If, like me, you discovered Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox by scrolling through You Tube, you are not alone. Postmodern Jukebox has amassed over 500 million views on You Tube, since forming in the basement of Scott’s apartment in Queens, New York. Yes, this really is how things started for the man behind this superb line-up of musicians. The hits continued to escalate and its army of fans just kept on growing, to the point where going on tour was absolutely necessary! PMJ as it is abbreviated to, take modern popular songs and they give them a 1930’s through to the 1950’s vintage feel/makeover. It seems that the popularity of the classic old Hollywood era – of glamour and talent – is clambering its way back to the forefront of entertainment.
PMJ have an array of musicians and performers, who are invited to take part and take their turn to perform, as part and parcel of the PMJ experience. A total of 70 performers have taken part in the PMJ show and the ensemble rotate and change. It almost feels as if you’re watching an end of season college production (albeit a highly respected music college with the finest students in the land) – as an end of season showcase. We say this, as there are so many performers, who each get their turn individually to perform. Can you play a trombone and sing? Come along. Can you tap-dance and sing Jazz? Is musical theatre your forte? Get on stage. The line-up is incredible. These singers can belt out a tune with tremendous power and complete control. Sassy, confident, entertaining, the show has it all. Not only do you just love listening to the awesome talent, their song choices are nothing but pure fun and the songs are so well known, that you can sing along to every word.
We were treated to a guest appearance from Haley Reinhart, who gave a spellbinding performance of Radiohead’s Creep. The crowd went wild. What we love about PMJ is that they are not afraid to be bold in their song choices. Do you want Ignition, Stacey’s Mom, MmmBop and maybe Bad Blood done in a vintage Jazz style? You’ve got it. Who could imagine Give It Away, Sweet Child O’ Mine and the Thong Song sung in a jazz style? The Thong Song was especially convincing and really worked, the song came across as very classy, despite the slightly unclasp lyrics, what a hoot! Scott Bradlee was in attendance and he gave a mesmerising solo on the piano, driven by requests from the audience, which included an Amy Winehouse, Jurassic Park and Billy Joel mash-up. Scott totally engrosses himself in to the piano and passion flows from every stroke on the keys.
Surprises, an abundance of talent, fun, variety, glamour, laughter and its one great big ball of fun. This is a PMJ show and they love every second that they get to shine. PMJ are a wonderful collection of musicians and performers, who show what real talent is all about. You are reminded why people study music in college, and we are behind them every step of the way. No gimmicks, no backing dancers, no pyrotechnics – just absolute talent. Hats off and a huge thanks to Scott Bradlee for making this happen.
Set List: 1. Final Countdown 2. Call Me Maybe 3. Same Old Love 4. Sweet Child O’Mine 5. Bad Blood 6. Bye Bye Bye 7. Ignition 8. Thong Song. 9. What Is Love 10. Evolution of Tap Dance 11. Cry Me A River 12. Grenade 13. Pony 14. All About The Bass. 15. Scott Bradlee Medley 16. Never Gonna Give You Up 17. Don’t Let Me Down 18. Give It Away 19. Creep 20. My Heart Will Go On 21. MMMBop Encore: 22. Stacey’s Mom 23. Shake It Off
Performance Date: 23rd March 2017
