ShareJamie Cullum performing the 20th Anniversary of Twentysomething at The Royal Concert Hall Nottingham on Thursday 28th November 2024.
Images and Review by Kevin Cooper
The critically acclaimed musician and song writer Jamie Cullum brought a night of fun and showmanship to Nottingham when he played the Royal Concert Hall on Thursday night and entertained with a blinding energetic set of jazz classics and original material.
The likable multi-faceted star, who seems to have discovered the secret of eternal youth, was the UK’s biggest selling jazz artist by the age of 24 and was at one point being billed as the saviour of jazz when he released his second album, Twentysomething, in 2003.
He began the evening sat behind his piano with Cole Porter’s I Get A Kick Out Of You which included a beautiful mid song piano solo that instantly showcased his talent and appreciation of the jazz classic, before he transitioned seamlessly into Get Your Way and a soulful rendition of Ray Charles’ What’d I Say followed by Work Of Art.
Oozing charm and energy he delivered an up tempo These Are The Days with its gorgeous melody which made it a real highlight song, with the lovely saxophone managing to turn this large venue into a small late night jazz club.
A delightful surprise was his rendition of Everybody Wants To Be A Cat which was mesmerising, infused with a bass and trumpet solo. For Mankind he ventured into the crowd to serenade the fans.
A standout moment came during Save Your Soul where his very tight band gathered around the piano to create an intimate and harmonious performance, aided by the Hall’s sound which was the best it has been all year.
Sledgehammer had the crowd on their feet whilst a gorgeous version of Nina Simone’s Sinnerman had them in awe of Cullum, with his perfect vocals. The energy escalated with When I Get Famous, You And Me Are Gone and Hang Your Lights. The unexpected jazz twist on Rage Against The Machine’s Killing In The Name Of was a show stopper.
Finally sat alone at the keys with just a spotlight for company, Cullum ended the concert with All At Sea, enchanting the crowd into a hushed silence, and bringing to an end a master class in musicianship which was a testament to his boundless talent.