January 7, 2019. Jeff Goldblum is famous for his starring roles in films such as Jurassic Park, The Big Chill, and The Fly. But did you know that, way back, he grew up playing piano and accompanying vocalists? By chance, Jeff was able to get back into the swing of things. The result: this new release, Jeff Goldbum and The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra: The Capitol Studio Sessions, which features A-list musicians and guest performers.
Going back a few years, Goldblum took up a weekly residency playing jazz piano at the Rockwell Table & Stage in Los Angeles, at the suggestion of fellow actor Peter Wells. He put together a jazz band and dubbed it The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. Mildred has nothing to do with the band; she is a friend of Jeff’s parents and he liked the sound of her name. They had the place packed on a regular basis.
An impromptu duet with Gregory Porter on a British television show prompted Decca Records to want this album to happen. It includes recognizable jazz standards played skillfully and happily.
Trumpeter and vocalist Till Bronner joins Goldblum on most of the tracks, and adds an authentic and truly jazzy feel to the record. He is joined by Irish vocal sensation Imelda May on a few cuts, as well. Vocalist Haley Reinhart (of American Idol and Postmodern Jukebox fame) lends her voice to “My Baby Just Cares for Me” and “Gee Baby (Ain’t I Good to You).”
If this album isn’t surprising enough, Sarah Silverman (yes, THAT Sarah Silverman!) joins the band and Till Bronner on a quirky rendition of “Me and My Shadow.”
Maestro Goldblum wanted to present jazz in a feel-good manner, and The Capitol Studio Sessions lives up to that intention.