Unbelievable fact: Jeff Goldblum, the renowned actor, is also a skilled jazz pianist of global acclaim.
Jeff Goldblum's Jazz Career: A Passionate Pursuit
Jeff Goldblum, the renowned actor known for his roles in "Jurassic Park" and "Wicked," has an unexpected passion - jazz music. For over three decades, Goldblum has been leading the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, a group that performs contemporary arrangements of classic jazz and American Songbook standards.
The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra
Goldblum founded the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra around three decades ago. The band, named after a friend of his mother, regularly performs jazz in various venues across the US and internationally. The band's repertoire includes a modern take on classic jazz styles and features a rotating roster of guest vocalists and musicians.
Albums
The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra has released four albums on Decca Records. Notable albums include The Capitol Studios Sessions (2018), which reached Number One on Billboard’s Jazz Albums chart, and Still Blooming (2025), which features guest artists such as Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Scarlett Johansson, and Maiya Sykes.
Live Performances
Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra tour extensively, performing at major jazz venues and festivals worldwide. Their live shows are noted for their intimacy, musicianship, and Goldblum's obvious joy in sharing jazz with audiences. Recent scheduled performances include the Ryman Auditorium, highlighting their active live presence in 2025.
Surprise Performances
Goldblum's love for jazz music often leads to surprise performances. He has surprised Glastonbury crowds with a jazz cover of the theme from "Jurassic Park" at the end of his set in 2019. In November 2024, he surprised commuters at London's St Pancras Station with a piano performance. He also performed on "The Larry Sanders Show" and celebrated the release of 'Wicked' in London with a surprise performance.
Early Beginnings
Goldblum's parents enrolled him in music lessons when he was young. Despite not having a strong sense of discipline in his early piano lessons, he started playing the piano at a young age. His interest in jazz was sparked by a teacher who gave him jazzy pieces to learn. His improved piano skills were a result of his desire to learn more complex jazz harmonies and chords.
In summary, Jeff Goldblum’s jazz career is a serious and long-standing musical endeavor characterized by regular live performances, several acclaimed albums with notable collaborators, and a unique blend of classic jazz traditions with contemporary interpretations. This musical pursuit runs parallel to his extensive acting career but is clearly a passionate and professionally respected aspect of his artistic identity.
Jeff Goldblum's Mildred Snitzer Orchestra performs a mix of contemporary arrangements and modern takes on classic jazz styles, incorporating diverse guest vocalists and musicians. During live shows, Goldblum's joy in sharing jazz with audiences is evident, resulting in intimate and musically engaging performances.
