This review originally posted to Examiner.com: http://bit.ly/9m2Bon

British pop-jazz singer-songwriter Jamie Cullum wrapped up his North American tour Thursday night with an exuberant sold out show at the Avalon in Hollywood. The Grammy and Golden Globe nominee provided immediate gratification by opening with the first two singles from his new CD The Pursuit, which was just released on March 2 in the US. Fans got into the mood with “Don't Stop The Music,” which is infinitely sexier than Rihanna's original dance hit. The singalong chorus of the pop-march “I'm All Over It” did its job in garnering audience participation. Next up was the record opener, a cookin' take on Cole Porter's “Just One of Those Things.” By the time Cullum got to the bombastic, funky swing of “Get Your Way,” he was out of his jacket and leaping to the stage from atop his piano.

Cullum spent the night playing a game of musical leap frog, switching between piano, keyboard and simply dancing and singing - complete with running commentary. He explained that this was a suite of breakup songs before playing Hoagy Carmichael's “I Get Along Without You Very Well,” paired with his original drum-pounder, “You And Me Are Gone.” He mentioned that the latter song was recorded at Capitol, where The Jungle Book was recorded, and that they wanted to make it sound as much like The Jungle Book as possible – and now you won't be able to listen to “You And Me Are Gone” without hearing a little bit of “I Wanna Be Like You.”

The moody, acoustic medley of Julie London's and Justin Timberlake's “Cry Me A River,” sung and played in the middle of the audience, was a regular setpiece on the Pursuit tour, but that didn't make it any less inventive or enjoyable. Bits of “I Got a Woman” and John Mayer's “Gravity,” and the threat of Van Halen's “Jump,” made the Hollywood show spontaneous and unique. The setlist was a satisfying mix of new and old, covers and originals, with every fan itch scratched: “Photograph,” “These Are The Days,” “Gran Torino,” “All At Sea” “The Wind Cries Mary” were all included. The show concluded with an emotional “High and Dry,” just the man and his piano. It reminded the audience that behind all the funny stories, funky beats and piano jumps there is an exceptionally talented performer, musician and singer.

Irish rockabilly original Imelda May opened the show with a short but enthusiastic set to an already-packed house. Afterward, audience members were heard exclaiming with pleasant surprise to have caught such a great opener.