About Me
michelle254
United KingdomMy Favourites
Favourite JC Album
The PursuitFavourite JC Track
mixtapeFavourite JC Lyric
Other Music I like
My Reviews
Autumn At The Abbey
This show was a real family affair, with Jamie’s dad John (the High Sheriff of Somerset) giving such a beautiful speech. Jamie’s mum Yvonne singing with the ever so talented Silver Ring Choir of Bath. And Jamie’s Brother Ben joining Jamie on stage.
Ali Vowles was the compare for the night and she kicked off proceedings introducing the Silver Ring Choir who were performing the first half of the show.
The choir looked stunning as they took to the stage in Black and Turquoise. The audience erupted with applause when Yvonne came on the stage, which was lovely.
The extremely talented Adam Biggs played the piano, and Ruth McKibbin conducted the choir.
I have never seen the SRCOB live before so I wasn’t sure what to expect and if I am honest, I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy them. But how wrong could I be!! I was in awe of such beautiful voices, and with the high stone ceilings their voices really carried around the Abbey. They sent shivers down my spine.
I loved the contrast of their soft and loud tones, they sounded beautiful, and we were honoured with the following songs
Festival Sanctus – Leavitt
Ave Verum Corpus- Mozart
Laudate Dominum -Mozart
Anvil Chorus from II Trovatore – Verdi
Gypsy Chorus from La Traviata – Verdi
Sing a Song of Sixpence – Diack
One from A Chorus Line – Hamlisch & Kleban
Over The Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz – Arlen
When you Believe from the Prince of Egypt – Schwartz
African Medley – Traditional
‘Silver’ written by Jamie & Ben Cullum
Ruth McKibbin’s solo performance of Laudate Dominium was absolutely stunning, such a strong soprano voice.
The end of their show saw Jamie joining the choir on stage to sing the song ‘Silver’ which he wrote with brother Ben. What a performance, Jamie’s voice on this song really astounded me. Perhaps it’s the key the song was written in or the acoustics in the Abbey, either way he sounded incredible. Such beautiful lyrics, the choir must feel so proud to be singing them.
What a lovely way to end their set, with a little taster of Jamie for those virgin Jamie gig goers in the audience.
We then had to wait 25 minutes before Jamie took to the stage, it felt like forever. But finally the time had come......
I should probably explain at this point that my seat was on the very back row in the Nave, (I should count myself lucky as some people had seats behind the stage with a TV screen as their only way of watching the show). I thought I was too far away and that I wasn’t going to have a good night. But Jamie told me it was actually the best seat in the house, and he was right. Myself and Stephanie were free to stand up, which we did as soon as Jamie came on stage. We were dancing, clapping & singing along, and despite the odd looks from all the people in front of us who kept looking behind to see what all the racket was about, more fans came and joined us. Including a fellow Cullumholic Miriam from Argentina. We definitely brought the party to the Abbey.
Unfortunately despite Ali Vowles and Jamie telling the audience not to feel restricted in anyway, everyone remained seated. So for once I loved being at the back. And I remember thinking of the film Dirty Dancing and the BIG dance at the end when Patrick Swayze goes down the aisle to join his rowdy friends and they danced up the aisle. Well it felt just like that and I could just imagine us sauntering down to the stage lol.
I must also add that despite being at the back, the sound was still outstanding. Good enough to still hear Jamie’s witty jokes about throwing them some underpants as they are in desperate need for some, and thanking us for coming out and missing the X Factor, but not to worry as they would be singing the songs the contents were due to sing so we wouldn’t be missing a thing.
As many of you probably saw I was live tweeting on the night, and so I tweeted out the set list which was as follows-
I’ve Got You Under My Skin
I Get A Kick Out Of You
Get Your Way
What A Difference A Day Made
I’m All Over It
Changes
Twenty Something
These Are The Days
I shot The Sheriff
Singing In The Rain/Umbrella by Rihanna
Don’t Stop The Music
Caravan
High & Dry - mixed with Amazing Grace
There were many highlights from the night, some of my favourites were:
Jamie telling us he had only practised this song before coming on stage and launching into 'I Shot The Sheriff'’, with brother Ben on the guitar. Pure genius. Jamie’s dad John stood up at the end and took a bow.
Jamie performing ‘Silver’ with the SRCOB, just beautiful.
‘High & Dry’ blew me away, it was dedicated to Sophie and I loved the audience participation but more so how the song built and built until it sounded really loud at the end. I’m sure my video won’t do it any justice. Loved it, it gave me tingles.
Jamie singing Caravan in the Nave of the Abbey. I’ve never been that close to Jamie when he has come into the audience to sing, so I was very lucky. At one point when Jamie was stood on the pew, he pretend to the row behind that he was about to lose his balance and fall on them. Or at least I hope he was joking. You can imagine the panicked looks.
Sadly there was no encore for Jamie, I was convinced he would come back out, but once Ali came on stage I knew it was not to be.
Such a fabulous evening in a stunning venue. I never thought I would ever be in an Abbey watching Jamie play a gig. Thank you Jamie for a great night as always and for coming down the back to see us.
Sound check
Prior to the show, I was lucky enough to be able to watch the sound check, which is a first for me. I was honoured to be able to watch Jamie & the SRCOB rehearse the song ‘Silver’.
When Jamie ran through 'I’m All Over It' his opening line was “Hello married life”, very funny.
Under The Bridge
Under The Bridge - A beautiful newly opened venue at Stamford Bridge, which has a very funky blue ceiling over the stage, talk about a great stage setting for any band. And that's not all... Everything about this stylish venue oozed sophistication even down to the detail in the toilets. This venue fails to disappoint when it comes to class. And when it comes to class you can't get any better than Mr Cullum! I managed to get my place dead centre at the front, perhaps a little too close as there were no barriers, just fans a low stage and Jamie.
Being this close was a great opportunity to see the magic that goes on on stage. You could really see the love for good music on that stage that night and I was in awe of it.
I was overjoyed to hear that Ben would be joining the band all night, (Ben was standing in for Rory) and then to delight us with taking the vocal on 'These Are The Days' was amazing. Ben plays guitar with such ease, it would make anyone learning to play guitar sick. Is there anything this man can't do? Jamie started the night with "So They Say", a real favourite with many Cullum fans out there. It was a great song to start with and really got the audience going. Jamie told us he had taken tips from Coldplay from Glastonbury (whilst he watched at home in bed) and decided to start the night off with his best known tracks, to which he did.
I won't bore you with the set list, but Jamie continued on with the usual suspect of songs, All At Sea, I'm All Over It, Don't Stop The Music to name but a few. And yet again If I Ruled The World gave me goose bumps. Jamie joked about Beyonce at Glastonbury and how she had to have a chord played every time she said something, to which he then asked for the same thing from his band which was funny (video to come). And being from Swindon myself I loved his joke about Swindon FC, even if it did fall flat with some people. With the first few opening tracks out of the way the atmosphere was electric, this seemed to make Jamie even livelier, or perhaps that had something to do with the two Jack Daniel shots he claimed to have had before coming on stage haha. Jamie seemed very relaxed with his banter and jokes to the audience, and he was actually pretty funny.
I do love Jamie's sense of humour and loved his comment about his gigs making you feel like you've been there 7 or 8 hours lol One thing that really did strike me was Jamie's vocals, they seemed on top form. And if at all possible I felt he had perfected his piano playing since I last saw him. Not that I'm an expert but it sounded especially beautiful. And I have to say, the melody and tune to this new track we are all talking about written by Jamie & Ben made me melt. It's truly beautiful, and it's not even finished yet! If this is what the album is likely to sound like, then wow! Now I know we have all come to know and love our sing alongs with Jamie, but there is something extra special about being a part of it in a smaller venue. I think we did Jamie proud as we all sang to High & Dry with our do do do's Jamie's traditional 'I Feel Fine....' at the end of 'These Are The Days' which we have all now come to know and love and join in with was brilliant. It really got the crowd going and you could tell that everyone in the place was having an amazing time. It felt like one big party! You can see my video of it here Even at a smaller gig Jamie can't help but take himself off stage, joining us all in the center of the room Jamie sang Caravan, which with the horn section sounded fantastic and really gave it that Salsa feel. Caravan is not usually one of my favourites, but it sounded great.
I was really moved when Jamie ended the night with Gran Torino and changed the words and sang something along the lines of "my whole world is just us 3" at the end of the song. It brought a tear to my eye and was a beautiful way to end the show. I still can't put into words just how brilliant this show was, other than to say that coupled with the amazing band, Jamie's energy and breath taking performance plus the amazing little gem that is Under The Bridge, this has undoubtedly been one of the best gigs I have been to in a long time. I would also like to take a moment to mention that the staff at UTB were amazing, so friendly and helpful. Other music venues could learn a lot from them. Check out other gigs they have coming up here The support for the night was Dan Croll and you can find more details on him here An outstanding performance Jamie, thank you for the memories
Oslo, Sentrum Scene
I've just got back from Oslo after seeing Jamie play at Oslo's Sentrum Scene.
This is the first time I have experienced a standing gig in Europe, and I loved it. But I have to say seeing this standing gig reminded me just how reserved us Brits are.
The Sentrum Scene is a lovely venue with standing downstairs and then seated upstairs. This show attracted the younger generation and the people stood around me at the front were predominantly young adults.
I have never experienced such a frenzy of fans desperate for Jamie's touch until this show so I was quite taken a back.
Jamie came on stage around 10pm whilst Sophie watched from the back of the stage. The audience was very excitable and the atmosphere was electric all night long. Lots of screaming and chanting for Jamie before he had even come on stage.
The crowd sung every word to every song the entire show and Jamie seemed to be completely overwhelmed by this and even looked very teary eyed at the end of the show. Jamie even promised to come back and play for them whenever they wanted.
Despite Jamie saying that the Norwegians take their music very seriously and that there was probably professional musicians in the crowd, and so he was a little scared he did not fail to deliver.
I loved Jamie singing Twenty Something when Jamie stopped playing and looked at the ceilling and crossed his arms because the crowd were singing a long so loudly, and so the audience continued to sing without him and Jamie loved it. And the little face that Jamie pulled when he sung 30 something was great, I wish I had caught it on camera.
Jamie got a big cheer when he said he was touring the new album The Pursuit to which Jamie replied with "correct answer"
I loved that during Frontin Jamie asked the crowd to scream and he used it in his recording which was really cool.
At one point Jamie was tinkering those ivories and everyone started cheering, to which Jamie stopped and said "I don't even know what I am going to play yet, how can you cheer yet" very funny.
Jamie seemed overjoyed with the reaction he was getting all night. It was great to hear the crowd singing along and sometimes they were louder than Jamie.
Another great highlight for me was when we all joined in the the d-da-do's for Umbrella at the end of the show, fantastic.
It all got rather hairy towards the end though as everyone went wild and was pushing a lot and I recall being pined to the barrier at one point, but it was great fun and the best show of the tour that I have seen so far.
Unfortunately the only down side is that the security was very strict on recording and I was asked on more than one occasion to stop filming so I am afraid I don't have much video but hopefully people from further back will.
Jamie thank you for such a great night and making my trip to Oslo worth while. And for stopping and quickly signing for your fans despite being completely exhausted.
The Clapham Grand
I had an incredible night at Jamie’s family and friends gig in Clapham.
The gig took place at The Grand, and I have to say the venue was stunning, built back in the 1900’s as a music hall it just seemed the perfect place to stage such an event.
I can’t say for sure how many people were in attendance but I would say there were at least 2,000.
Having got there early enough I was able to have a good view right at the front.
I got all too excited upon my trip to the ladies room whilst waiting for Jamie to start as on the back of the cubical door was a set list for the night.
Jamie to play 8pm-10pm, followed by an after show party from 10pm-2am
As it turns out Jamie didn’t actually make it on stage until 8.30 and played to a packed house until 10.30pm.
Jamie seemed extremely happy to be there and to be playing to his friends and family. I don’t think he stopped smiling all night.
There are many high lights for me from the gig, Jamie’s speech about performing for his family and friends was very touching, his performance with his brother Ben for These Are The Days was spell bounding. When ever I see them perform together, I feel like I am being granted access to a very special moment between the two of them and it gives me goose bumps every time.
Not While I’m Around was another highlight for me. I love the music and the way Jamie sings this song to perfection. He really does have the audience hanging on every word.
Jamie put a new spin on High & Dry and I absolutely loved it, and I really hope he continues with that version on tour. If he does then you are all in for a real treat.
I also absolutely loved Jamie’s beat boxing to Frontin, which led Jamie to record himself beat boxing on his fancy recording thing (sorry no idea what it’s called) while he sang along to it. Jamie really has no fear on stage, and will try anything and always seems to do it rather well.
I was surprised to see the band jump off stage into the audience at this venue for Cry Me A River, for one the stage was rather high and two I wasn’t sure if they’d do it for family and friends.
The only rather annoying thing about she show is that there seemed to be a lot of talking going on which could be clearly heard whilst Jamie was singing which I thought was rather rude. Friends or family or none of the above, you should still be polite enough to listen and appreciate others are trying to listen too.
I cannot fault Jamie’s performance in anyway, he was on top form and very charming. If any of his family or friends had not planned to see him on tour I am sure they will be now.
An outstanding performance Mr Cullum, roll on the UK tour.
I want to say a personal thank you to whoever’s idea this show was and of course to Jamie. I was honoured to be able to be there, it made my rather early morning journey back home the day after very bearable.
Manchester, Bridgewater Hall
Bridgewater Hall is a lovely venue, and I had no idea just how big it was until I went last night. It easily held over 2,000 people.
Jamie came on stage at 9pm, by this point I was already bursting with excitement as it's been a while since having to sit through a support act before a Jamie set.
Jamie started the night with Don't Stop The Music, a great one to get the crowd going. Just wish it had been a standing gig so I could have had a boogie. However the song was amazing all the same.
Then on to Just One Of Those Things, I am definitely liking this song the more I hear it. And last night I actually took note of the whole band rather than just Jamie and noticed how amazingly Tom, Chris, Brad & Rory all play this song.
I'm All Over It was up next, and I love the harmonies that Jamie has introduced to this song, they all sound great singing together. I loved Jamie's very high pitched I'm All Over It too.
Get Your Way, I've always liked this song, a real catchy upbeat tune that gets your toe tapping.
Not While I'm Around, I love love love this song and I've said it before and I'll say it again I actually get goose bumps every time. The intro to this song when played live is amazing!!. However I don't know what it was but I felt last night this song just wasn't quite right, perhaps it's because I have heard it live quite a few times in the last few weeks or maybe there really was something missing but for me it just didn't sound as good as it has previously.
Twentysomething, great to hear Jamie singing this one again, I am sure that towards the end of the song Jamie sung I'm a 3o something. Did anyone else pick up on this?
I Think I Love, I was very surprised that the audience were very quiet during this song, there was no laughter to the funny lyrics at all. Very strange, Manchester seemed a little quiet last night??
All At Sea, I can never fault this song seeing as it is one of my favourites. I've not heard Jamie sing it live for a long time so I was overjoyed when he sung this one, definitely a real treat for me.
If I ruled The World, this is another of Jamie's songs where you can hear a pin drop. This song was sung to perfection last night. And in my opinion Jamie had the audience right where he wanted them, right in the palm of his hand, hanging on every single word. Such a beautiful song with an amazing vocal.
Frontin, yet again this song was accompanied by Jamie's looped beat boxing and voice. I don't think I could ever get bored of seeing Jamie do this, it's just amazing. And going by the comments I could hear behind me I wasn't the only one blown away by it.
These Are The Days this is one of those songs where Jamie always seems to get cheers from the audience as soon as the music starts. I guess it's one of those oldies but a goodies and everyone loves hearing it, including me.
What A Difference A Day Made, again Manchester seemed delighted to hear this one too.
We Run Things was up next and it's the first time I have seen it played live and I really liked it. Very clever how they replicate the sound from the album. Rather funny that Jamie introduced the song as having written it by mistake in his neighbour's bedroom.
Everyone's Lonely, this is an amazing track that Jamie said didn't make it on to the album, but I do believe it's on the Japanese version. Why oh why is this not on the UK/US album??? It's amazingly beautiful. Please release this song Jamie, your lyrics and vocal on this one are outstanding!!
Then onto I get A Kick Out Of You, that saw Jamie hitting himself and not just the piano to make music. I wonder how many bruises he must have now? That rather hard thump on his chest last night must have hurt somewhat.
Jamie then sung Cry Me A River out in the audience, I'll never get bored of seeing Jamie joining the audience, more artists should do it I think. It really makes the audience feel they are involved. What can I say about this one that hasn't already been said, a faultless performance again.
Mixtape, a great one for the audience as by this time as we were all standing and could really enjoy ourselves, instead of the polite toe tapping which no doubt was sending a rather annoying vibration/movement down the entire row I was sat on all night
Encore followed with Wind Cries Mary and Gran Torino, two great songs which were faultless. Gran Torino just brings tears to my eyes every time.
Overall the gig was outstanding, I feel like I always say that. But I tell no lies it's just Jamie really is that good every time. He knows how to deliver that's all I can say.
I really liked the idea of the big screen and lighting effect on stage, it definitely created a great atmosphere (or at least for me anyway)
It's a shame that the audience seemed a little quiet but perhaps that was just my view of it from where I was sitting??. There is no doubt though that everyone there had a great night.
I will end there as I fear I have used the word amazing far to many times and I will only continue to use it if I write anymore.
Jamie I can't wait for Oslo, ash cloud depending of course.
My Gigs / Events
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