Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Smiles on Miles at Centennial Celebration
A fitting tribute to the trailblazing musician who made jazz both more commercial and more avant-garde.
By WILL FRIEDWALD
||Culture
WILL FRIEDWALD
New York, New York
Will Friedwald is a Contributor for the Sun.
Mr. Friedwald writes about music and popular culture for The New York Sun and other publications. The host of the radio show ‘Sing! Sing! Sing!’ on San Diego KSDS on Saturday mornings, he also is the author of 10 books. He has written more than 600 liner notes for compact discs, received 11 Grammy nominations, and appears frequently on television and in documentaries.
Latest Articles
Jazz at Lincoln Center Honors Duke in Grand Style
Founder Wynton Marsalis is leaving the musical organization at a time when it is busier than ever.
By WILL FRIEDWALD
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A Welcome Revival for ‘Carnival,’ the Most Moving Musical Coming-of-Age Story Ever Staged
A compact and trim production of the 1961 Broadway adaptation of ‘Lili,’ about a young girl finding her way through life by interacting with puppets.
By WILL FRIEDWALD
||Culture
Gravity-Defying Musical Spells Cast for the Wizard of Broadway, Stephen Schwartz
A New York Pops Gala included 15 minutes of music from the honoree’s hit show ‘Wicked,’ as well as other selections from his storied songbook.
By WILL FRIEDWALD
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Sondheim’s ‘Forum’ Establishes Residency in Brooklyn Heights
Stephen Sondheim’s most purely comic show is given a subtle update.
By WILL FRIEDWALD
||Culture
The Wonder of Elvis, as Exhilaratingly Depicted by Baz Luhrmann
The King’s father once said of his son’s fame, ‘It happened so fast it’s hard to keep up with it.’ That also applies to the editing style of new documentary ‘EPiC.’
By WILL FRIEDWALD
||Culture
Why ‘The Twilight Zone’ Left a Lasting Legacy Like No Other TV Series
A new book explores how Rod Serling established the primacy of the writer in TV, blazing a trail for Aaron Sorkin, Shonda Rhimes, and David Simon.
By WILL FRIEDWALD
||Culture
‘Dance’ Music Gives Classic Broadway Choreography a Fresh Twist
‘Gotta Dance!’ recreates songs from musicals such as ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ so well the creative team should next stage full revivals of Golden Age musicals.
By WILL FRIEDWALD
||Culture
Two Memorable Tributes Strike Up the Centennial of Tony Bennett
Two leading male vocalists honored a music legend whose exceptional humility matched his talent.
By WILL FRIEDWALD
||Culture
City Center Keeps ‘The Wild Party’ Going On in Style
A spirited revival of an under-appreciated Jazz Age gem that deserves a Broadway transfer.
By WILL FRIEDWALD
||Culture
Two Billy Joel Tributes Honor New York’s Utmost Piano Man
Rufus Wainwright and Natalie Merchant were among those covering Billy Joel at Carnegie Hall — but where was ‘New York State of Mind?’
By WILL FRIEDWALD
||Culture
‘The Muppet Show’ Returns — and Is the Best New TV Event of the Year
The last great television variety show roars back into life with the help of Sabrina Carpenter.
By WILL FRIEDWALD
||Culture