Top Picks: A tribute to Bob Marley, a Tchaikovsky concert, Aaron Neville's new album, and more
After Josephine
Most people know that Napoleon and Josephine were an item, historically speaking. But what about Napoleon and Desirée, Pauline, and Georgina. "Napoleon & Love" (Acorn Media), a British costume drama, skips the French conqueror's early life and later military campaigns and concentrates on the stylish ballrooms and bedrooms where the divorced Napoleon woos and sometimes weds the women in his life. Starring Ian Holm, this lavish film arrives on DVD March 1.
Gospel gem
Aaron Neville, the "Tell It Like It is" singer from oldies radio and member of New Orleans' Neville Brothers band, celebrates his sixth decade with a real gem. "I Know I've Been Changed" is a gospel album with a hushed and intimate feel, Neville's quavering tenor testifying with quiet fervor. Fellow Big Easy legend Allen Toussaint mans the keyboards.
Marley lives on
Thirty years after his passing, Bob Marley lives on in a new viral video of his "Redemption Song," played by musicians around the world (including son Stephen, left). Put out by Playing for Change, the mashup at http://mashable.com/2011/02/08/bob-marley-viral-video/ is "another song of freedom."
comedic complications
Question: What happens when three couples cross paths at an English country home? Answer: The dysfunction of confused passion amid rising tension in the deft hands of playwright Alan Ayckbourn. "The Norman Conquests" trilogy (in a new 3-DVD box set from Acorn Media) showcases the same events from three different views, winkingly performed by Tom Conti, David Troughton, Penelope Keith, Richard Briers, Fiona Walker, and Penelope Wilton.
Tchaikovsky at the multiplex
Come enjoy the Los Angeles Philharmonic in an all-Tchaikovsky program – at your local movie theater March 13. As part of an initiative to expand access, the symphony has paired with NT Fathom Live to bring live entertainment to more than 450 theaters nationwide. The second of three broadcasts this year, the star-studded program headed by conducting wunderkind Gustavo Dudamel will include dramatic readings by actors Orlando Bloom, Malcolm McDowell, and Matthew Rhys. For information: go to fathomevents.com.
Wailin' in harmony
One of Canada's best-kept secrets, The Wailin' Jennys make impossibly beautiful music. Three celestial voices combine in airtight harmonies to create a weightless bluegrass/folk sound that moves and soothes. One spin of the trio's new CD "Bright Morning Stars" and you will be a fan forever.
