Jamie Cullum – Jazzes It Up In York

Songs about funerals and autism are probably not the best subjects to endear an audience to your music. However, Billy Locket, a former contestant on The Voice this year and a victim of numerous setbacks in the music business, is not one to dwell on the past.

The talented singer-songwriter displayed a warming quality, albeit with a touch of modesty, that won him many new fans in the process when opening for Jamie Cullum at The Barbican in York. The gifted guitarist and pianist, with songs like I Could Use a Friend and Hard Act to Follow, showcased his undeniable talent.

When Cullum stated that “a lot has happened since we were last here,” he wasn’t too far off the mark. His last concert as The Barbican was on the eve of the first COVID lockdown in 2020. With a lot of ground to cover, Cullum and his band took the audience through a diverse musical landscape, embracing not just jazz but pop, soul, and even calypso. 

Sticking to the traditional jazz set-up of drums, double bass, and singer, Cullum opened the night with a soulful version of I Get a Kick out of You before the rest of the band joined him on stage. By the third song, he had already thrown his jacket to one side, demonstrating his love of performing for his fans and the longing he had for live performances.

With his youthful energy and exuberance, all the elements of seeing Cullum live were evident from his mingle into the audience, jumping off the top of his piano to the occasional surprise—his cover of two recent Sabrina Carpenter hits, reimagined jazz style, could have fallen flat on its face, instead working magnificently with style and grace.

Rihanna's Please Don't Stop the Music showcased Cullum's ability to transform other pop and jazz standards into his own, culminating in a climactic finale. He then returned to his roots with a solo performance of his own composition, All at Sea. His voice was emotional, the mood was respectful, and there was mutual appreciation. It seemed unlikely that Cullum's remarkable return to the live arena would fade.

Jamie Cullum

The tour continues with further northern dates:

26th November – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
29th November – Gateshead The Glass House
Tickets click here