Sunday, July 09, 2006

jamie cullum


Betsy and I saw Jamie Cullum live at the Bijou Theatre Friday night.

I'd never been to the Bijou before. So I didn't know what to expect. I must say, it was awesome. Not big, but great aesthetics and the acoustics in the room were amazing. The perfect place to see a show. I can't wait to go back. Ryan Adams is there later in this month. So I hope to be back soon.

Now on to Mr. Cullum...

The guy can not be much taller than about 5'3". No joke. And it wouldn't surprise me if he weighed under 100 pounds. He is so small...in stature.

But in talent, the man is a giant.

His voice, his song-writing, his piano playing ability...he has it all. But the most amazing thing about his show is that he is so energetic and so entertaining, that his musical prowess becomes a second-thought. He jumps around, stands on the piano, dances and struts...he's got a lot of energy for a little guy. And he plays incredibly well off the audience.

He did a lot of covers...from the Doves to "Don't Cha" by the Pussycat Dolls, Radiohead, Elton John...he played for well over 2 hours and it never got close to boring.

The highlight of the night was hands-down when he jumped off stage into the audience and sang "Nature Boy" by David Bowie from Moulin Rouge ("There was a boy..."). He walked up and down the aisle and sang, no microphone, with his hands cupped over his mouth. His only accompaniment was an upright bass (also in standing in the audience). It was by far the coolest thing I've ever seen at a concert.

So...if you get a chance to see this guy live, do it. He is well worth the ticket-price.

1 comment:

The Adkins Family said...

Bill, maybe your music career would be doing better if you worked some Pussycat Dolls covers into your setlist. Something to think about. I think it would fit in nicely.