Latest news with #MyFavoriteThings
Buzz Feed
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
33 Products That Might Unexpectedly Become Your Favorite Thing You've Ever Owned
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Shopping · Alexa, play "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music. 1. E.l.f.'s Hydrating Core Lip Shine (specifically, the "Ecstatic" shade), a must-buy for fans of Clinique's " Black Honey," lippie. It's nearly $20 cheaper (wowza!) and while it doesn't shift colors *quite* as magically, the shade is fantastic, has a nonsticky formula, and is a great option to keep in your bag when you want to craft a similar look on the go. BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord keeps this version stocked and on-hand,"I personally will live, breathe, and die by the magic of $25 "universal" Black Honey version — it lasts FOREVER and also functions as the perfect blush — but it sells out so often that I am also deeply relieved to know it has a cheap alternative in case of a lip emergency!" Promising review: "I absolutely love this product. The dark color is perfectly sheer. It also adds the most beautiful color to your lips. I am a Clinique Black Honey lip fan, and this gives me the same look for a fraction of the cost. I love it and have several that I keep in various spots. Not sticky either, which is my biggest gripe about lip glosses. My hair doesn't get stuck in this like some glosses, but I get the shine." — Hamps5 Get it from Amazon for $7 (also available in six other shades). 2. Catrice "Instant Awake" Under Eye Brightener — toss your old concealer aside! This one has become the internet's holy grail for concealing and brightening dark circles under your eyes so fast that everyone's old concealers are doing double takes. This lightweight color-adapting formula is designed for truly ~invisible~ coverage that makes a drastic difference. The color-adaptive formula is designed so one of two shades will work on any skin tone. I've personally tested this out and it has become an essential part of my daily routine. As a mom of two I gotta just say I am TIRED. So tired that I'm not sure what my face even looks like without bags under my eyes — that is, unless I've got the Catrice "Instant Awake" on. A little really goes a long way and has great coverage. I wore it throughout my sister's wedding weekend in Aruba and, despite the heat, it stayed perfectly in place. An incredible product for an even more incredible price... 10/10 from me. Promising review: "Took years off my eyes! This product is so reasonably priced. I came across a TikTok promoting this and decided to take a chance since the price was super reasonable. My eyes looked brighter in a good way, and the concealer worked so well that I felt I looked younger. I got compliments from friends asking what I did differently with my makeup. I recommend it." — Monica T. Get it from Amazon for $6 (available in four shades). 3. A bouquet of Lego roses you'll likely enjoy assembling and appreciate much more than a vase filled with living florals that will, sadly, die in a few days. Amazon, The set comes with 12 roses and 4 sprigs of baby's breath. Promising review: "I've fallen in love with every LEGO Botanical Collection and this is no exception. Beautifully created." — Kelly S. Get it from Amazon for $47.95. 4. Or a bunch of faux tulips (with nearly 17,000 5-star ratings!!!) that'll ensure your home has a touch of springtime ALL the time — *and* if you go on vacation, they'll still be standing beautifully when you return. Promising review:"They look so real, and I get a ton of compliments on them. Everyone always thinks my husband surprised me with tulips (my favorite flower) and are shocked to learn these are not real. I have several of them throughout my house, and plan to buy more because they are great!" — Abbey S. Get them from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in many colors and in sets of 20, 28, or 60). 5. Mirrored cat-eye sunglasses reviewers are actually obsessed with. (They have over 12,000 5-star ratings!) They're reminiscent of styles designed by Dior but so inexpensive you won't bawl your eyes out if you accidentally sit on them. 😅 Promising review:"I love these. They remind me of my Dior glasses. They are adorable. They just look expensive, and apparently, they have polarization — good sun protection. They are very comfortable and functional." — Nicole Brennan Get them from Amazon for $15.99 (available in eight styles). 6. An outlet light for anyone who has accidentally walked into a wall one (or two) times too many when getting up in the middle for a glass of water — this lil' gadget will subtly light your way without the need for a bulkier option. Amazon Promising review:"I don't like night-lights because they take up the wall outlet, so this was the perfect solution. I put it in the guest bath and at night with the bathroom door open this provides just enough light to guide a person to the bathroom without blinding them. I ended up putting two on my hallway switches as well. What a great product." — LMK Get it from Amazon for $22.98+ (available in four colors and three sizes). 7. A mason jar cold brew maker in case you'd like your coffee maker to fit in with your home's carefully curated aesthetic. Reviewers absolutely love this version and also use it to brew their favorite iced teas. Cheers! County Line Kitchen is a small business specializing in mason jar–style cold brew makers, pitchers, and accessories. Promising review: "This has been a hit in my house. Makes the most delicious cold brew and is of great quality. Has saved a ton of money on going out and on pods I used to buy. I try to let it sit for 48 hours so I can dilute it with a little water to get it to last longer, and throw it in my dishwasher in between uses. Perfect!" — Jo Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in two sizes and four colors). 8. And a coffee syrup dispenser set complete with premade flavor labels to help you transform that little space next to your coffee machine into one worthy of a full-on cafe. New England Stories is a small business that specializes in home and kitchen products. Promising review: "These are worth the money! There are labels for almost every basic syrup as well as blanks so you can label them yourself. If you get a regular size Torani syrup bottle it will hold the whole bottle, so you don't need to worry about story a quarter of the bottle of syrup. SO AESTHETICALLY PLEASING, TOO." — Naomi Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (for four; available in three colors and in two- and six-packs). 9. A pet hair remover with a unique patented brush design that'll let you invite guests to sit down without fear of them being covered head-to-toe in your dog's smelly hair (especially if they're overdue for a ChomChom is a small business. Promising reviews:"The ChomChom Roller really works. I have two German shepherds who shed SO much, so this was necessary. The ChomChom Roller picked up SO much fur the vacuum couldn't." — Ezra Gordon "I've had it in my possession for like two hours and I've cleaned everything. The couch, the blinds, the cat tree pad, the chair; I'm obsessed. I feel like this thing should win an award for being so awesome. I feel like it should be in raffle baskets and giveaways and silent auctions for every event that highlights 'things cat people need.' It's better than those sticky rollers, it's better than the one-directional velvet wand thing that I always use the wrong way. It's the best." — Meowser Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in four colors and in a mini size). 10. A pair of platform slippers reviewers are looooving because they're super similar to the popular Ugg Tazz style. You can wear these cozy, fleece-lined babies both indoors and outdoors, so no need to take them off until bedtime. 😉 Reviewers also recommend going up a half size if you want to wear socks with your shoes. Promising review:"These are so cute and perfect! They are comfortable and true to size! My expectations were beyond met! I have been sharing the link to these with so many people already!!!! I have returned my Tazz Uggs (not true to size and expensive) and will buy more of these instead!" — Lineth L. Get it from Amazon for $41.98 (available in women's sizes 5–10 and in fOUR colors). 11. A dazzling tennis bracelet no one would guess cost you less than twenty bucks! It's 14-karat gold plated, has a reliable clasp, and will add the perfect amount of sparkle to your daily stack. Promising review: "This bracelet is gorgeous! It really looks like real diamonds. I chose rose gold and if this holds up well, I will have to order another in silver. It's really nice that they offer a few different size options, I rarely see that. From reading the reviews, I saw some complaints about the clasp but, I think it's nice. It's very secure so there's no chance of it coming off." — Sarah Downs Get it from Amazon for $18.45+ (available in three sizes and four colors). 12. A trendy fleece vest that'll elevate your I-was-too-cold-to-put-together-an-outfit look (we've all been there). It's fleece-lined, oversized, and has a fabulous funnel neck style — and it's less than $40! Promising review: "I love this jacket so much I went back and bought it in white! I love the collar and how it buttons all the way up. It has cute ribbons on the bottom that you can use to tighten the jacket. Super soft! Has capped sleeves. It looks great with a full-length bodysuit or jeans! Totally recommend! Runs large :)" — Nancy Whitney Get it from Amazon for $38.97 (available in women's sizes S–XL and eight styles). 13. A layered necklace set reviewers have praised for not tarnishing *or* turning their skin green (no offense, Elphaba) which is unheard of at this price point! It'll make curating a cool style easier than ever (since it's a set, duh) but they each also be worn separately with necklaces you already have and love. Amazon Promising review:"I love the way these layering necklaces look! I haven't taken them off since I received them and they look brand new still. I've worn them in the shower, pools, and beach, and they are still perfect." — Allison Kwong Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in three finishes and 13 other styles). 14. A Better Breader Bowl — a container designed to make seasoning meat or veggies a cinch. All you have to do is add your bread crumbs/seasoning into one section and your meat/veggies to another then shake, shake, shake! Promising review: "This thing is awesome! Breading anything makes such a mess in my kitchen, but I absolutely loved being able to do everything in one container. I only tried a dry rub, but I was so impressed with how evenly it coated. Plus being dishwasher safe was a major bonus. Seriously considering getting some for gifts" — Susanne C. Get it from Amazon for $14.99. 15. Kitsch's claw clip, which will help you tame your tangled locks into a stylish updo — no need to lose patience trying to look presentable on days your hair simply won't cooperate. It's super strong, has a sturdy clamp that'll serve every hair type, and has a delicate look to it that'll make you feel like a princess on their day off. Kitsch is an LA-based, self-financed, woman-owned small business established in 2010 that specializes in hair accessories. Promising review:"Love that you can dress this up or down! It is my go-to accessory for working in preschool to put my hair up quickly. It is elegant and classic. It is amazingly durable even in getting thrown in the bottom of my heavy work bag! I am amazed by this clip. I have coarse medium thick hair and it is the perfect size." — Niki Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in two styles and in packs). 16. A buttery soft pair of dreamlux leggings reviewers compare to Lululemon's Align (ooh, la, la). These beauties are super comfortable for lazy days, but if for some reason you decide you want to actually break a sweat in them they'll certainly be up to the task. Get it, girrrrrrl! Promising review:"These are amazing quality!! I do love my pair of Lululemon leggings, but I notice that they stretch out and slide down throughout the day. These do not! They are so soft I almost feel like I am wearing nothing, but still feel very 'athletic' like they're holding everything in. When I opened the package they looked like they were going to be too short at first, but they're not, they are quite stretchy and comfortable. Highly recommend!!" — Kate Get it from Amazon for $29+ (available in women's sizes XXS–XXL, two inseams, and 22 colors). 17. Stylish chunky teardrop earrings that are a dead ringer for the Bottega Veneta ones, but you'll still be able to afford to treat yourself to an iced coffee after snagging them. They're gold-plated (sweeeet), lightweight, and reviewers have said they don't affect their sensitive ears. Promising review:"These are absolutely BEAUTIFUL! If I didn't know any better, I would have said these are the Bottega Drop Earrings. I personally love the smaller ones. I have not ordered the larger ones yet. Smaller ones are truthfully the perfect size. We love a good alternative because who has $800+ to spend on the Bottegas." — Brittany Get them from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 11 colors, two-packs, and an extra-large size). 18. A game-changing Snap N' Strain you can use with any pot or bowl. Just think of how much space you'll save in your already crowded kitchen cabinets! It also has a spout so you can control how much liquid you pour out, and its compact design won't take up much storage space! Promising review:"Typically, I am not a fan of one-trick kitchen utensils. But this thing is a game-changer!! Regular strainers are clunky and take up too much space, plus pouring scalding hot liquid into them with heavy food splashing around is dangerous and messy. This eliminates that. Seriously, how have I lived my life without this? I remember making a very large and heavy batch of soup stock, and it was difficult enough to just lift the pot and pour, let alone safely into a strainer that could easily move or tip over if I poured too quickly…but this baby made the transfer so easy it's almost laughable that anyone would use a normal strainer these days! It's sturdy, it stays in place, it's small, lightweight, won't rust, easy to clean, doesn't burn your hands after being submerged in liquid fire. What else could you ask for in a strainer? Enough already, just buy it!" — Kellu Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in seven colors). 19. Basic white sneakers for anyone who is forever searching for the perfect footwear to pair with their casual outfits — these will complete your closet without the hefty price tag of other simple but elevated sneaks'. Reviewers love how supportive they feel and that they have zero break-in period. Amazon, Promising review:"I bought these shoes prior to a long weekend getaway to New Orleans. They did not disappoint! I walked 14 miles in three days and my feet were 100% comfortable! These shoes run true to size and were perfect for my size 7 narrow feet. Also, the arch support in these babies is amazing!" — Melissa Get them from Amazon for $28.99 (available in women's sizes 6–11 and four styles). 20. A mixed set of flower-shaped coupe glasses featuring eye-catching colors and a vintage feel to 'em that you might not even want to hand drinks out in them when guests are over in fear of one being dropped — but good news, at this price point, you *ABSOLUTELY* can (and should). Amazon Promising review:"These are gorgeous. They look delicate but are pretty sturdy. They came very well packaged. I love the flower design for something just a little different. I highly recommend." — Cindee S. Get a set of six from Amazon for $49.95 (available in other styles). 21. And/or an elegant set of square wineglasses you'll want to raise a toast to because they're just that lovely. They have a shocking resemblance to the ones you've likely been eyeing from Crate & Barrel but haven't wanted to commit to. These will certainly do the trick and garner you tons of compliments the next time you host a girl's night. Promising review: "We've had four of these glasses for over six months now and finally just added four more to our collection. These glasses are SO CHIC and are very similar to ones sold at Crate & Barrel but are MUCH more durable. Unlike the C&B glasses, you can cheers without feeling like the glasses will break. In fact, they've tipped over in the sink a few times and are still intact. They dry beautifully, sparkle after the dishwasher and we get so many compliments on them. I love them!" — Katie B Get them from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in three styles and also available in a set of two). 22. A set of stoneware bowls that are so lovely and well made they could easily be mistaken for a West Elm item — their depth makes them perfect for everything from salad to cereal *and* they're dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. These bowls are microwave, freezer, dishwasher, and oven-safe! Promising review:"I legit think salads taste better out of this dish. I can't explain it but it's amazing and I'm now eating more salads. Maybe because a bowl holds dressing better than a plate and I'm not worried about running the greens off the side of a plate but can scoop them up with ease with the edges of this dish? Questions that don't really need answering I suppose but illustrates how great this dish is. Buy the set, you won't regret it." — ANH Get a set of two from Amazon for $26.99+ (also available in a set of four and in six styles). 23. Etude Dear Darling Water Tint, aka your soon-to-be new favorite lip product. Reviewers love that it's smudgeproof, looks super natural when applied, and can *also* be used as a blush! Promising review: "I bought the Benefit version a couple of months ago and was very underwhelmed by it, but this product is sooo soo much better than Benetint. The pigment is so good and natural at the same time. A 10/10 for sure. And at this price point what's there not to like?" — Rachael Get it from Amazon for $7.40+ (available in four shades and combo packs). 24. Satin pillowcases that are said to help prevent hair breakage and breakouts on your face — not to mention they'll make you feel like you're living in the lap of luxury the second your head hits the pillow each night. Reviewers can't get enough of this set for their price tag and high quality. (Seriously, they have over 216,000 5-star ratings!) Amazon Promising review:"My hair has never been better! I got this because of TikTok and it has done wonders for my hair. My hair isn't frizzy or dull-looking when I get up in the morning." — Aaron Key Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 38 colors and four sizes). 25. A personalizable lap tray your kiddo can use for coloring on the floor comfortably or enjoying one of their 9,000 snacks of the day. Although, there's nothing stopping you from ordering one of these for yourself to use to enjoy breakfast in bed on a lazy Sunday if you don't have children. 😉 Kristina Gia Designs is a small business that sells various kid-focused items (think lap trays, key chains, pencil cases, etc). My son has had one of these since his first birthday (admittedly, because, full disclosure, this shop is run by my best friend of 25+ years), and it has been SO nice to have on hand. We've crafted on it, stored coloring utensils in the side pockets, had snack time on it while watching our beloved Ms. Rachel, and used it extensively while "playing pretend" with his toy kitchen. I've personally used it plenty of times as a spot to safely place my iced coffee that *isn't* my carpet (haha). It's super lightweight, makes for a great gift, has held up to quite a bit of toddler abuse, and has so many uses you definitely won't regret adding it to your cart. Promising review:"I bought the lap tray as a Christmas gift for my grandson. I was sent a preview to approve which was great ! Delivery was prompt and item was well packaged. The tray is well designed and will last a long time. I would definitely purchase again." — Suzanne Gates Get it from Kristina Gia Designs on Etsy for $53 (available in six tray colors). 26. A glass mushroom lamp because scattered lighting/creating a mood is very much having a moment right now. Don't break the bank on one Urban Outfitters and West Elm when you might just change your mind about it when trends shift again! This one is lovely, unique, and comes in a bunch of colors that'll go with your space. See it on TikTok! Promising review: "I am obsessed with this adorable, mini lamp. I wanted the Urban Outfitters one, but couldn't justify the price. This one is even cuter and much more affordable." — Audge Get it from Amazon for $21.24+ (available in eight colors). 27. A bookmark book tracker that'll motivate you to actually settle down and read the novel your book club decided on for this month. After you finish a book you can add the title into the spine on the bookmark and color it in — adorable. This shop also offers other versions of the bookmark themed around zodiac signs! Heather Braga / BuzzFeed Britishbookart is a small business based in the UK that sells paintings of literary characters, like Belle from Beauty and the Beast (my personal fave) and Arya from Game of Thrones, as well as reading trackers and bookmarks. 28. A reading light you can wrap around your neck, in case you have no interest in fumbling with a clip-on light while you turn the pages of your book. Reviewers have also said it's great if you tend to fall asleep while reading, leaving your overhead lights on in the process. Promising review: "I also ordered one of those book lights that you have to clip directly on to your book. I haven't even tried the clip-on yet because I LOVE THIS ONE SO MUCH!! It's so versatile. It is the perfect solution for when I'm up in the middle of the night and I still want to stay in bed and read while my husband sleeps next to me. Even when I don't have to worry about disturbing someone this light is still my go to when reading. It's better than any night stand lamp because you can focus this light directly on your book or other types of hands-on projects. I had worried that it would be uncomfortable around my neck but It's so lightweight I hardly even notice it" — Linda Holloway Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in seven colors and two styles). 29. SAEM Iceland Hydrating Eye Stick — it'll reduce under-eye circles and puffiness thanks to the glacial waters its formulated with. It's so freakin' cute!!! Who wouldn't want to improve their skin with the help of a lil' polar bear? Promising reviews:"I have always had serious dark circles and bags under my eyes and this has really changed this for me. The results are incredible. The puffiness is gone. The dark circles are hardly noticeable. My sensitive skin has not broken out. I never write reviews, but this was so good that I had to write a review. This actually works." — Ben Get it from Amazon for $9.99. 30. A Dracula garlic mincer that'll make even the most serious of chefs let out an audible giggle. Promising review: "I love this little guy. I found him on a BuzzFeed list and had to have it as soon as I saw it! I've minced as many as five cloves in it in seconds. It's a little tricky getting all of the garlic out once minced (I use a silicone basting brush to get most of it, but I always use more than the recipe calls for anyway, so it's not a deal breaker). Cleanup is a breeze because he goes right in the dishwasher!" — Barbie Get it from Amazon for $18.99. 31. A slouchy faux-suede bag you might not be able to resist from adding more than one to your cart — I'd apologize, but I'm truly not sorry because this bag is fab-u-lous. JW Pei is an Asian- and family-owned small biz with minimalist accessory designs made with sustainable and vegan materials. TikTok is LOVING this bag — check it out here! BuzzFeed shopping editor Kayla Boyd is a huge fan and has written about her JW Pei collection so check it out! Get it from Amazon for $99 (available in six colors). 32. A darling hummingbird lamp featuring a handy-dandy touch sensor so you won't need to fumble with any cord or switch in the dark. It has three brightness levels and can also be used as an aroma diffuser if you add 3–4 drops of essential oil to the top of its precious little head. Note: According to Johns Hopkins, you may want to avoid diffusing oils around larger groups and young children because of the side effects of different oils. You may also want to avoid using an oil diffuser around pets with breathing problems, according to the ASPCA. Promising review:"I literally have no idea why I bought this. It was a suggested item and looked interesting so I was like 'lol okay.' I can't believe how much I like it LOL. It looks and feels much nicer than you'd think (maybe even classy) and the battery lasts forever. It has three shades of light and it's extremely bright." — K Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in four styles and two sizes). 33. And a quirky tape measure, level, and protractor all-in-one for kids who would love nothing more than to be able to lend a hand the next time you decide to take on a home improvement project. It measures up to eight feet (!!!) and has a built-in kid-safe retraction (no tears, please). Next, you'll have to teach them the age-old motto: "measure twice, cut once." Amazon Handy Famm is a small business! My toddler is forever eager to help my husband build anything and everything, so this was a no-brainer stocking stuffer for him this past Christmas. The second he sees Dad's tools out, he runs to grab his own measuring tape to get involved. The bird's face on the measuring tape is funny to me because he looks as tired as I feel. All jokes aside, this little item has been great for quick measurements and showing my son how to use a level! It's super kid-friendly, and I'll absolutely keep it in mind to suggest to other parents with tykes who want to help/learn about building! Promising review: "My grandson was forever playing with his dad's metal measuring tape, so I purchased this for his birthday. He loves it and it can't cut or harm him. Great purchase for curious kids who want to be like dad!" — Barb A. Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in four colors and in dog versions). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity
Forbes
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Jenna Ortega On ‘Wednesday' Season 2 As Release Dates And Trailer Revealed
Wednesday Season 2 star Jenna Ortega and director Tim Burton are excited about what's ahead for the series as Netflix announced release dates and dropped a new trailer on Wednesday. Created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar and executive produced by Burton, Wednesday Season 2 features Wednesday Addams return to Nevermore Academy. The new trailer for Season 2 begins with Wednesday checking several weapons unique to dark sensibilities at an airport to the strains of a creepy version of the classic The Sound of Music tune 'My Favorite Things.' In addition to starring in Season 2 of Wednesday — which will be released in two parts on Aug. 6 and Sept. 3 — Ortega returns to the series as a producer, according to Netflix's Tudum. 'The most exciting thing is being able to revisit her,' Ortega told Tudum in an interview published Wednesday. 'Wednesday Addams is one of the coolest characters of all time, so to have gotten the opportunity to play her once was incredible, and then to be able to slip into the costume and tone again, it's so much fun. "She runs circles around everyone that she has a conversation with, so to play someone who's so much more intelligent than you will ever be, it's quite funny and strange and enjoyable,' Ortega added. Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán's Morticia and Gomez Addams have been promoted to series regulars for Wednesday Season 2, which means they'll have a greater screen presence this season on the Nevermore campus. In addition, Wednesday's younger brother, Pugsley (Isaac Ordonez), is a new student at Nevermore. 'Your family at school is the worst thing possible, isn't it? I never wanted my parents to come to school. Wednesday is an even more extreme version of that," Tim Burton told Tudum. 'Poor Pugsley. He's kind of an outcast among outcasts, so I feel for him. He comes into Nevermore for the first time, so we get to see his experience at school. Everybody has their own specialty power, and he's new to his own. He's just exploring his newfound teenage powers.' The Wednesday Season 2 trailer features several familiar faces like Wednesday's roommate Enid (Emma Myers) and Uncle Fester (Fred Armisen) and Thing (well, he doesn't have a face), as well as new ones including Principal Dort (Steve Buscemi) and Grandmama Hester Frump (Joanna Lumley). Wednesday Season 2 will be released on Netflix in two parts, on Aug. 6 and Sept. 3, which of course, are two Wednesdays.
Boston Globe
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
The BSO takes ‘Giant Steps' with John Coltrane tribute by Terence Blanchard and Carlos Simon
Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up In the past, Blanchard has performed his original music a handful of times alongside both the Boston Pops and his own ensembles, at Symphony Hall and Tanglewood. But this time around, he's playing with the BSO at the invitation of composer chair Advertisement 'He's a legend in his own right,' Simon said of Blanchard in a phone interview. 'I thought it would be amazing for him to join and be a part of this presentation, because he's incredible in terms of jazz, and he's very much a part of the legacy of what Coltrane represents, too.' Simon, the son of a pastor from Atlanta, also sees Coltrane as a personal inspiration. 'I love the way he experimented, and how his music really affected others, and how his life really influenced the music that he was writing,' Simon said. Portrait of musician Terence Blanchard at his home in New Orleans. Cedric Angeles The program includes several of the saxophonist's signature pieces arranged for orchestra, including the tremendously influential 'Giant Steps' and his hypnotic spin on Rodgers and Hammerstein's 'My Favorite Things.' The work of several arrangers, including Simon himself, is represented on the bill. The Washington, D.C.-based composer created orchestral versions of both 'In a Sentimental Mood,' which Coltrane performed on his collaborative album with the tune's composer, Duke Ellington; and the mournful 'Alabama,' composed in response to the 1963 Advertisement When listeners first hear Coltrane, Blanchard said, 'You get involved with the theoretical side of his playing, when you think about tunes like 'Countdown' and 'Giant Steps' and 'Moment's Notice.'' Other pieces, like 'Alabama' and 'A Love Supreme,' he continued, 'made me realize how conscious he was as a human being.' For a significant period, Coltrane struggled with both alcohol and intravenous drug use; his 'He allowed that to be the motivating factor in the rest of his life. You know, I'm always amazed when you see people who make those types of transformations, because it's not easy,' Blanchard said. 'Alabama' especially 'shows how in tune Coltrane was to the world,' Simon said. 'When you listen to that record, it has all the life and the struggles built into the music.' In addition to holding the composer chair position at the BSO, Simon is currently Advertisement Composer Carlos Simon speaks to an audience at Symphony Hall in 2023. Aram Boghosian Asked about the Kennedy Center over the phone, Simon said that he intends his music, such as his Grammy-nominated piece 'Requiem for the Enslaved,' to be 'a reflection of what's happening in the world, and not [be] apologetic about that, just completely unashamed and unafraid of what the outcome may be.' In short: 'I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing.' Blanchard separately revealed that he'd been in preliminary talks to write something for the National Symphony Orchestra, and 'that's not happening now.' He counted several current and former connections at the center, including the As an artist, Blanchard said, 'you're always trying to have people reflect and think about current issues,' and in the present moment, doing that is 'paramount to the cause of being an artist.' That mission is a major reason why Blanchard thinks concerts like the Coltrane tribute are important. For older listeners, Coltrane's music 'helps them reflect and remember a time when civil rights were the things we were fighting for,' he said. At the same time, the trumpeter hopes younger audiences will 'do some homework about not only the music but the time that the music was created and what the country was like' — and in the end, that the next generation will 'want to raise the consciousness of the people who'll listen to their music." Advertisement BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Symphony Hall. March 21 and 22, 8 p.m. 617-266-1200, A.Z. Madonna can be reached at
