‘Genius’ Illuminates Einstein’s Musical Mind

‘Genius’ Illuminates Einstein’s Musical Mind

Albert Einstein’s passion for music is today a little-known side of the brilliant theoretical physicist, but thanks to the new series Genius, starring Geoffrey Rush, the importance of music in the life of this seminal 20th century figure is getting new emphasis. Promos for the scripted anthology series, which premiered April 25 on the National […]

The Noteworthy Reign of PBS’s ‘Victoria’

The Noteworthy Reign of PBS’s ‘Victoria’

Queen Victoria is on a campaign — for Emmys! Music is foremost among the deserving categories for this UK production from Mammoth Screen for ITV  and PBS Masterpiece. The original compositions by Martin Phipps and Ruth Barrett every bit hold their own with classics from the likes of Beethoven, Schubert and Chopin that highlight each episode. In January Dubois […]

Springsteen Surprise Show

Springsteen Surprise Show

Bruce Springsteen was joined by bandmate  Steven Van Zandt and fellow NJ rocker Southside Johnny in a surprise two-hour jam session that was undoubtedly the highlight of the Asbury Park Music and Film Festival April 21 at the Paramount Theatre. Springsteen’s performance preceded the premiere of  a documentary about the town’s former Upstage Club, Just Before the Dawn: […]

‘Moana’ Soundtrack Back on Top

‘Moana’ Soundtrack Back on Top

Walt Disney Records’ Moana has regained the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Soundtrack chart for the week of April 29, bumping that company’s Beauty and the Beast to No. 2, after a six week stint at the top. Moana also climbed a notch on the Billboard 200 chart, back up to No. 6, where it’s been toggling (between No. 7) […]

Up Next for Apple: Emerging Musicians

Up Next for Apple: Emerging Musicians

Apple Inc. has unveiled Up Next, a program to give emerging artists a public platform, via one months’ exposure across various Apple Music platforms. The first artist to go Up Next is Atlanta’s 6lack, a 24-year-old singer whose debut album, Free6lack, was released in November. Born Ricardo Valdez Valentine, his stage name is pronounced “black.” Apple today released a […]

Clive Davis Doc Goes to Apple Music

Clive Davis Doc Goes to Apple Music

Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives is being distributed exclusively through Apple Music, Davis announced on the eve of the film’s April 20 premiere at the 16th Annual Tribeca Film Festival, where it provided a glitzy opening night at Radio City Music Hall. The documentary, directed by Chris Perkel, was financed by IM Global and produced by Scott Free […]

African Music Institute to Open

African Music Institute to Open

Berklee College of Music will in September welcome the first class of students to the African Music Institute in Gabon. The new educational facility will instruct in pan-African music studies, will feature a state-of-the-art recording studio for student projects and collaborations with visiting artists, study and rehearsal spaces, an auditorium and concert hall, a museum documenting […]

Jay Z Explores ‘Race’ for Nat Geo

Jay Z Explores ‘Race’ for Nat Geo

Race (W.T.) is the first series from Shawn ‘Jay Z’ Carter’s production venture with the Weinstein Company. The six-episode series promises “a stark and provocative look into systemic injustices in America.”It will air globally on the National Geographic Channel in 171 countries and 45 languages, and in January 2 018 National Geographic Magazine will devote an entire […]

Wonder Perspective on Politics

Wonder Perspective on Politics

Stevie Wonder intrigued fans with his political views — including a tentative bid for presidency — even as he delighted them with musical reminiscence and impromptu performances at his keynote address at the ASCAP “I Create Music” Expo, Saturday, April 16, 2017. The ASCAP meet was at the Loews Hollywood Hotel, while Wonder held forth next door […]