AN UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT OF SHOWMANSHIP | JAMIE CULLUM LIVE AT PHILHARMONIC HALL
LIVE REVIEW | JAMIE CULLUM @ PHILHARMONIC HALL, LIVERPOOL By Keira Knox
As part of his headline tour, highly regarded musician and songwriter Jamie Cullum celebrated the 20th anniversary reissue of his legendary breakthrough album ‘Twentysomething’ at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall with an unforgettable night of showmanship.
The platinum-selling record continues to be the fastest-selling jazz album in chart history, and Cullum became the highest-selling jazz musician in the UK in 2003 as a result of its sales. In addition, he received nominations for a Grammy, BRIT, and many other international honours.
Billy Lockett
Billy Lockett joins Cullum on this series of headline shows. Lockett is a great option to open for Cullum since, in addition to being a superb songwriter, he is also an outstanding live performer and pianist. Gorgeous piano melodies swirled about the stage, their notes dancing and weaving through the intricate detailing of this legendary venue.
A voice that defies his years, and despite the heavy topics in which the lyrics depict, Lockett brought a sense of humour to his performance. Its safe to say that he is a star in the making, incredible showmanship that had the crowd in the palm of his hand.
Jamie Cullum
Jamie Cullum opens his act with a Cole Porter cover of ‘I Get A Kick Out Of You,’ establishing the tone for a laid-back evening. You could tell he was unlikely to remain seated behind the piano for very long due to the intensity that emanated from the pedals. He lives and breathes the music in which he performs, that much is evident, in consumes every fibre of his being. A fierce enthusiasm that enthrals the audience and makes them feel the force of his song.
He flows fluidly through songs like ‘Get Your Way’ and ‘What I’d Say,’ his presentation, accompanied by his live band, is simply captivating, mesmerising an audience with his own jazz enchantments. The live band was in complete control of the evening’s experience, as seen by their smooth transitions between instrumentation. The rise and fall of Cullum’s vocals is something that needs to be highlighted, many music fans don’t allow themselves the pleasure of listening to his creations due to the stigmatisation surrounding the genre, Cullum is up there with being one of the best vocalists the UK has produced.
The arrival of ‘These Are The Days’ inside the set is accompanied with a sense of reminiscence. With the help of the sax echoes, this huge auditorium is transformed into a tiny late-night jazz bar in central New York. Performing ‘Everybody Wants To Be A Cat’ loudly enhances that atmosphere while adding more moving energy to the space. With the music pulsing through his veins, Cullum swings around the stage. Despite the length of some of these tracks, the audience never tired, keeping up with every rhythm and beat.
During ‘Mankind’, Jamie Cullum’s contagious charm was evident as he walked into the crowd to take photographs and perform to fans. An intimate performance, patrolling the stalls, engaging with every audience member, adding something a little more special to the show. One of the highlights of the performance was a jazz version of Peter Gabriels‘ ‘Sledgehammer,’ in which the audience was enthralled by Cullum’s falsetto voice and deep cello bass notes that reverberated throughout the hall.
Closing the evening back where he started, alone at the grand piano, a full circle moment that captures just how far he’s come since the release of ‘Twentysomething’. This small-scale finale, which left the audience in awe of his creativity and dedication, was a perfect means to end a phenomenal evening. Jamie Cullum’s performance was a masterclass in musical ability, narrative, and unity, demonstrating his unbounded brilliance.
Remaining dates, tickets are available here – Jamie Cullum
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