Jamie Cullum

In 2005 piano virtuoso Jamie Cullum officially became the biggest UK selling Jazz artist, fusing pop and jazz and making it contemporary whilst introducing new audiences to the niche. Piano music was now cool to listen to. Having released six studio albums provides plenty of material for Cullum to delve into for his incredible live shows. His “Twentysomething” album released in 2003 received great critical acclaim, achieving number 3 in the UK album charts, still remaining his highest album position to date.
If you think Jamie Cullum live is more like a piano recital, then you are highly mistaken. Cullum has an unconventional way of using the piano, whilst it might appear to be centre of attention it’s how he interacts with the piano which is all part of the unique experience which his shows provide. From the moment Jamie Cullum walks onto the stage in smart casual attire coupled with some comfy shoes, you can tell that all your expectations will be thrown out the window. Accompanied by a full jazz band the tight musicianship assists in keeping the momentum going as Cullum delves into his repertoire playing poppy upbeat tracks such as “Take Me Out (Of Myself)”, “I’m All Over It” and “Everything You Didn’t Do” or his more melodic tracks like “These Are The Days” or purely jazz influenced “Twentysomething”.
What adds to the atmosphere of Cullum’s shows are the multiple skills which he possesses. It’s easy to get lost in how beautifully and passionately he plays the piano as his fingers slide up and down the keys in a blur, but let’s not forget that his voice is equally as brilliant and versatile, perfectly enthused with his jazz influences: Miles Davis and Tom Waits to name a few. Cullum also uses the piano as his prop, tapping beats onto the framework, stepping on the keys and standing on the hood and delivering performances atop of it. Incorporating beat-boxing into his set adds to the contemporary aspect demonstrating how his diverse music taste feeds into his music. Just as diverse as Cullum’s musical influences, the same can be said for his audience ranging in demographics, all as equally mesmerised by his sensational performances and charmed by his abundance of style and charisma.
Cover versions of tracks also play an important part in his shows, tackling contemporary artists such as Rihanna, Pharell and Massive Attack almost making the tracks unrecognisable as he adds his unique jazzy flavour to make it his own. His rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s “The Wind Cries Mary” is beautifully stunning adding to the unforgettable experience that is a Jamie Cullum show.
Expect two hours of pure mesmerising jazz infused pop and all round entertainment.