Award Winners

Nelly Furtado: concert review

Nelly Furtado is learning just how fickle fame can be. She’s as talented as ever but isn’t pulling in the mega-crowds of yesteryear.   Canadian Grammy-winning singer Nelly Furtado performs at the Sony Centre for Perfoming Arts on Thursday. By: Nick Krewen Special to the Star, Published on Thu Jan 24 2013     Woe, Nelly. If anyone has been learning a bitter lesson about just how fickle a mistress…


Canadian composer Mychael Danna scores another hit with Life of Pi

Toronto composer takes no shortcuts when writing music for movies Canadian Mychael Danna is nominated for a Golden Globe for best original score for his work on Ang Lee film Life of Pi. “There’s something really wonderful about being the musical interpreter of a film,” he says. By: Nick Krewen Special to the Star, Published on Wed Jan 02 2013   When it comes to writing music for movies, Mychael…


Acclaimed musician Gary Burton on his partners through life, including Chick Corea

Gary Burton, vibraphonist and more, hits Koerner Hall on Dec. 5. By: Nick Krewen Special to the Star, Published on Wed Dec 05 2012 Gary Burton and Chick Corea have proven to be one of jazz music’s more enduring partnerships. Including 1972’s introductory Crystal Silence, the American vibraphone-and-piano duo has recorded seven albums together and netted themselves five Grammy Awards, as they’ve explored everything from fusion and chamber music to…


Corb Lund brings us his Western world

Rootsy troubadour has hit album, crack band and distinct outlook to show off at Danforth Music Hall on Nov. 23. Albertan country star Corb Lund has a hit album in Cabin Fever. By: Nick Krewen Special to the Star, Published on Wed Nov 21 2012 Corb Lund may not be in consideration for the role of Toronto Blue Jays manager, but at least he’s got his hand signals down. Speaking…


Old Man Luedecke, banjo star, picked his instrument well

Gifted quick musician, playing Toronto Nov. 22, found destiny with sound he likes even when it’s ‘played badly.’ Canadian banjo star Chris “Old Man” Luedecke is coming to Glenn Gould Studio. By: Nick Krewen Special to the Star, Published on Wed Nov 21 2012 When you play the banjo like Chris “Old Man” Luedecke, you tend to hear a lot of jokes about the instrument, whether or not you want…