Producer

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…


Ian Hunter and Rant play Lee’s Palace Dec. 7

At 73, Ian Hunter is no longer a young dude. But that doesn’t mean there are times when he doesn’t feel like one. Rocker Ian Hunter plays Lee’s Palace Dec. 7 with his band Rant. By: Nick Krewen Special to the Star, Published on Wed Dec 05 2012 At 73, Ian Hunter is no longer a young dude. But that doesn’t mean there are times when he doesn’t feel like…


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…


Mother Mother takes a trip to dark side – and to Kool Haus

B.C. band comes up with the accidental concept album, a testimonial to an outcast. By: Nick Krewen Special to the Star, Published on Fri Nov 30 2012 Well, Mother Mother certainly didn’t waste any time. A mere 18 months after the quirky Vancouver alt rock band issued its third album Eureka and relentlessly toured North America to support it, leader Ryan Guldemond led his troops back into the studio and…


Xavier Rudd savours that healing energy

Aussie multi-instrumentalist Xavier Rudd plays the Phoenix on Nov. 28. By: Nick Krewen Special to the Star, Published on Fri Nov 23 2012 Environmentally topical singer and songwriter Xavier Rudd has been entertaining global audiences for over a decade with his one-man set-up, an intriguing skeletal hybrid of guitar, pedals, percussion and didgeridoos, the guttural-sounding instrument of aboriginal origin native to Australia. But about 18 months ago, his life —…