Jeff Goldblum’s Jazz album debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard chart

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Not one to settle for merely tearing up the box office charts by starring in a multitude of blockbuster feature films, THOR: RAGNAROK and JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM actor Jeff Goldblum has just scored a No. 1 album on a Billboard chart. Goldblum and his band, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, released their debut album, The Capitol Studio Sessions, on November 9th, which arrived at No. 1 on both the Jazz Albums and Traditional Jazz Albums charts with 3,000 copies sold, according to Nielsen Music. (via Billboard)

Truth be told, I'm listening to the album right now on Spotify, and I'm finding it to be a toe-tapping collection of groovy tunes. It even boasts a series of guest performers, such as comedian Sarah Silverman, jazz trumpeter Till Brönner and singers Imelda May and Haley Reinhart. Throughout the album, Goldblum and company present their take on jazz classics like Herbie Hancock's 1964 iconic "Cantaloupe Island," Nina Simone's 1967 composition "I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel to Be Free)" and Nat King Cole's 1943 song "Straighten Up and Fly Right." As an added treat, Goldblum peppers the album's presentation with personal stories and jokes, all while hamming it up, Goldblum-style, for a live audience.

Musically, the album comes alive with energetic jazz riffs and funky percussion. While Goldblum tickling the ivories, you can hear the band's saucy horn and string sections lending character and depth to the playful arrangements. My personal favorite on the album, so far, is the track "My Baby Just Care For Me" with guest vocalist Haley Reinhart. It's got a real noir, underground bar vibe to it. It's also an extremely flirtatious song, that has both Goldblum and Reinhart trading charms throughout the performance. It's great stuff.

"As far as I can tell, everyone loves Jeff Goldblum," Decca director of A&R Tom Lewis said in a statement.  "He's a fantastic jazz pianist, a great band leader and just about the loveliest man in the world. His love of jazz is infectious and whenever he plays he makes you feel very happy. If we can take Jeff's music into people's homes, then we will be helping, in our own small way, to make the world a happier place."

Congratulations to Mr. Goldblum & company on the successful launch of their debut album. It goes without saying that Jeff is a Swiss Army knife of talent, and now he's got a Billboard chart topping Jazz album as another feather in his very large cap. The man is legendary, I tell you. Legendary.