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jazz Archives - ShowBizCafe.com

jazz Archives - ShowBizCafe.com

Jack Rico

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2016/03/21 at 3:11pm

This Week In Movies: ‘Batman v Superman,’ ‘Born To Be Blue’

03.21.2016 | By |

We’re a little more than half-way through March and this week’s movies offer a little somehting for everyone. One which has captivated my attention is Ethan Hawke’s Born To Be Blue, a jazz film about Chet Baker, arguably the most popular trumpeter after Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie. I had met with Hawke last year and he showed me several pics of the production and we discussed favorite albums plus his legacy. Also, we should address the armored bat in the room – Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. This is the most anticipated film of 2016. The reason it is more anticipated than Captain America: Civil War, is the tremendous pressure and risk behind the success of WB and DC’s franchise set-up film. Read More

Jack Rico

By

2014/07/23 at 9:00am

Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar & Grill (Broadway Review)

07.23.2014 | By |

I missed the opening week of the Broadway musical Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill which opened April 13, so once I heard the show was extending its limited performances until September 21st, I had to go see it. Apart from the record-setting Tony winning performance from Audra McDonald (she won her 6th Tony by beating Angela Lansbury and Julie Harris with 5 wins), my other main interest was to listen to Billie Holiday’s music within a Broadway setting, something I had never witnessed. Read More

Jack Rico

By

2014/05/28 at 3:40pm

Megan Hilty at Café Carlyle (Concert Review)

05.28.2014 | By |

For anyone who has ever had the chance to enter the nostalgic and historic landmark space of Café Carlyle in Manhattan, it feels like you’ve time-traveled back to a different era, one which was always full of familiar friends, intellectual conversations about the theater, cuisine and  most importantly – music. It is this latter reason why I donned my best summer jacket and strutted in with my illustrious wife to see opening night of Megan Hilty crooning her way into the musical grooves of my mind and heart. Read More

Jack Rico

By

2013/09/22 at 12:48pm

My Album Of The Week – ‘Coleman Hawkins Encounters Ben Webster’

09.22.2013 | By |

I am a major fan of Ben Webster‘s music. His rendition of “When I Fall In Love” is love in its purest essence. When I found out Coleman Hawkins had recorded an album with Webster, well, you can just imagine my excitement to see if the meeting of two of the greatest saxophone tenors in jazz history was musical bliss. To boot, Oscar Peterson, my favorite jazz pianist is the pianist at-large. What a trio. Does it really get any better than them? Read More

Jack Rico

By

2013/07/11 at 1:22am

Billie Holiday Broadway musical set to open October 3rd!

07.11.2013 | By |

Back in March, my hands were peeling after applauding thunderously at the news that a Billie Holiday musical was finally coming to Broadway. Now I get word that there is a new opening date set for Thursday, October 3rd (6:30PM) with preview performances slated to begin Thursday, September 19th (8PM). Read More

Alex Florez

By

2011/12/13 at 12:00am

Review: Monty Alexander: Music of Sinatra & King Cole

12.13.2011 | By |

Review: Monty Alexander: Music of Sinatra & King Cole

With a stunning backdrop of the Manhattan Skyline, 67 year old pianist Monty Alexander took center stage Saturday night hoping to wind back the clock and turn Jazz at Lincoln Center into Jilly’s Saloon, a famed Rat Pack hangout of the 1960s.

Accompanied by a group of masterful musicians and vocalists, Alexander paid tribute to his heroes Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole in a cabaret-like show with American standards such as “Come Fly With Me”, “My Kind of Town” and “L-O-V-E.” 

For the role of Old Blue Eyes, Alexander enlisted 22 year-old baritone James DeFrances while tapping charismatic jazz artist Allan Harris to play the “King.” Both traded classics and made for a “swinging session,” but the real delight here was the show’s supporting cast.

Blues guitarist Russell Malone’s haunting solo rendition of “Where or When” might have easily stolen the show. It was the one interpretation of the night that seemed entirely heartfelt and evocative of the nostalgia Alexander was looking to capture with this concert series. Also impressive was percussionist Bobby Thomas Jr., who seemed to hypnotize the audience every time he was given the spotlight.

Alexander’s appreciation for the music of Sinatra and Cole is sincere, and for jazz lovers the tunes are timeless and a joy to experience live – especially by such a talented bunch. But somewhere a note is missed when trying to strike the right tone.

While DeFrances holds his own as a singer, he underwhelms as a performer – never quite looking comfortable with the rest of the group. That, is not how we all remember the Chairman of the Board. Thankfully, Harris picks up the slack with his exuberance and Alexander’s anecdotes serve as a reminder that he himself is a direct link to the Rat Pack era.

Mack Chico

By

2008/10/08 at 12:00am

Woody Allen heads to Spain to perform

10.8.2008 | By |

Woody Allen heads to Spain to perform

Holidaymakers heading to Murcia over the festive season might cross paths with a movie star.

According to the Costa Blanca Leader, the actor, writer and director Woody Allen will be arriving in the region to perform with his jazz band on December 31st.

Allen plays clarinet in the group, which performs weekly in Manhattan, New York.

The star will not be the first famous face to enjoy the charms of La Manga, however.

La Manga Club has welcomed various big names over the years to its Celebrity Golf Classic.

Lawrence Dallaglio, Robert Powell and Zinzan Brooke are just some of the celebrities that have taken part in the charity golf tournament.

But one need not be a celebrity to enjoy golf holidays to La Manga Club.

There are plenty of opportunities for golfers of all ages and abilities to enjoy the world-class facilities, whether it be lessons at the academy or taking part in a game with friends.

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