The smoky backdrop and understated stage setup at Glasgow’s Theatre Royal set the tone for an evening rooted in classic jazz with a twist. With a grand piano positioned prominently at the front left of the stage, the scene was set long before the performers appeared.
Opening the evening was nineteen-year-old Donegal musician Muireann Bradley. Armed with little more than an acoustic guitar and a soulful voice, Bradley immediately established herself as a captivating performer. Her opening number, Candy Man, showcased her blend of folk and blues influences, while her other tracks of the evening highlighted her ability to balance upbeat energy with heartfelt storytelling.
Throughout her set, Bradley’s guitar work proved just as compelling as her vocals. Rather than accompanying her songs, the intricate solos were often the centrepieces in their own right, competing for the audience’s attention in the best possible way. Covers of traditional blues tracks, including Memphis Minnie’s Drunken Barrel House Blues demonstrated a maturity beyond her years, while her final song No Name Blues from her 2025 EP, Rose Dogs, offered a sharper edge. Full of attitude and swagger, Bradley delivered the track with the conviction, closing her set on a memorable high.
After the interval, Jeff Goldblum made his first appearance and immediately won over the audience with his trademark aloof charm. Before a note was played, he launched into an impromptu game linking actors and films back to himself. Waving enthusiastically at audience members and proving that his quick wit is every bit as entertaining as his music.
Backed by The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, Goldblum embraced the spontaneity that defines jazz. Describing the music of the evening as delicious, he frequently spoke about improvisation and creating tidbits unique to the evening’s audience. The relaxed atmosphere only strengthened the connection between performers and crowd.
Musically, the ensemble excelled. Every member was given space to shine, with standout solos from saxophone player, Scott Gilman, drawing enthusiastic applause. One particularly enjoyable moment saw a playful nod to Jurassic Park emerge during an organ interlude which delighted fans of Goldblum’s film career.
The evening was more than a concert. Goldblum regularly paused to share stories, discuss Scottish actors and take questions from the audience. One memorable exchange involved a woman who had met him in 1999, leading to an impromptu rendition of My Funny Valentine that showcased both his humour and willingness to embrace the unexpected.
Guest vocal performances from Khailah Johnson added further variety to the set, while classics such as Misty by Errol Garner sat comfortably alongside the orchestra’s more playful selections. Whether singing about haggis in a one-night-only number or performing a duet of If I Only Had a Brain, Goldblum’s eclectic personality remained at the heart of every moment.
By the time the orchestra closed the evening with a flourish of style and emotion, it was clear that the audience had experienced something unique.
Part jazz concert, part comedy performance and part conversation, Jeff Goldblum’s Glasgow debut perfectly reflected the eclectic charm that has made him such a beloved figure. Most importantly, from the first note to the final Jurassic Park flourish, it never stopped being fun and will be an experience I’ll treasure being apart of.