Jamie Cullum @ Sage Gateshead - Oct. 2

(Photo courtesy George Milburn)

Jamie Cullum (piano, vocals); Rory Simmons (trumpet) + Tom Richards (tenor sax, baritone sax, clarinet, keys, perc.); Tom Varall (guitar); Loz Garratt (bass, bass guitar); Brad Webb (drums); Marc Henderson & Aisha Stewart (dancers, backing vocals).

My apologies for not getting all of the names straight away but when you're on your feet clapping, whooping and hollering and in the dark, it's impossible to make legible notes but, at a time like this, who keeps score? However, I did manage eventually so now amended. 

The concert, held over from the cancelled 2020 jazz festival, was three levels full - I guess nobody cashed in their tickets after the cancellation and why would they? This was the blast to end all blasts!

A carefully choreographed mix of jazz, soul and rock 'n' roll whipped the audience into a frenzy. Jamie, I can't believe he's now 42, still looks like the cherub of 20 plus years ago - at least he did from row R.

The audience were his from the opening bars. He's got charisma to spare and he knows how to put it about.

However, his jazz roots are never far away even when the heat is on and, amidst all the crowd pleasing stuff, he slotted in I Get a Kick Out of You. Not his recorded version but an arrangement that had the two horns and rhythm blowing a bop intro. They also took extended solos with Simmons' muted solo taking the gold but the tenor man had his day in the sun later - on clarinet.

What a Difference a Day Made brought claps of recognition from the crowd and Jamie's solo piano/vocal version of You Can't Hide Away From Love was a pin drop moment or maybe I should say a switch  your off phone moment.

And hey! What about the backing vocalists cum dancers? Stupendous movers with Henderson performing some near Olympic gymnastic moves!

(Photo courtesy George Milburn)

As the evening drew towards a climax our tenor man, Tom Richards, emerged brandishing a clarinet and you don't see many of those at gigs of this nature - this could be a game-changer. Finest clarinet solo I've heard in many a long year. By this time we were dancing in the aisles as was Jamie before he opted to continue atop of the Steinway (which is a fine way...).

There was obviously an encore hovering but, with a bus to catch, I reluctantly left. This was one special night. Oh, and by the way, Jamie Cullum plays mighty fine piano ...

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Sam Wills (keys, vocals); Ed Blakely (guitar, bass guitar).

(Photo courtesy George Milburn)

Earlier Sam Wills prepared the scene with a short set that held the crowd. Normally when there's a name act the ones in the posh seats head back to the bar after the first number - I didn't see anyone leaving I guess Sam could be on his way. Lance