[chadh]

I was watching Gran Torino this evening (which was super cool), and enjoyed the song "Gran Torino" played through the credits.  Amongst other things, I really liked the vocal performance of some guy called Jamie Cullum.  Well, I felt like an idiot when I discovered that he's quite famous, and really successful (to the extent that British jazz musicians are ever successful). 

Anyway, it seems that he's only sort of a jazz musician, and sort of a pop singer, and sort of all over the map with his musical styles.  Not that there's anything wrong with that.  In fact, I find myself increasingly drawn to artists who don't fit neatly into musical categories these days.  But the tiny three lettered word "pop" always makes me pause, as it usually indicates music that, in an effort to secure commercial success, ends up being totally disposable.  I guess I'm wondering if anyone has a feeling for how true this is of Jamie Cullum's music.

Right now I'm listening to samples from his new album (http://www.jamiecullum.com/) and I'm not sure what to make of it all.  Some of the arrangements seem a little theatrical, in a cheap way, and some of the songs seem a bit weak.  But then again, this guy actually plays piano like he knows what he's doing.  And while his voice is far from perfect, there's something truly expressive about his singing that makes me want to like his music. 

So, should I be thinking of Jamie Cullum as a British Chet Baker for the new Millenium?  Or more like the horrible bastard child of Oasis and Harry Connick Jr?

Chad

[Phil A]

I only have his first album.  It sort of reminds me of Billy Joel.

[mjosef]

more like the horrible bastard child of Oasis and Harry Connick Jr?

That would be my guess.
I got his first breakout album (twentysomething) and then was sent (free) his live "special" concert in some church somewhere...heard nothing there that makes me want to pick up his later albums. I think he is more on the "pop" side of things. Kinda' like real flavoured drink vs. real fruit juice.
Like Kenny G vs. Kenny Garret.
Sure he is talented, but I wouldn't think of the genre, jazz, at the thought of him. There is jazz, and there is jazzzzz.

 

[satfrat]

more like the horrible bastard child of Oasis and Harry Connick Jr?

That would be my guess.
I got his first breakout album (twentysomething) and then was sent (free) his live "special" concert in some church somewhere...heard nothing there that makes me want to pick up his later albums. I think he is more on the "pop" side of things. Kinda' like real flavoured drink vs. real fruit juice.
Like Kenny G vs. Kenny Garret.
Sure he is talented, but I wouldn't think of the genre, jazz, at the thought of him. There is jazz, and there is jazzzzz.

 

Along with Twentysomething, I also have Pointless Nostalgic and Catching Tales.

[mjosef]

Crap...couldn't find where  I put JC...must be buried somewhere in the "dungeon".
I remember "seeing" on Amazon that the 'limited edition' live cd I was sent was going for some big time money a couple years ago, over a hundred $$$. I don't see it listed under his name anymore.

Was it 'Live from Chapel Union'? 

[satfrat]

Crap...couldn't find where  I put JC...must be buried somewhere in the "dungeon".
I remember "seeing" on Amazon that the 'limited edition' live cd I was sent was going for some big time money a couple years ago, over a hundred $$$. I don't see it listed under his name anymore.

Was it 'Live from Chapel Union'?

You wouldn't be thinking of Damien Rice would you?
 

 

[mjosef]

Oh yeah right... It was the rice guy.
Dementia is setting in.
Thanks Robin. 

Well...looks like the market has tumbled ... available 'cheep' now

[satfrat]

There's a Live at Blenheim Palace.
 

 

[ctviggen]

I was watching Gran Torino this evening (which was super cool), and enjoyed the song "Gran Torino" played through the credits.  Amongst other things, I really liked the vocal performance of some guy called Jamie Cullum.  Well, I felt like an idiot when I discovered that he's quite famous, and really successful (to the extent that British jazz musicians are ever successful). 

Anyway, it seems that he's only sort of a jazz musician, and sort of a pop singer, and sort of all over the map with his musical styles.  Not that there's anything wrong with that.  In fact, I find myself increasingly drawn to artists who don't fit neatly into musical categories these days.  But the tiny three lettered word "pop" always makes me pause, as it usually indicates music that, in an effort to secure commercial success, ends up being totally disposable.  I guess I'm wondering if anyone has a feeling for how true this is of Jamie Cullum's music.

Right now I'm listening to samples from his new album (http://www.jamiecullum.com/) and I'm not sure what to make of it all.  Some of the arrangements seem a little theatrical, in a cheap way, and some of the songs seem a bit weak.  But then again, this guy actually plays piano like he knows what he's doing.  And while his voice is far from perfect, there's something truly expressive about his singing that makes me want to like his music. 

So, should I be thinking of Jamie Cullum as a British Chet Baker for the new Millenium?  Or more like the horrible bastard child of Oasis and Harry Connick Jr?

Chad

I thought his first CD was great.  I especially like the remake of the Jimi Hendrix song.  I'm less impressed with the other CDs.

[nicksgem10s]

Hi Chad,

I really like Jamie Cullum.  I only have Twentysomething and Catching Tales so far.

Twentysomething is brilliant if you ask me.  I think the recording quality is very good also.

I enjoyed watching him on Austin City Limits also.  I highly recommend Twentysomething.

-Nick

[chadh]

Well, thanks everyone for your responses.  Sounds like the first album gets the best reviews from "trusted sources", so maybe it's a good place to start.  If I don't like that one, there may be no reason to dig any further.

Chad

[Bob in St. Louis]

The only one I've heard is "Twentysomething". I think it's great.
The comment about Harry Connick is spot on. Sounds a LOT like him and his style.
Regarding the album cover Robin just showed us, that reminds me of the "Glass Houses" album cover from Billy Joel. Although I would not say they've got similar styles, those album covers are very close. The same colors, feelings, styles, and general "attitude".

But that could just be me. 

Bob