New York

Norah Jones musically solid but lacking in charisma

The Grammy Winner got in 12 songs from her new album Little Broken Hearts but seemed most at home playing country standards.   Norah Jones performs at Massey Hall in Toronto on Friday evening.   Nick Krewen Special to the Star, Published on Sat Jul 07 2012 Ever since she exploded onto the mainstream pop scene with her jazzy multiple Grammy-winning album Come Away With Me, Norah Jones has been…


Nellie McKay embraces music, keeps public at bay

Wide-ranging chanteuse ends boycott of Canada with Horseshoe gig. Nellie McKay plays the Horseshoe Tavern on June 30.     Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Wed Jun 27 2012   It’s hard to know where to start with Nellie McKay. Over eight years and five albums, the enormously talented British-born New Yorker has immersed herself in disciplines both visual and musical, ranging from acting in major motion…


Ingrid Michaelson, as heard on TV

Ingrid Michaelson, as heard on TV | Toronto Star Small-screen dramas and commercials are a big reason why singer’s Phoenix show is sold out.    Nick Krewen Special to the Star, Published on Mon Apr 09 2012 Singer and songwriter Ingrid Michaelson — who performs a sold-out show Tuesday night at the Phoenix — remembers the moment when she crossed the threshold from obscurity to success. Ironically, it wasn’t during…


David Bromberg: Gifted guitarist keeps ’em guessing

Entertainment / Music Spontaneity and fun keep the road vital for axeman at Hugh’s Room Sunday.   Respected guitarist and songwriter David Bromberg plays Hugh’s Room on Sunday. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Fri Dec 16 2011 David Bromberg, the journeyman multi-instrumentalist string wizard who returns to Hugh’s Room on Sunday, is certainly one of a kind. At 66, he’s done it all: as a session and sideman, he’s…


Marnie Stern makes guitar her own

Marnie Stern makes guitar her own | Toronto Star Highly personal sound keeps it interesting for indie musician bound for Wrongbar.     New York guiatarist Marnie Stern tries to keep it interesting. Nick Krewen Special to the Star, Published on Tue Sep 20 2011 Throughout the history of contemporary music, the domain of the lightning-fingered guitar hero has been inextricably defined by testosterone-driven DNA. But for every six-string trailblazer…