Jazz

Herbie Hancock gives it all a try

Herbie Hancock gives it all a try | Toronto Star Longtime Gershwin fan’s Massey Hall show just latest outlet for broad-minded creator.   Herbie Hancock at home with keyboards both acoustic and electronic … thanks to Miles Davis. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Thu Oct 20 2011 Legendary jazz innovator Herbie Hancock might be considered something of a prodigy, but that doesn’t mean he’s taking his upcoming…


Pink Martini tries substitute ingredients

Pink Martini tries substitute ingredients | Toronto Star Absent singer spurs eclectic Blackcreek performers to shake up lineup.   Pink Martini is still led by Thomas Lauderdale, centre blond, but singer China Forbes won’t be here. Nick Krewen Special To The Star,  Published on Tue Jul 19 2011 First of all, let’s get the disappointment out of the way, Pink Martini fans. When Portland, Oregon’s eclectic 13-piece “little orchestra” headlines…


Esthero is still working on it

Esthero is still working on it | Toronto Star Writer, Kanye collaborator and notorious perfectionist back for hometown show   HANDOUT PHOTO “My intent is to debut as much new music as possible,” says Esthero of her Lee’s Palace gig. Nick Krewen  SPECIAL TO THE STAR,  Published on Sun Jun 27 2010 The drought is almost over. Esthero admirers who have been jonesing for some new music ever since 2005’s Wikked…


John Mayer wages a shock and awe battle

John Mayer stepped on the Sound Academy stage last night secure in the knowledge that Battle Studies , his first full-fledged studio album since 2006’s Continuum , will be the No.1 when the Billboard charts are updated on Thursday on the strength of over 300,000 copies sold in the U.S. Nick Krewen  Special To The Star, Wed Nov 25 2009 John Mayer stepped on the Sound Academy stage last night…


The Versatile Vanessa Williams

PUBLISHED IN THE TORONTO STAR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1997 Beauty Queen recovers from Penthouse debacle to star on stage, screen Nick Krewen Today, some people might call her a multi-media performer, but the old-fashioned word entertainer fits Vanessa Williams just fine. Film? She held her own with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the action-packed thriller Eraser, received critical acclaim for her acting in Soul Food and just completed Shut Up And Dance, the…