Jamie Cullum - Twentysomething (2004) [SACD]

Amazon review by K. Fontenot:
I definitely enjoy Jamie Cullum’s “Twentysomething.” Many people have blasted it for being too unoriginal, too boring, too “pop” sounding, etc., but the fact remains that this music is fun to listen to. I’d much rather listen to Mr. Cullum’s music than Norah Jones or Diana Krall. Cullum runs through standards & originals as if both were his own. He takes songs by artists such as Radiohead & the legendary Jimi Hendrix & puts a spin on them that others wouldn’t dare dream of doing. He takes a “no fear” approach to music. Perhaps that is why I enjoy this album so much. While other artists have become media darlings by pawning themselves to the public, Cullum seems to be content with doing his own thing. By being himself, he’s captured the attention of millions. He’s even played for the (UK) Queen.
Of the songs contained herein, “Twentysomething” is definitely my favorite. I enjoy “Singin’ In The Rain” & “All At Sea.” There isn’t a bad track on this disc. Many have compared Cullum’s sound to Billy Joel, & I can see that comparison, but Cullum is in a league all his own. He’s fun to listen to & extremely talented. I highly recommend this one.

Tracks:

1. These Are The Days 3:21
2. Twentysomething 3:40
3. Wind Cries Mary 3:35
4. All at Sea 4:33
5. Lover, You Should’ve Come Over 4:48
6. Singin’ in the Rain 4:07
7. I Get a Kick Out Of You 4:10
8. Blame It on My Youth 3:11
9. High and Dry 4:18
10. It’s About Time 4:06
11. But For Now 3:55
12. I Could Have Danced All Night 3:24
13. Next Year, Baby 4:48
14. What a Diff’rence a Day Made 5:08
15. Frontin’ (Bonus Track, Stereo only) 5:49

Personnel:

Martin Shaw - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Jamie Talbot - Sax (Alto)
Gavyn Wright - Violin
Jackie Shave - Violin
Bruce White - Viola
Geoff Gascoyne - Arranger, Bass (Acoustic), Bass (Electric), Horn Arrangements, String Arrangements
Sebastian DeKrom - Drums
Ben Castle - Sax (Tenor)
Michael Strange - Drums
John Paricelli - Guitar
Jamie Cullum - Percussion, Arranger, Piano, Accordion, Wurlitzer, Fender Rhodes, Organ (Hammond), Vocals, Mellotron
David Jack Daniels - Cello
Ben Cullum - Vocals
Alan Barnes - Sax (Alto)
Francis Fuster - Percussion