4 May 2026

Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House

Charm personified and oozing sentiment, Jeff Goldblum enamoured his audience and backing orchestra alike in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall on the ‘Night Blooms’ tour. His personal band, entitled The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra and named after Goldblum’s centenarian Pittsburgh neighbour, featured the masterful Joe Bagg on organ, Alex Frank on bass, Kenny Elliot on drums and Scott Kilman on lead sax. Surrounding the tight band were the Sydney based musicians of The Metropolitan Orchestra and weren’t they enjoying the vibe?

Before the music even started, Mr Goldblum wandered on stage with a set list in hand to engage the audience with humorous patter, shout outs to VIP guests like Richard Wilkins and apologising for being a nincompoop. All was forgiven though as the gig got underway with ‘Wonderful’, Goldblum covering the Stephen Schwartz song with a mix of original lyrics and a couple of dodgy Aussie themed rhymes.

In elegantly snappy attire, crooner Mr Goldblum played an occasional piano lick with a nod or two to Basie, sang solo numbers and duos with ‘& Juliet’ Broadway star Khailah Johnson, who shimmered in silver lurex. ‘Pure Imagination’, that classic Willy Wonka song from Bricusse and Newley was delivered as a delightful instrumental and let us hear the full orchestra in action, conducted by The MTO’s Sarah-Grace Williams.

‘Misty’, performed as a warm toned solo vocal by Khailah Johnson, seemed paced at an unusually brisk tempo and the audience went crazy on hearing the Austin Powers theme tune of ‘Soul Bossa Nova’ with its duelling piccolos. The second half featured some roaring Hammond and tenor sax solos, particularly in ‘Close To You’ and a poignant vocal moment from ‘Wicked’, with Mr Goldblum having starred as The Wizard in the films.

Actor and ‘Jurassic’ friend Sam Neill popped in for a surprise visit onstage and Hollywood name dropping by Goldblum was inevitable yet humble coming from such a respected and versatile actor himself. The Ray Charles ‘What I’d Say’ participation finale cooked and the audience went home happy – overall an entertaining night that focused on film and fun rather than a profound jazz experience.

‘Night Blooms’ album will be released on June 5^th on Decca Records.

Review by Jammin’ Saturday.