Jamie Cullum Dazzles at Blue Note London

Jamie Cullum's residency at the newly opened Blue Note London proved that the future of jazz is very much alive. His 75-minute set blended high-energy big band jazz with an unforgettable solo encore, leaving a packed room in complete, reverent silence.

A Jazz Night That Balanced Power and Intimacy

You would have witnessed a room buzzing with anticipation before the band even took the stage. Cullum delivered a joyously loud, celebratory set before stripping everything back for a solo piano encore of 'Gran Torino' that held the entire audience spellbound. That contrast between full-band energy and quiet intimacy is what made the night truly remarkable. It was a masterclass in reading a room and commanding it completely.

World-Class Musicians Bring the Arrangements to Life

Cullum was backed by some of the finest jazz talent in London. Tom Walsh's lead trumpet, the sparring trombones of Callum Au and Daniel Higham, and the saxophone mastery of Graeme Blevins all elevated Tom Richards' and Callum Au's arrangements to another level. These players didn't just perform the charts, they made them fizz with life. For fans of soul and funk-infused jazz, the band's collective energy was impossible to resist.

New Music and What's Next for Cullum

Around half the setlist featured new material from an album due in early 2027, and the early signs are exciting. Cullum's sincere homages to Sinatra, Basie, and Fats Waller remain as authentic as ever, grounding his sound in the jazz tradition while pushing it forward. His residency at Blue Note London continues on 8 and 9 October, with further dates at the 606 Club and the Royal Albert Hall in December.

Key Takeaways

Jamie Cullum's Blue Note London residency is a reminder of what live jazz can be at its very best. With world-class musicians, new music on the horizon, and a stunning new venue to call home, these are not nights you want to miss.

Author: Sebastian Scotney

Source: UK Jazz News

Published: September 30, 2026