23rd of March 2004 - Press Release - Jamie Takes Austin

British Star Jamie Cullum Notches Auspicious Debut at SxSW With Packed Performances and Special Guest Appearance With N.E.R.D. read entire press release New Album 'Twentysomething,' (U.S. Release May 11) Hits U.K. Sales of over 700,000 [CK], Lands First Single in Top 20 This Week AUSTIN, TX (MARCH 22) - Young singer and pianist Jamie Cullum made a notable debut at the SxSW music festival, bringing his raw talent (NY Times) and overwhelming sincerity and ingratiating charm (Variety) to a series of high profile performances this week. On Saturday night, following the last of his three packed showcases, Jamie headed to the Austin Music Hall to join N.E.R.D. on stage, trading lead vocals with Pharell Williams on his song 'Frontin' for a crowd of thousands. In Sunday's Austin Chronicle Terry Lickona (Austin City Limits) marked Jamie's showcase as a festival highlight, citing his mastery of both Gerswhin and Hendrix. Anticipation is mounting for Jamie's new album 'Twentysomething,' slated for release in the U.S. May 11 (Verve/Universal). A smash in Britain, the new album just notched its fourth week [CK] in the top 5 U.K. albums chart, with sales of over 700,000 [CK] copies to date. Also this week, Jamie breaks into the top 20 of the U.K. singles charts for the first time, with the track 'These Are The Days' debuting at #12. American critics are already discovering Jamie. His dynamic showmanship has drawn raves at every turn, from the New York Times to the Hollywood Reporter, and upcoming highlights range from major magazine features to news segments on CNN and MTV. 'Twentysomething' proves Cullum a singular talent, able to make traditional pop and jazz compositions sound new and avant-garde rock sound vintage. Cullum's prodigious talent and unbridled energy in concert have garnered both legions of young fans and managed to win over even the most resistant British critics with technique and taste, says London's Evening Standard. Mojo magazine notes in a four star review that the ace up his sleeve is the original writing.