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Amazon.co.uk Review
Pointless Nostalgic is the album that gained Jamie Cullum numerous album of the year and best newcomer accolades. It also got him a spot on Parkinson and eventually saw him land a million pound record deal with Verve--not bad for an LP made on a student loan. It's clear from the outset that Cullum is no minor talent. Taking pride of place with his ample piano skills and hopelessly romantic voice (he hasn't been dubbed "Sinatra in Sneakers" for nothing), he surrounds himself with live musicians to create an album that, as the title suggests, revives a number of past classics.
While some would argue there's no point in revisiting the past yet again (acknowledged by Cullum in the title), Cullum's considered covers and new arrangements of songs like Warren and Burke's "Devil May Care", Thelonious Monk's "Well You Needn't" and Gershwin's "It Ain't Necessarily So" are justification in themselves. His own songwriting prowess (alongside that of his brother Ben) is showcased on the title track, which shows him more than capable of creating modern songs with a classic and timeless feel. When nostalgia sounds this good, who cares if it's pointless? --Paul Sullivan
Review
With female jazz singers in the ascendant, it's encouraging to see the men refusing to be eclipsed. Rising star Jamie Cullum's vocal sound starts at Sinatra, puts its foot down at Harry Connick Jr., and veers past Kurt Elling. Also the keyboard player in rock band Taxi, Jamie's used to playing the piano with whichever limb is free - and he takes this refreshing irreverence into his jazz debut.
The material is mostly very familiar (Gershwin is well-represented) but Jamie isn't aiming for sepia-coloured portraits of the music. The pieces he's chosen, like video shorts, tell a story in each track - with Jamie cast as the modern-day hero and his band creating an urban backdrop. So, while Diana Krall's "Devil May Care" is a fireside version, Jamie's is the roadside one, given pace and edge by a fine set of horns arranged by Geoff Gascoyne.
Sparks fly as drummer Sebastiaan de Krom works up the excitement in a piano trio version of "You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You"; even in this format Jamieprojects as though he's with a big band, while Gascoyne's bass assumes a near-vocal quality.
Not old enough to have lived the jazz life yet,Jamie's rough-edged sound is embryonic, but the combination of spiky and haphazard piano with his insinuating vocals is a winner. Assaults on the piano, melodramatic pauses and exasperated sighs bring Monk's "Well You Needn't" to life, too, with humour and gritty excitement. Ben Castle goes all gruff and boppish on tenor here, in contrast to his sweet handling of the weepy "In the Wee Small Hours", where he builds a simple and beautiful solo from nowhere.
Strangely, the contemporary songs come across more nostalgically than the old-timers. The title track and Radiohead's "High and Dry" have you staring into space and reminiscing, both featuring stripped-down trio and an intense, passionate vocal.
The album ends on an ironic note with "I Want to Be a Popstar" - its premise being that jazz is an elevated music played by real musicians, and pop (especially the manufactured kind) is faking it. With Jamie already a semi-pop star with Gareth Gates-through-a-hedge looks, and tenorman Ben Castle leader of the big band on Pop Idol, the irony and energy in this track more than make up for its uninspiring melody.
Pointless Nostalgic trades sepia for cibachrome, finding vibrant expression in the old songs and nostalgia in the new. Jamie's irreverent approach to jazz and his association with some of the finest British jazz musicians should find him favour with jazz and rock fans alike. --Kathryn Shackleton
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This album is extremely versatile and highlights Culums vocal talents. In particular the cover of Radioheads 'High and Dry' which has a sweet and soulful touch in contrast to 'It ain't necessarily so' which for me is just waiting to be pumped up for a live performance.
I am more of a fan of the original songs and feel 'Pointless Nostalgic' is one of the most beautiful ballads I have heard over the last year (comparing Cullum to the expertise of Ryan Adams, Coldplay etc.) This is the direction I am hoping Cullum will take, developing his own style which I'm sure will broaden his appeal. I have played the c.d to friends who despise Jazz/Swing and all have found something in the album which they can enjoy.
If artists such as Geoff Gascoigne and Ben Castle are happy to share a stage with this artist then surely a successful future beckons. The next album is crucial, if the same feeling I get from listening to 'Pointless Nostalgic' can be recreated in future songs then he deserves everything he is rewarded with, the lifestyle, the money, the girls etc.
The talent of Jamie Cullum can only be totally recognised if you are to witness his performance live, so keep checking the website and go and watch wherever and whenever you can.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This album is even better than his post-record deal, highly-promoted (and very good!) hit Twentysomething. The album is jazzier, groovier and most of all I much prefer his voice. He sings the songs in a more simple way, he gives less effect to his intonation, and for me the result is far better - fresher, cleaner, and less apt to grate, as it sometimes does on his follow-up. His piano-playing is assured and inventive, his treatment of some old standards is innovative and will definitely get your toes tapping, and his backing band support him very well indeed.
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
A year ago I bought the Robbie Williams old song compilation album (can't recall the title - "Swing while you're something") and I liked it. Not too heavy, a little tongue in cheek and easy listening.
Jamie Cullum's latest release now makes me realised that Robbie was just playing at being a grown up. With a combination of his own material and some clever adaptations of the great classics this is a superb album which demonstrates Jamie's mellow but strong and crisp voice. Always in control, each word is sung with meaning. A whole mix of Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby and even a touch of Stevie Wonder.
Buy it NOW. I guarantee you'll be following this young man's meteoric rise in the coming months....
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Just pointless!
Jamie Cullum is the new Winifred Atwell. He is mediocre to the extreme. Catch his performance on Jools Holland's show for the ultimate in gormless antics.
Published 4 months ago by B. Flaks
Nostalgic maybe, not pointless
At first listening, I felt disappointed, that I'd made a mistake. But the whole album soon grew on me very quickly. Now, I recommend it enthusiastically.
Published 15 months ago by S. A. V. Lewis
Growing Jamie
Bought after seeing Jamie in concert in 2010. The only part of his back catalogue I didn't own. This shows Jamie in progress from copy artist to a talent that is his own. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Mark Sammut
Neither nostalgic nor pointless, Jamie Cullum's trad-themed debut...
This, the then 23-year-old Jamie Cullum's first album release in late 2002, has earned its place as a minor classic which can be played and listened to again and again. Read more
Published on 12 May 2010 by Dr. Trang
Pointless Nostalgic
Loved it. Knew I would. Prompt delivery. As I knew it would be!
Published on 17 Feb 2010 by D. Wilsdon
nearly as good as twentysomething
A good debut. I bought it after twentysomething and was iompressed but preferred the "hit". His rendition of the classic numbers is never less than fresh and exciting, his original... Read more
Published on 3 Oct 2006 by A. J. Gauld
A true jazz album
Cullums first venture into the professional music industry started as a personal project, which was subsequently picked up by Candid records. Read more
Published on 3 April 2006 by Chris Dixon
Classy Debut From Jamie C
An interesting debut album from Mr. Cullum.
There are the usual takes on the standards which go down well though it has to be said Jamie’s own song writing is not quite... Read more
There are the usual takes on the standards which go down well though it has to be said Jamie’s own song writing is not quite... Read more
Published on 11 Dec 2005 by pablo
:)
Like many people I listened to this album after hearing (and adoring) 'Twentysomething'. And I was blown away. Read more
Published on 18 Feb 2005 by "tashmania35"
Simply amazing!!!
Wow! I thought that Twentysomething was good, but that is nothing on this album. If you enjoyed the style and energy of the music in Twentysomething you'll love this album. Read more
Published on 24 Oct 2004 by Melanie Beale
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