The Pursuit

by

Jamie Cullum

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He has a tremendous talent, no one can have doubts about that.

He was catapulted into spotlight after his 2003 debut "Twentysomething" marked him out as the poster child for the new age of Jazz. His second album received a much more muted response - behind the scenes he's been busy toiling away.

According to some critics, he "has released a string of increasingly poppy Jazz-influenced records. The Pursuit is a richer, more rounded creation. It reveals the influences of a man who is as at home making four-to-the-floor club tracks with his brother as knocking out jazz standards" - Rob Potter

In his latest release, "The Pursuit", a new-found confidence is clearly evident and fans will notice a slight veer away from the jazz sound he is famous for as he visits other genres.

The Cole Porter cover version that starts this album ("Just One Of Those Things" - recorded with the Count Basie orchestra at Tony Bennett's studio) may make you think that this jazz talent is in danger of playing it all a bit too predictable, but he soon shakes things up.

Later, the single "If I Ruled The World, a song memorably tackled by Tony Bennett and by the incomparable Regina Belle on her latest album Lazy Afternoon, becomes entirely Cullum's own.

In fact the track sounds sombre and almost funerary, and recalls Portishead, while "Music Is Through" has a house beat and "We Run Things" is just boldly experimental.

Some other tracks to look out for are the beautiful "Love Aint't Gonna Let You Down", and "Mixtape", featuring none other that the dulcet tones of Sophie Dahl as part of the backing vocal.

This album is a must for loyal lovers of Jamie Cullum's music, and for those who want to hear something genuinely surprising and original.

The special edition version of The Pursuit includes a bonus DVD with exclusive live and behind-the-scenes footage.

Twentysomething

Catching Tales

Pointless Nostalgic

The Essential Tony Bennett (Rm) (2CD)

Lazy Afternoon

Jamie Cullum has an extraordinary voice, but it isn't showcased as well as it might be on this CD. The CD's best song and example of what he's capable of is "Gran Torino." With a voice this rich, he can carry much, much more important and serious lyrics. He looks 14, but he's actually 30 or 31. It's time to transition into grown man music, Mr. Cullum, and leave the poppy, cutesy songs to Justin Bieber. Make no mistake, this man has one of the best voices around for soulfulness and sheer pleasing quality. However, I wish he'd study with Leonard Cohen and learn to put some meat into his songs. He's not taking his gift seriously - yet. If he ever does that, the world will be at his feet. This CD is aptly named - he's in pursuit of greatness, but isn't there yet.

If you love light jazz and easy-listening music, definitely buy this CD - you won't be disappointed. He truly has an amazing voice.