Any opinions on this young pianist?

I like him a lot. He's got great rhythm and really swings. He's got good jazz roots and still can play and sing an accessible kind of music. What's not to like?

He probably won't be touted as the greatest ever, but who cares? In the end it's all about musical enjoyment. "If it sounds good, it is good."

I just wish he'd be nicer to his instruments. The Yamahas are probably deserving of his abuse, but not so sure about the Steinways and C.Bechsteins...

An irritating little p***k.

What's the difference? They're all quality instruments.

Anyway, he never really damages his pianos, just pushes them to their limits, which adds a lot of excitement to his performances. Really talented guy, IMO.

Cobs,
I meant no offense. I actually really like Yamaha pianos and am thinking of purchasing one.

I wasn't really speaking of his purcussive style of playing, but rather the phyical banging (with hands) of the fallboard, strings, plate and soundboard. I guess for what a piano costs it should be able to handle this though. I wouldn't do it to my own though. :-)

Incidentally, Jamie Cullum cites Herbie Hancock as a jazz influence.

Well, we can't all afford a complete tuning/revoicing before every performance!

Concur entirely with hgiles. Cullum is a highly talented musician and singer. Bottom line: very entertaining.

I posted about Cullum a little while ago. Think he's fantastic. Saw him live at the Paradise Club in Boston.

Jeanne W

I heard the cd last summer, and have meant to purchase it. He has creative lyrics, and can play very well. IF you all like him, I will keep you posted on a friend of mine who is releasing his second CD soon. IT being cut NOW literally, and he gets the proof next week. I actually make a cameo on it I have to say it is nice to see a new generation of "swing"ers out there!

What sort of cameo do you make, Denise?

He has a new live DVD out

"Live at Blenheim Palace"...I saw him in concert last year and the DVD captures the concert wonderfully IMHO

You get to see perfectly the fun he has with the piano (it aint too bad) ...but, agree I wouldn't do it to mine

regards

Lee

I saw the AUSTIN CITY LIMITS gig too (on TV). He plays on a Steinway for this performance and it is at least as good as the UK gig at Blenheim (though shorter in duration).