Category Archives: Music

FILM REVIEW: Giles Borg’s ‘1234’

Posted on October 31, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – The frustrating life of young and ambitious would-be rock stars is captured with pleasing simplicity and authenticity in “1234,” the first feature from British filmmaker Giles Borg following a series of short films that have … Continue reading →

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THEATRE REVIEW: ‘Zorro the Musical’

Posted on October 28, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – A musical version of the saga of the Spanish Californian hero with the mask and deadly sword sounds like a commercial bridge too far but “Zorro the Musical”, with songs by the Gypsy Kings, is … Continue reading →

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World of soundtracks is tough, say WSA winners

Posted on October 20, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett Ghent, Belgium – Veteran Hollywood film composers James Newton Howard and Angelo Badalamenti (pictured) were among those honored at the World Soundtrack Awards, held in association with the Ghent Film Festival in Belgium. But they and fellow … Continue reading →

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James Newton Howard wins at World Soundtrack Awards

Posted on October 19, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett GHENT, Belgium – James Newton Howard (left) was named film composer of the year at the World Soundtrack Awards 2008 Saturday night for his scores to “Charlie Wilson’s War,” “Michael Clayton” and “I Am Legend,” and Dario … Continue reading →

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Ashford and Simpson reach out and touch at ASCAP Awards

Posted on October 16, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Detroit’s Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson had a ballroom full of songwriters, musicians and music industry executives on their feet tonight at the UK ASCAP awards performing several of their hits including “Reach Out and … Continue reading →

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Silent screen beauty Anita Page dies at 98

Posted on September 9, 2008 by admin

This is how Anita Page’s obituary begins in The Guardian: When Gene Kelly sang You Were Meant for Me to Debbie Reynolds in Singin’ in the Rain (1952), there was an echo of the first time this romantic ballad was performed on … Continue reading →

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VENICE FILM REVIEW: Coen Bros’ ‘Burn After Reading’

Posted on September 4, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett VENICE – When Randy Newman was writing the score for the Mel Gibson western “Maverick,” director Richard Donner asked him if he could write some funny music. “Funny music? What’s funny music?” asked Newman. “I could stick … Continue reading →

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THEATRE REVIEW: Elena Roger in ‘Piaf’ at the Donmar

Posted on August 23, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Playing legendary French singer Edith Piaf seems to bring out the best in performers. Following Marion Cotillard’s Oscar-winning turn in the film “La Vie en Rose” comes Argentine pocket rocket Elena Roger in a new … Continue reading →

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BSkyB doubles its culture shows with Sky Arts 2

Posted on August 19, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON — Classical music and opera will be front and centre on a new channel called Sky Arts 2 being launched Oct. 20 by British Sky Broadcasting featuring new shows from performers such as Vanessa Mae (pictured). … Continue reading →

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FILM REVIEW: ‘Mamma Mia!’

Posted on June 29, 2008 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – No matter how many blockbusters there are, Universal Pictures’ screen version of the global hit stage musical “Mamma Mia!” is the most fun to be had at the movies this or any other recent summer. … Continue reading →

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