[SACD-R][OF] Jamie Cullum - Twentysomething - 2004 (Jazz)

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

Audaud review:
This album was a very pleasant surprise. The album cover is a little misleading as the material is primarily jazz & vocal standards—it shows the artist jumping high in the air in a leather jacket & tennis shoes above a piano with his mouth wide open (as if screaming). Now that I think of it…maybe it is absolutely perfect for this record. He could be a fan of Harry Connick, Jr. or Chet Baker. The material chosen for the songs comes from the likes of Lerner & Lowe, Cole Porter, Jimi Hendrix & Radiohead! But never fear, there are some original tunes like “Twentysomething” that are really cooking.
Sound quality of this record is excellent & mimics the quality of great CD recording or sounds slightly better. There is a note about the recording process: recorded & mixed entirely in the analog domain without extensive multitrack recording techniques—no doubt the reason why this recording has such a “natural” feel. Many of the songs are standards, but draw from many different genres. Cullum has a rougher voice than what you normal expect from people in the vocal/jazz category, but it works well for him. This is the kind of record that you can’t stop listening to, & at the same time are waiting for the follow-up record. In this way, Cullum reminds me of Norah Jones. This album may not have the exposure of that record, but it should. Certain tracks on the disc have more content in the surrounds than others (like #12).
-Brian Bloom
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.