Jamie Cullum - 606 Club 50th Anniversary Special

About

Intro written by Steve Rubie: Not much more I can say about this wonderful artist and his relationship with the Club that isn’t already well documented. It’s a reflection of his ongoing commitment and support that it was actually Jamie himself who said he would like to be part of these Festivities. A real musician Jamie is not only a World Class act, but also one of the most thoughtful and genuinely decent human beings that I know! For those three people reading this who may not who Jamie Cullum is, with a Grammy, two Golden Globes, two GQ Man of the Year, three Brits, three Sony Radio and numerous other nominations and awards under his belt, not to mention selling over 10 million albums worldwide, Jamie Cullum is unquestionably one of the most successful UK jazz artists of all time. A consummate performer this hugely talented singer/pianist has, quite rightly, taken the World by storm. But, as well as an International musician of significant standing, Jamie is also an important part of the history of the 606 Club. I first met him in his very early twenties as a young musician just starting out. I remember clearly him coming up to me in the Club, thrusting his self-made CD at me and saying "Ian Shaw says you should listen to this". Ian, one of the UK's finest male vocalists knows a thing two about singers so I thought I probably should. It was obvious from the beginning that this was a serious talent and very soon after that, on Wednesday 12th June 2002, Jamie did his first trio gig at the Club for the princely sum of £40. Everyone agreed that it went well and for the following 12 months Jamie was a regular at the 606, often asking me to sit in and join the trio on flute for the occasional number. I also remember the night in 2003 when he told me that "some people from a record company are coming to hear me play tonight" and the rest, as they say, is history. But, as well as being an important talent Jamie was then and is still today a thoughtful, generous and humble individual who has never forgotten his roots. He has quietly and consistently done much to encourage upcoming artists, both personally and professionally, and whenever time has allowed has done whatever he can to support the Jazz scene from which he evolved. So, it is with genuine pleasure that we welcome back to the Club this fine artist and truly impressive musician.