Featured image and gallery: Lucy Elson-Whittaker
Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra come to the Palace Theatre in Manchester to celebrate the release of their new album, Night Blooms.
Liverpool-based Brooke Combe opens the evening with a stripped-back set alongside her guitarist, her soulful vocals instantly captivating the crowd. Blending heartfelt performances with quick-witted Scottish banter, she creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels like the ideal prelude to the night ahead – a smooth mix of jazz, charm, and comedy.
Before the music even begins, Goldblum is already working the room. Emerging with the house lights still on, he takes a few moments to address the audience directly. Spotting familiar faces from earlier in the day, he calls out, “Someone I met in the hotel today, Molly Green, are you here? Did you make it here? Thanks for coming, thank you for being so nice to me.” It’s a characteristically Goldblum moment; spontaneous, endearing, and just eccentric enough to win over the crowd before a single note has been played.
Widely celebrated for his screen presence in Jurassic Park, The Fly, and Independence Day, Goldblum proves that his talents extend far beyond acting. Effortlessly commanding the stage, his velvety vocals drift through the venue, while his piano playing is fluid and seductive.
The evening is further elevated by American actress and singer Khailah Johnson, whose remarkable vocals add both power and elegance to the performance. Her chemistry with Goldblum shines during a jazz reimagining of Taylor Swift’s ‘Lover’, transforming the pop ballad into a tender, intimate showpiece. In a fitting nod to Goldblum’s recent role in the Wicked films, Johnson unleashes a breathtaking rendition of the ‘Defying Gravity’ bridge. As her voice soars through the venue, the audience responds instinctively, leaping to their feet and filling the room with applause and cheers.
More than just a concert, the performance feels uniquely tailored to its audience, with Goldblum ensuring no two shows are quite the same. During the show, the band performs a city-specific number, with Goldblum proudly announcing, “The lyrics are speciality lyrics just for you, for this place, for this city, tonight.” The playful song features references to local life, including a reminder to “look left AND right on Market Street” – a tongue-in-cheek nod to the famously bustling city centre that draws knowing laughs from the crowd.
Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra are a must-see for anyone who appreciates world-class musicianship, quick-witted humour, and the spontaneity of live jazz.
Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra’s Night Blooms is out now via Decca Records.
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