Grammy

Iconic singers Alanis Morissette and Joan Jett rock Budweiser Stage with nostalgia-filled sets

Although there’s no doubt that Morissette gave it her all, there was a problem that dampened proceedings: a bad sound mix, writes Nick Krewen By Nick Krewen Special to the Star Alanis Morissette and Joan Jett Three stars (out of four)  Budweiser Stage on Saturday, July 13, 2024  Isn’t she iconic? True that the term “iconic” has been employed to the point of nausea by every well-meaning publicist grasping for…


A Toronto concert offers jazz great John Coltrane’s music in a rare format: arranged for symphony orchestra

“He was a passionate player that was always looking forward,” says saxophonist Joe Lovano, featured soloist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in world premiere “John Coltrane: Legacy.” By Nick Krewen Special to the Star Get ready to hear the music of John Coltrane in a whole new context. While the legendary repertoire of the late jazz sax colossus has been performed in many configurations over the last 75 years or so,…


‘All women suffer from injustice’: Mali singer Oumou Sangaré on why she’s still speaking out for women in Africa and beyond

Sangaré, who has been opposing arranged marriages, polygamy, sexual subservience and genital mutilation for more than three decades, makes a rare Toronto appearance on April 20.by Nick Krewen Special to the Star She’s known worldwide as “the Songbird of Wassoulou.” But over the past three decades, Malian singer-songwriter Oumou Sangaré, who makes a rare Toronto appearance on Saturday, has meant so much more, especially to the women of Africa. Since…


It turns out Sheryl Crow’s final album wasn’t really the last. The singer explains why she made another one

The new record, Evolution, out Friday, is about “what’s happening in all of our daily lives,” including AI and social media negativity. By Nick Krewen Special to the Star When she released Threads back in 2019, nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow decided her 11th studio album would be her last and declared it as such. How, then, does she explain the arrival of Evolution, her 12th, out Friday? “Yes, I did announce…


Controversial and popular country music star Toby Keith dies age 62

“Most people think I’m a redneck patriot. I’m O.K. with that,” the musician from Oklahoma once said. He won a slew of awards and 32 chart-topping hits   By Nick Krewen Special to the Star For the first decade of his career, country music superstar Toby Keith philosophically commiserated with the late comedian Rodney Dangerfield: he felt he got no respect.  That changed by the end of his life, at least…