Life Finds A Key.
Who's better? This writer started an impromptu, this one or that one, movie star debate game on a wet afternoon in Starbucks yesterday. Pacino or Dr Niro? Stallone or Schwarzenegger? Tom Hanks or Denzel Washington? Julia Roberts or Sandra Bullock? Bill Murray or Jeff Goldblum? Etc, etc. People got involved. Customers. Baristas. It got fun. It got heated. And oh just for the record if of interest. It goes Pacino, Stallone, Hanks (just), Roberts (yeah I've seen 'Gravity', but put the brilliant Bullock in 'Notting Hill's or 'Pretty Woman' and it just ain't the same) and how you gonna even ask me that? Murray or Goldblum? Santori times or "must go faster"? That would be like a mother or father being asked to choose their favourite child (it probably wasn't me). And I couldn't tell you which etcetera was better...sorry. But point is like Michael Jackson or Prince there are no two actors like the oddball beautiful Bill and Jeff. And this year's vocal 'Isle Of Dogs' co-barks are no two the same. These marvellous misfits who in middle-age have found their perfect place in cult legend and iconic popularity are two of the fact that in their own individual inspirations they are each one of a kind. But still these canine character friends share more than a bone and an affinity for the weird and wonderful like they do Wes Anderson. As a matter of fact like Scarlett Johansson or Will Smith before them they've both made music and as of right now cut their own jazz albums. And who else to bring this great genre back to cool, laid back, trumpet blaring life than Jeff? He brings-like he does with everything he does-that effortless, personified 'je ne sais quoi', which we should just fittingly term...'Goldblum'. You know what it is.
The Goldblum standard is here and it glitters like lounge lights on your glass of whiskey, or the sequins of your loves dress. It's little surprise this renaissance man of his own time has made music like this behind the keys. Jeff is jazz. Behind the notes. On his own random tangent that is part of a much grander scheme that all just works in its own wonder of a way. This man's music is no great secret any more either like fellow modern day legend Morgan Freeman's blues bar in New Orleans (which you know this writer is going to try and hit up when he visits Louisiana next week during his tour of the United States). You could imagine him hosting a night like this in his own place every night of the week he wasn't wining and dining with the finest of friends. Ever since appearing on U.K. chatty talk show host Graham Norton's Friday night show in London, backing up soul sensation Gregory Porter on piano so good the 'Nat King Cole And Me' great had to keep up with him, we've wondered and wished upon an album. And now it's here. As in linking up with Mildred Snitzer's outstanding orchestra for some sessions in the La, La, Land, city of stars, L.A.'s iconic Capitol Studios, Goldblum glows. Giving us something even more stunning than the skyscraping concerts some artists do on the top of this Record buildings peak after recording and cutting their own album. And when the offbeat flirt brings a Hollywood host of his famous friends to the end of his piano to play with, this man ad-libs and talks up the in Hollywood heaven crowd in something so rhythmic we even think he could sing over that perfect playing. But he saves that all for the best of the best. As Jeff being Jeff knows and shows that even though he is the center stage it ain't all about him. And in covering some of the greatest standards with his own timeless signature. Jazz is back with Jeff who never left like it was all meant to be. Life really does find a way.
Haharawrahah! Only his iconic 'Jurassic Park' laugh that has turned into everything from a memes and gifs to an incredible YouTube song (that if isn't what plays (with him on piano may I add) for the first dance on my wedding day then frankly I haven't found my one, true love) is missing in this deluxe evening edition delight. Something as legendary as his Astley, Rick rolled, 'Take On Me' take on the turn around vine. His packaged lunchbox table slap. The fact that he's classically said, "must go faster" in two iconic, blockbuster movies. C'mon! You know which ones, "thank you very much". Or that iconic, shirt open Dr. Ian Malcolm pose that has turned into a box changing pop viynl, works of great Instagram renaissance art and a "must go faster" hallmark headlined, valentine's card for one of the ex Mrs. Tim Harvey's. Not to forget a larger than life sized statue that for a day in London dwarfed the Big Smile's legendary Tower Bridge. But fear not his version of his "in 'Jurassic Park', scary in the dark" made-up lyrics to the John Williams classic theme is here like being scared you're going to be eaten. In instantly recognisable, its own legend, sing-a-long glory, ad-libbed (as good as his off-script, improvised, cheque paying 'Ragnarok' riffs in 'Thor' three) with Sarah Silverman. Yes that's right. Sarah Silverman. The comedian whose just got her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and is actually an amazing actress if you didn't know (see her serve herself in 'Battle Of The Sexes'...no I mean really see it). Who according to Jeff that night (and some lady she coincidentally met in the lavatory) has a look of Amy Winehouse about her. Here getting her Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga on with Jeff, cheek-to-cheek with the hilarious, classic off the cuff, linked up rendition of 'Me And My Shadow' and the inspired interlude introduction beforehand. Where he mid-song even enquires about the safety of leaving butter (I can't believe it) out the fridge overnight for the sake of spreadable softness. I'm with you on that one Jeff (can I call you Jeff?)...butter side down. That's the stuff of dreams that speaks to me right there. Never since Beethoven have we witnessed classical compositions such as this...and the funny thing is, you think I'm joking. Gentlemanly flirting up a storm for show with Haaayley Reeeinhart for Nina Simone's simmering 'My Baby Just Cares For Me' too, everyone's favourite has it all. Icon Imelda May smouldering on the warm 'Come On-A-My House' and the 'Straighten Up And Fly Right' standard. Whilst the collar smart Goldblum loosens up and takes off his cool as he lets loose like his GQ styled tie. His keys are Alicia accomplished for all the songs in the key of Mr. "Life Finds A Way'. From the off Broadway, timeless magic of New York in the fall with, 'Nostalgia In Times Square'. All the way to the exotic evoking 'Canteloupe Island', via a 'Caravan' of love. Reworking knockout classics like 'Don't Mess With Mister T' perfectly and 'Gee Baby (Ain't I Good To You)' (YES!) perfectly this is something we're glad entered his mind. Jeff gives us something that makes our wish come true of wanting to know what it feels like to be free. This man is the definition of that with his definitive career path. He even lights up the darkness of Dinah Washington's 'This Bitter Earth' (how Max Richter gives this even more shadow for 'Shutter Island' and the haunting 'Handmaid's Tale' break Elizabeth Moss video, walking around the lonely late night streets of Toronto is tortured testament to the songs bruised beauty) like only he can or have right to do without sacrificing the songs soul. Because all joking and fondness aside this is real music and artistry with every intention from Jeff. Who joins dudes with the same name like Bridges in bridging the Hollywood gap between movies and music. Showing true showmen and the greatest of them (oh hey Hugh) can do both seamlessly and perfectly. This refreshing sip of jazz bar beauty may be the best thing you've heard this year since, "did you hear Jeff Goldblum makes jazz music? Imagine if he made an album"! Your welcome. And we're not worthy Grandmaster maestro. Must go again. TIM DAVID HARVEY.
On Repeat: 'My Baby Just Cares For Me', 'Me And My Shadow', 'Nostalgia Of New York'.
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