jazz: Celebs Rumors

Ezra Collective have shared their firey new single ‘Ajala’ and have announced a 2024 UK and European tour.The blazing new track features rhythmic drums paired with a joyful saxophone and trumpet section and stellar keys and bass line. ‘Ajala’ interpolates the sounds of Afrobeats and Highlife with Jazz.‘Ajala’ also serves as a nod to the nomadic spirit of the infamous Olabisi Ajala, the Ghanaian-Nigerian world adventurer who ambitiously took on touring the world on his scooter, covering 87 countries.Speaking about the song in a press release, drummer Femi Koleoso said: “Ajala the Traveller is a journalist from Nigeria whose story is really beautiful.

Terry Carter, best known for his roles as Colonel Tigh in the original Battlestar Galactica, and as Sgt. Joe Broadhurst on TV series McCloud, died Tuesday at his home in New York City, his son confirmed to The New York Times. He was 95.

Thania Garcia Michael Cuscuna, a three-time Grammy winning jazz producer and the co-founder of Mosaic Records, has died. He was 75. His death was confirmed on Monday by the record label Blue Note, for whom he produced reissues and studio sessions.

Kristin Chenoweth and Josh Groban joined forces this week to pay tribute to the late and great Tony Bennett.

Watching the preview clip of Back To Black, the new Amy Winehouse biopic, it is impossible to shake the image of the late singer watching it herself. Winehouse, someone unafraid to dismiss anything she saw as beneath her, would surely not accept this soft-soap depiction of her rise from jazz singer to international icon. Back To Black isn’t really for Amy Winehouse, though.

EXCLUSIVE: Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane is partnering, through his Seth MacFarlane Foundation, with Martin Scorsese’s Film Foundation to fund the first-ever, curated restoration of historically significant animated shorts from the 1920s to 1940s.

Kamasi Washington has announced a 2024 UK, Ireland and European headline tour – find all the details below.The LA jazz multi-instrumentalist will hit the road in Europe this autumn in support of his new studio album ‘Fearless Movement’, which is due for release on May 3 via Young (pre-order here).Kicking off in Rome on October 3, that leg also includes stop-offs in Milan, Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, Porto, Bordeaux and Paris in the first half of the month.From there, Washington will head to the UK and Ireland for shows in Manchester, London, Cardiff, Gateshead, Leeds, Glasgow and Dublin.An additional run of European gigs is scheduled to take place between October 28 and November 17, including stops in Brussels, Warsaw, Krakow, Amsterdam, Berlin and Oslo.Tickets go on general sale at 10am BST this Friday (April 19) – you’ll be able to buy yours here (UK and Ireland) and here (Europe). Alternatively, fans can access a pre-sale at the same time tomorrow (Thursday, April 18) by pre-ordering ‘Fearless Movement’ here before 6pm BST today (17).You can see the full list of shows in the announcement post below.Europe, coming your way soon! Pre-order my album “Fearless Movement” from my web store before 6pm on Wednesday April 17th to receive pre-sale access to my Europe tour! Pre-sale opens at 10am (local times) on Thursday April 18th.

Laufey has today (April 16) released a new short film for her song ‘Goddess’, which has been directed by Past Lives director Celine Song – watch it below.The video stars Laufey alongside William G. Hardy (from Netflix’s Heartstopper), and was shot in Brooklyn, New York on 35mm film.Speaking about the video, Laufey said: “It was so special to work with Celine on the ‘Goddess’ short film.

Amy Winehouse’s ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil has shared his thoughts on the new biopic Back To Black, explaining that he found it “therapeutic”.The film – directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson – arrives in cinemas earlier today (April 12), and follows the life of the late singer. It stars Marisa Abela (Industry) as Winehouse and charts the iconic singer’s vibrant years living in London, as well as her intense rise to fame.In the movie, Winehouse’s former husband Blake Fielder-Civil is portrayed by Jack O’Connell (Skins, Godless, Lady Chatterley’s Lover). He stars opposite Eddie Marsan, who was cast as the singer’s father, Mitch.Now, appearing on today’s episode of Good Morning Britain, Fielder-Civil shared his thoughts on the biopic, and admitted that he found the film “almost therapeutic” due to how he was depicted.In the interview with host Kate Garraway, he said that some parts of the movie made him feel seen “in a more accurate representation” to what he is used to.“Not in a sense of being let off the hook or whitewashed, as [has] been alluded to… just in a sense of it wasn’t all about addiction,” he said.

Foals‘ Yannis Philippakis and the late Tony Allen will finally arrive next week.Philippakis first spoke about to NME about working on music with Allen back in in 2017. The pioneering Afrobeat drummer, who played with both Fela Kuti and The Good, The Bad & The Queen, died in 2020 and the music had been in development for some time ahead of his passing.“I’ve been writing with Tony Allen, Fela Kuti’s drummer,” Philippakis told NME in 2017. “I started doing some tracks with him last year and then I was on tour.

Amy Winehouse‘s ‘Tears Dry On Their Own’ features previously unseen footage of the late singer. Watch below.The 2007 single appears on Winehouse’s classic second studio album, 2006’s ‘Back To Black’.

Thania Garcia Music Will (formerly Little Kids Rock), the largest non-profit music education program for schools in the United States, will hold its annual benefit on April 24 honoring Josh Groban, Andra Day and Rhiannon Giddens. Set to take place at the Novo in Los Angeles, the event will have music direction from Michael Bearden (Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston) and feature special guest performances to be announced, along with a silent online auction and remarks from key artistic and business supporters. The benefit will provide essential funding for Music Will’s ongoing mission to provide teacher training, a diverse curriculum, and free musical instruments to students—connecting them with the music that ignites their interest.

Peter Debruge Chief Film Critic SPOILER ALERT: The following essay discusses key plot points, including the ending. Last weekend, I took in “Le Samouraï” for what must have been the sixth or seventh time, relishing the new 4K restoration of Jean-Pierre Melville’s masterpiece (now playing at Laemmle theaters in Los Angeles). As I exited the screening, I discreetly eavesdropped on my fellow audience members. Most seemed impressed.

Jazz Tangcay Artisans Editor The Screen Actors Guild and Directors Guild of America have approved the first-ever credit of “stunt designer.” The title will be used on the upcoming release “The Fall Guy” with veteran stunt coordinator, second unit director and president of Stunts Unlimited Chris O’Hara set to receive the inaugural film credit. O’Hara’s position as a production head on set is traditionally titled “stunt coordinator.” It is an official Screen Actors Guild credit also recognized by the Directors Guild of America.

Amy Winehouse biopic Back To Black arriving in cinemas, the search is on to find out which of her songs is the UK’s favourite.The film – which is directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson – is set to arrive on April 12, and will follow the life of the late singer. It stars Marisa Abela (Industry) as Winehouse and charts the iconic singer’s vibrant years living in London, as well as her intense rise to fame.Now, just days before it makes its way into cinemas, a nationwide search has been launched to uncover which of the singer’s tracks is the most-loved in the UK.Commencing last Friday (April 5) and running until tomorrow (April 10), a giant Back To Black touring installation has been making its way across Manchester, Glasgow and London.

Owen Gleiberman Chief Film Critic “Back to Black,” the 2006 album that the new Amy Winehouse biopic takes its title from, is a record built on an exquisite contradiction. The music has a crispy delicious retro-bop bounce, a quality that extends to Winehouse’s vocals, which take the growling-cat stylings of jazz legends like Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday and kick them up into something playfully ferocious. Yet when you tune into the lyrics, they’re as dark as midnight.

Clarence “Frogman” Henry, the New Orleans R&B singer whose 1956 hit “Ain’t Got No Home” showcased a vocal range that could soar to falsetto and plummet to the croak that provided his nickname, died Sunday. He was 87.

eff Goldblum‘s IMDb, he has five exciting film and TV projects in the works including the much-anticipated “Wicked” adaptation.There’s still more on his plate, though.The busy 71-year-old screen icon is embarking on a brief three-show tour this year.First up, he’ll swing into Washington, D.C.’s Lincoln Theatre on Thursday, May 30.Five months later, the “The Fly” actor buzzes into San Antonio’s Majestic Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 19 and Austin’s Bass Concert Hall on Sunday, Oct.

Billie Piper has reflected on her childhood friendship with Amy Winehouse, recalling how the singer was bullied because “she was always doing her own thing”.Piper and Winehouse both attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School in London in the 1990s, and became friends during their time there. Now, in an interview on Jessie Ware’s Table Manners podcast, the former pop star and Doctor Who actor has shared memories of what Winehouse was like during that period.“She was always cheeky,” Piper said.

Ethan Shanfeld Four-time Grammy winner Killer Mike will take on the Blue Note in New York for a run of intimate shows in July. The rapper will perform six shows with the Mighty Midnight Revival on July 29, 30 and 31, with two shows per night — at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Robert Glasper Experiment, has died aged 46. No cause of death has been given.The news was confirmed by Living Colour‘s Vernon Reid, who took to X/Twitter to call Benjamin’s passing a “brutal & terrible shock”.“My sincerest condolences go out to my YoHimBe Brother on this day of revelation,” Reird wrote. “I’m in a weird place with it.

Tony Bennett from the likes of Lady Gaga and Amy Winehouse are set to go to auction next month.A trove of items that belonged to the late singer are set to go up for sale at Julien’s Auctions on April 18, including letters and rarities addressed to him from Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse, Madonna, Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Quincy Jones and Barbra Streisand and more.The legendary American singer died on July 21 in his hometown of New York, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was aged 96.The item expected to fetch the most at the auction is a typewritten thank you letter from civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

For most of her career, Amirtha Kidambi didn’t refer to herself as an activist, in the same way she didn’t consider herself a Carnatic singer despite studying the form for years. Both of these practices, she explained in a 2017 interview, are lifelong callings.

Lady Gaga‘s highly anticipated upcoming film “Joker: Folie à Deux.”In the meantime, her Little Monsters will have to settle for the latest installment of the 13-time Grammy-winning artist’s ‘Jazz and Piano’ Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM.On eight nights from June 19 through July 6, Gaga will perform standards from the Great American Songbook and treat audiences to stripped-down piano reinterpretations of her hits like “Poker Face” and “Born This Way.”Every show is emotional for the “Star Is Born” singer, too.“She has said something different about (Tony Bennett) every time, words from the heart,” the Las Vegas Review Journal wrote. “Tony would not want me to be sad on stage,” Gaga said onstage, the Review Journal reported.

Amy Winehouse biopic, Back To Black, with it including an original new song by Nick Cave.The film is directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson and is set to be released in cinemas on April 12. It will follow the life and career of the iconic London singer, with the title role being taken on by Marisa Abela.Now, details of the official soundtrack to the movie have been shared – featuring songs by the singer herself, as well as tracks by other iconic artists.Titled ‘Back To Black: Songs from the Original Motion Picture’, the compilation album is set for release on May 17 via UMR/Island Records, and features three original recordings from Winehouse’s highly influential debut, ‘Frank’ and three songs from her multi-award-winning LP ‘Back To Black.It also includes a new original track called ‘Song for Amy’, which is sung by Nick Cave.Cave, along with longtime collaborator Warren Ellis, composed and recorded the film’s score.A further 5 songs are included on the album, recorded by artists whom Amy Winehouse saw as an inspiration.

Jake Gyllenhaal is getting some major support at the premiere of his new movie!

Lady Gaga has confirmed that she will be returning to Las Vegas for her ‘Jazz & Piano’ 2024 summer residency.The 13-time Grammy Award-winning singer will be making her way back to “sin city” for an eight-night run at the Dolby Live at Park MGM. The residency will kick off on June 19 and run through select dates until July 6.Gaga took over the same venue late last summer until early autumn with her residency which celebrates her love of the Great American Songbook, and features reworked versions of her biggest hits.A ticket pre-sale will be available for fans who sign up for it here.

Lady Gaga is returning to Las Vegas for more shows as part of her Jazz & Piano residency at Park MGM’s Dolby Live!

Lady Gaga is heading back to Las Vegas for another of her extremely popular “Jazz & Piano” residencies at the Park MGM Dolby Live.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at Large That’s a wrap on Oscar season 2024 — but first, the Variety Awards Circuit Podcast‘s Roundtable dives in one last time to take a final look at the highs, lows and head scratchers from Sunday night’s ceremony. “Oppenheimer” did huge, but it didn’t quite sweep.

Ravinia is pulling out all the stops this year.Highland Park, IL’s annual summer-long music festival just announced their 2024 lineup — with over 100 concerts scheduled — and it’s a doozy.This year’s edition features big names from yesteryear like James Taylor, Robert Plant with Alison Krauss, The Beach Boys with John Stamos, Mavis Staples, and Daryl Hall with Elvis Costello.Other icons set to grace the Ravinia Festival stages this year include Norah Jones, Little Feat, Gipsy Kings, OAR, and Melissa Etheridge with Indigo Girls.As of now, tickets can be scooped up for a handful of the 2024 concerts.Although inventory isn’t available on Ticketmaster until Wednesday, April 24, fans who want to ensure they have tickets ahead of time can purchase on sites like Vivid Seats before tickets are officially on sale.Vivid Seats is a secondary market ticketing platform, and prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand.They have a 100% buyer guarantee that states your transaction will be safe and secure and will be delivered before the event.All Ravinia concerts with inventory available can be found below with performers, dates, show start times, and links to buy tickets.As mentioned earlier, over 100 acts are set to stop in Highland Park this year.For a fuller picture of the expansive multi-month lineup, you can find the full 2024 slate here.Need more multi-day jamborees?Here are just five of the biggest music festivals you won’t want to miss these next few months.Who else is on the road?Check out our list of the 50 biggest concerts in 2024 here to find out.

Murtada Elfadl Juxtaposing the story of the murder of Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba with a musical tour of jazzman Louis Armstrong and with the expansion of the United Nations after the independence of many African countries in the 1960s might be tall order. Trickier still would be telling this complex story, full of many characters and plot swerves, in a nonlinear manner while filling the screen with written clues providing context like a bibliography of an academic thesis.

Jon Batiste performed his Oscar-nominated song ‘It Never Went Away’at the 2024 Oscars last night (March 10) – check out footage below.The song features in his 2023 Netflix documentary American Symphony, in which Batiste attempts to compose a symphony as his wife, writer Suleika Jaouad, undergoes cancer treatment.The track was up for Best Original Song against Barbie songs ‘I’m Just Ken’ by Ryan Gosling and ‘What Was I Made For?’ by Billie Eilish and Finneas, ‘Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)’ by Osage Tribal Singers from Killers of the Flower Moon and Becky G’s ‘The Fire Inside’ from Flamin’ Hot.Eilish and brother Finneas’ ultimately won for ‘What Was I Made For?’, which they also performed at the ceremony.Check out Batiste’s moving performance of ‘It Never Went Away’ below.Jon Batiste performs "It Never Went Away" | #Oscars pic.twitter.com/zgMBnzJSwM— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) March 11, 2024The Oscar nomination marked the artist’s second nod, after being recognised for 2021 for the Pixar movie Soul, going on to win Best Original Score alongside Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.Upon releasing the song last year, Batiste described ‘It Never Went Away’ in a press statement as “a love that outlasts any condition of the physical world”, adding: “It probes the question of our mortality, while at the same time speaking to the enduring quality of our deepest callings and desires.

Variety Awards Circuit Podcast for some final analysis. Awards guru Clayton Davis, along with Jenelle Riley, Jazz Tangcay and Michael Schneider recorded a Mega Roundtable edition this week to share their final thoughts on this year’s races.

Jim Beard, the touring keyboardist for Steely Dan for the past 16 years, has died at the age of 63. He passed away on Saturday, 2 March in a New York City hospital “from complications due to a sudden illness”, Deadline reports.The composer and producer joined the live Steely Dan band in 2008 when he joined them on their Think Fast Tour. Earlier this year, he joined them for a show in Phoenix, Arizona on 20 January.

Kamasi Washington has announced his new album ‘Fearless Movement’ and has shared its lead single ‘Prologue’. Check it out below.The cinematic track sees the Los Angeles jazz multi-instrumentalist create upbeat instrumentation featuring pounding drums and a glorious trumpet at the forefront.