The Weinstein Company’s presentation of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom will have a limited release in New York and Los Angeles November 29, 2013, and nationwide January 3, 2014. British actor Idris Elba (Thor: The Dark World) gives a powerful performance as Mandela in the Rated PG-13 dramatic take on the South African President’s autobiography, of which I had the pleasure of reading. Naomie Harris (Skyfall) plays Winnie Mandela and Justin Chadwick (The First Grader) directed the film co-produced by South Africa’s Anant Singh (Sarafina!), who received the right to film Mandela’s life while he was still in jail.

The film follows Mandela during his coming of age years, his meeting and marrying Winnie, his introduction to the Apartheid struggle, his 27 years in prison for fighting against racial segregation, and his release and his election as President of South Africa. Elba seemed to transform himself into Mandela, his walk and talk.

The film shows how he evolved from a man of hate and vengeance to a man of peace – when everyone else said no to peace. It shows how he earned the respect of the prison warden and ultimately the South African government who came to him for answered as to how they could stay in power.

William Nicholson (Shawdowlander) is screenwriter. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, an Anant Singh/Weinstein Company presentation, also stars Riaad Moosa, Jamie Martlett, Lindiwi Matshikiza, Tony Kgoroge, Terry Pheto, and Deon Lotz. It was filmed in association with Distant Horizon, Origin Pictures and Pathe. It is a Videovision Entertainment Production and a Justin Chadwick Film.

Saxophonist Jessy J’s album, ‘Second Chances,’ is a jazzy heartfelt project featuring Norman Brown and Jeff Lorber

“I was originally a pianist,” said female Contemporary saxophonist Jessy J. “Classical. Then in third grade the band had no piano and they asked me to play the sax. I felt it had character. I started listening to Jazz…Bebop. Paul Brown produced my first album at 16.”

Today Jessy J is an accomplished Jazz saxophonist with albums released. Her fourth project, “Second Chance,” is off the Shanachie Entertainment imprint and features Norman Brown, Jeff Lorber, Jimmy Haslip and Johnny Britt. The Portland, Oregon native is Mexican-American and has had request to performed on many television shows such as “American Idol” Finale’ with Neil Diamond; “American Idol” with Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez; “The Voice,” CNN Espanol, “Good Morning UK” with Seal, PBS Special with Michael Bolton, and “Good Morning America” with Jessica Simpson.

Through out I tried to focus on the melody,” Jessy J said when asked about writing musicals, as oppose to songs with lyrics. “To me the songs have a meaning. They all have a story.”

My favorite cuts on the “Second Chance” album include the title track “Second Chance” featuring Norman Brown, a nice smooth number; “Tango For Two”; “Feel Like Making Love” cover for its smooth accompanying vocals and love the guitar support and “Twice for its nice funky sound.

Learn more about Jessy J and her newest release “Second Chances” at www.JessyJ.com.

 (Syndicated Columnist: Eunice Moseley, has an estimated weekly readership of over ¼ million with The Pulse of Entertainment – she is also a Public Relations/Business Management consultant. www.FreelanceAssociatesInc.com, www.ThePulseofEntertainment.com, www.UpliftingMinds2.com).