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Pop Star Dreams From the A-List

Like Eddie Murphy and Lindsay Lohan before her, Scarlett Johansson is joining the crowd of actors unable to resist the call of pop music. Today we review Johansson's new album of Tom Waits covers, plus we sample some of Hollywood's worst (oh, Bruce Willis) and best (Zooey Deschanel of She & Him) crossover attempts. We talk with Joe Levy, editor in chief of Blender magazine.

Our blog: John Schaefer on movie stars who slum in pop music

Tell us: What do you think of movie stars who attempt pop-music crossovers? Is there a star you wish would record an album?

Video: Scarlett Johansson, "Falling Down"
Scarlett Johansson's MySpace Page
Video: Eddie Murphy, "Party All the Time"
Video: Brian Green, "You Send Me"

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CD Picks of the Week

Avishai Cohen Trio, “Gently Disturbed” (Razdaz)

Several jazz musicians in New York share a country of origin: Israel. Among them, two even share a name: Avishai Cohen. One is a trumpet player and this is a bassist and composer. He has recorded with pop star Alysia Keys, often performed with pianist Chick Corea and is considered one of the best bassists in jazz today. In his new album with his trio -- his fourth under his own label -- Avishai Cohen shows why. --picked by Gisele Regatao

Aimee Mann, “@#%&*! Smilers” (SuperEgo Records)

Our next pick of the week comes from do-it-yourself songwriter Aimee Mann. Back in the ‘90s, the former Til Tuesday frontwoman started collecting these things called “e-mail address” and developed a loyal online fan base. At the time, it all seemed quaint and even a bit ... nerdy. Today, she’s the model for self-sufficiency in a crumbling music industry. Her latest CD is called "@#%&*! Smilers,” referring to those who put on a happy face all the time. But Aimee Mann’s new one gives us plenty of reasons to smile, including the opening track “Freeway.” –-picked by Joel Meyer

Michael White, “Blue Crescent”

Our final CD pick takes us back to the world of jazz, but this time from a place long associated with the form. New Orleans clarinetist Michael White – actually, that’s Doctor Michael White – has been a major force on the New Orleans jazz scene for decades, but “Blue Crescent” is his first new CD since Hurricane Katrina. After living in his car, and then in a FEMA trailer, White is now back teaching at Xavier University, and his long journey, and that of his hometown, are reflected in an album that’s alternately poignant and joyful. --picked by John Schaefer

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Groove Collective

New York-based band Groove Collective has played with everyone from B.B. King to the Dave Matthews Band and Tupac Shakur. They join us in studio for a live performance of their mix of funk, jazz, Latin, hip hop and rock.

Groove Collective perform tonight at Joe's Pub at 9:30pm.

Groove Collective's MySpace Page

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