Quirky NY Chick: Jamie Cullum Charms At The Newport Jazz Festival

Friday, August 20, 2010

Jamie Cullum Charms At The Newport Jazz Festival

4:01 AM | Posted by Quirky NY Chick

CareFusion Newport Jazz Festival: August 7 @ Fort Adams, Newport, RI

The headliner for both the Friday night show at the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Saturday evening show at Fort Adams was the young, charismatic, British singer/pianist Jamie Cullum who took the Fort Stage and played to an enthusiastic audience.

Cullum, a tiny fella, jokingly compared himself to a hamster in size when telling the audience that the powers that be were concerned about him romping atop the piano. For those who haven't witnessed Cullum perform, he stands on the piano, he leaps from it and at times he rocks out on it from a standing position. The man is a bundle of energy whose approach to performing is more akin to rock 'n' roll than the pop laced jazz he plays.

Sporting a disarming smile throughout the set, Cullum interacted with not only the audience, but, the boats in the harbor as well. He often played and sang with his eyes closed. At times he looked to be in a peaceful place, smiling and swaying to his own music while at other times, his face twisted into an emotion filled grimace. In the end he leaped from the stage and made his way to the people much to the delight of many as it seems he's quite a heartthrob. Cullum injected a dose of playfulness with a wee bit of cheekiness into his energy filled, entertaining set. I think it's safe to say, he thrilled his fans and made some new ones that perfect, sunny, Saturday by the water.

(More photos HERE)