of Rockwell regulars, friends, and family.
Just like jazz was originally based on improvisation and “jam” sessions, ‘The Capitol Studio Sessions’ fully conveys the idea that “anything-can-happen” combined with a spirit of creative generosity. Jeff loves his fans and this is conveyed in how he speaks to them, as well as their response – clapping and cheering. His banter also with his guest singers and soloists is fabulous, he makes everyone feel as though they’re the most important person in the room. Jeff considers his role in the context of a jazz band as having a seamless connection with his acting:
“I love improvising and that feeling of communication and interplay. It’s one of the cornerstones of my acting technique. I see my music in the same way.”
The songs on the album are all presented in a way that is both high spirited and feel good. It dares the listener not to immediately be overcome by waves of happiness. Included in the album are 60s jazz numbers such as ‘Cantaloupe Island’, and ‘I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel To Be Free)’, as well as the 1940s classic, ‘Straighten Up And Fly Right’, with guest vocals provided by the gorgeously gifted Irish superstar, Imelda May. May also guests on ‘This Bitter Earth’, and ‘Come On-A-My House’, joined on all three tracks by the sublime trumpet of Till Brönner. Also on vocals is American songstress, is the deliciously velvety Haley Reinhart, who sings the 1930s classic, ‘My Baby Just Cares For Me’, and ‘Gee Baby (Aint I Good To You)’, as well as comedian and actress Sarah Silverman, who does a fantastic job with the famous 1920s song, ’Me And My Shadow’. Till Brönner features on over half the album with his exquisite trumpet.
‘The Capitol Studios Sessions’ is out today, November 9. Jeff Goldblum And The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra will be performing the following live dates:
Sat 17th Nov London: Cadogan Hall
(as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival: www.efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk)
Sun 18th Nov Paris: Le Trianon
Weds 21st Nov Berlin: Admiralspalast
Thurs 22nd Nov London: Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club (2 shows)
(as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival: www.efglondonjazzfestival.org.uk)
You can find out more about Jeff Goldblum online from Decca, and on his social media accounts – Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
