Category Archives: Music

FILM REVIEW: Woody Allen’s ‘Blue Jasmine’

Posted on September 2, 2013 by admin

By Ray Bennett TORONTO: Woody Allen’s “Blue Jasmine” is the work of a seasoned filmmaker in full command of his considerable gifts as he tells of two sisters who each in their way rely on the kindness of strangers. Cate … Continue reading →

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World Soundtrack Awards noms, Desplat set for concert

Posted on August 16, 2013 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Concerts at the World Soundtrack Awards are among the best film music events in the business – Hans Zimmer’s performance of his “Inception” score a couple of years ago (pictured) was one of the best. … Continue reading →

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When Duane Eddy played in a supper club band

Posted on May 12, 2013 by admin

By Ray Bennett Duane Eddy, who turns 65 today, is celebrated rightly as one of the top rock ‘n’ roll guitarists of all time but there was a period after his first string of major hits that his career slumped … Continue reading →

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Raymond’s Revue Bar and the music of Henry Mancini

Posted on April 28, 2013 by admin

By Ray Bennett For all I know, the late London land baron Paul Raymond might have been the “porn king” of Soho but what I recall is that he published innocuous nudie magazines and ran a strip club called Raymond’s … Continue reading →

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An evening at the Idler with Tinker and Sir Tim

Posted on April 1, 2013 by admin

By Ray Bennett Dudley Sutton (pictured above) says that although he has done a few, he prefers not to record his poetry and songs, which is a great shame for posterity but makes his performance at the Idler Academy, along … Continue reading →

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Royal Opera House is ready for its close-up

Posted on February 7, 2013 by admin

By Ray Bennett When the BBC’s new Director General, Tony Hall, takes up the job in April, the broadcaster will get not only a former BBC News Chief Executive but also the man who has brought financial stability to one … Continue reading →

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Entertainment industry moves to support HMV rebirth

Posted on January 15, 2013 by admin

By Sam Andrews and Ray Bennett / This story appears in Cue Entertainment Provided a buyer can be found, administration could be the best thing for HMV in the long run, according to entertainment industry leaders. Executives said the opportunity to … Continue reading →

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FILM REVIEW: Woe are they: ‘Les Miserables’

Posted on January 11, 2013 by admin

By Ray Bennett Fans of the musical “Les Miserables” guarantee that it will make you cry, and they are right. Like the stage show, the film is a near three-hour wallow in a swamp of misery with an endless litany … Continue reading →

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When Ziggy Stardust came to Detroit City

Posted on December 2, 2012 by admin

By Ray Bennett One of the very good things about working at The Windsor Star in the early 1970s was that I was able to see some of the greatest entertainers perform across the river in Detroit City. One of them … Continue reading →

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MUSIC REVIEW: The LSO: A Life in Film at the Barbican

Posted on October 12, 2012 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – The London Symphony Orchestra celebrated its 70-plus years making music for movies with a sold-out concert at Barbican Hall on April 4 that ended with an enthusiastic standing ovation. The warm response was sparked not … Continue reading →

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