Jeff Goldblum to make first visit to Scotland: "it’s definitely been on my bucket list"

Following the success of its companion album Still Blooming, which debuted at Number 1 on the Official Jazz & Blues Albums Chart and Number 10 on the UK Official Albums Chart last year, Night Blooms is set to be released on 5th June.

Goldblum adds his vocals on a few tracks on this forthcoming album, alongside a dazzling lineup of collaborators whom he has mobilised as a result of his decades-long career across film, television, stage, fashion, and music including Cynthia Erivo, Melody Gardot, Ariana Grande, Scarlett Johansson, Charlie Puth, Haley Reinhart and Maiya Sykes.

Jeff Goldblum is at the Theatre Royal on Monday 1 June, more information and tickets here. He answered some questions ahead of the tour.

More than 50 musicians will join you on stage, what can audiences expect from this performance?

I think audiences are in for a real treat. This is a one of a kind presentation. We are not just sculpting an orchestra show around our band. We started from scratch in order to make the orchestra and the band one entity. We also picked some new and very fun songs. All the arrangers and orchestrators are the best in the world, and I’m overflowing with gratitude for what they’ve achieved with this harlequinade.

We scatter in songs from Wicked, Willy Wonka, and there are several other surprise nods to cinema. It’s truly moving for me to be playing piano with a full orchestra. The experience is kind of tough to put into words. I’m getting misty just thinking about it.

Have you ever had the opportunity to visit Scotland?

I’ve never visited Scotland before, but it’s definitely been on my bucket list. It has such a rich legacy of art and culture. The Edinburg Fringe Festival is something I hope to be able to attend someday.

After Still Blooming reached Number 10 in the UK Album charts, are you looking forward to performing particular songs?

The band and I can’t wait to perform the new arrangements from Night BIooms. It’s fun to do such beloved songs like Over The Rainbow and If I Only Had A Brain. We’re still playing some of our favorites from previous records, such as The Kicker and Let’s Face The Music And Dance. Audiences seem to really connect with us when we close the show with Every Time We Say Goodbye.

Now releasing the companion album Night Blooms on the 5th June – what makes this album stand apart from its predecessor?

In my opinion, Night Blooms is our best album yet. The arrangements are, I think, quite a step up. We recorded with a live orchestra on many of the tracks. The strings add a depth to the music that raises the band and the singers, I believe, to a new level. All the special guests and collaborators are otherworldly and in top form. I’m brimming with excitement for the world to hear Night Blooms.

How do you balance your twin passions for acting and making music, releasing two albums after making two Wicked movies?

I’m wildly grateful to have a career in acting and music. They work well together and compliment each other. Music is about practice and discipline. On the set of Wicked I would practice piano every morning in order to keep up my chops. And while both worlds offer different and unique creative adventures, I often experience a lot of craft overlap. Being present in the moment, for instance, is certainly a cornerstone of jazz music and acting.