Jamie Cullum @ Kulturhuset, Stockholm Jazz Festival, October 17

Jamie Cullum is a kind of jazz rebel. He’s prancing around on stage wearing a camp shirt, tight black jeans and plimsolls. While all this is going on he’s singing his heart out, and sometimes throwing himself down by the piano to show off his impressive skills. There’s a cheerful mood on Kulturhuset’s largest stage. Jamie Cullum moves like a beastie boy, he has the kind of non-stop energy of an arctic monkey and a stage persona rarely seen in the jazz game.

The modern jazz-pop that Jamie Cullum has proved to be pretty kick-ass producing is audience-friendly and refreshing. There are segments where Cullum and his small group of talented musicians burst into a traditional jazz moment. Still, Cullum suddenly gets up from the piano seat, starts beat boxing and smashing his hands on the piano. It’s such a peculiar sight, and I’m really impressed–because Cullum is doing something I’ve never really experienced. On one hand, he’s got a grip of your average jazz fan, while he’s still young and therefore appeals to a modern and youthful audience. Everyone seems to love him, and I’m on my way there as well as the evening progress.

The energy of Jamie Cullum seem infinite, his insane piano skills, confident stage persona and connection with the audience makes him an absolutely superb performer. Because that’s what he is, a performer that doesn’t make excuses. He’s doing his thing and it totally works.