When it comes to British singer-songwriters who have managed to captivate audiences globally with their stupendous talent, Jamie Cullum undoubtedly hits the mark. His journey from the self-funded release of “Pointless Nostalgic” to chart-topping albums like “The Pianoman at Christmas” (2020) and memorable collaborations with artists as diverse as John Legend, Lady Gaga, and Burt Bacharach, has solidified his place in the music pantheon, not just as a singer-songwriter, but also a consummate performer that makes the concert experience memorable.

On Friday, lucky fans in Los Angeles had the privilege of witnessing Cullum’s extraordinary musical prowess in action during a 2-hour-plus concert at the iconic Disney Concert Hall. From the very beginning, Cullum showcased his versatility, seamlessly switching between pop, jazz, and blues genres. The evening kicked off with the groovy, “Taller,” setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable night. As he effortlessly glided from one hit to another, the audience was treated to jazz classics like “I Get A Kick” and Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” but it was the infectious energy of his own composition, “When I Get Famous” that had everyone on their feet, dancing in the aisles and flooding to the front of the stage – with express encouragement by Cullum himself – making everyone feel like they were part of something special.

The true highlight of the evening came when Cullum performed the tender ballad “You Can’t Hide Away From Love” from his 2019 album “Taller.” This song, like “What A Difference a Day Makes,” not only showcased his stellar baritone voice, but also demonstrated his uncanny ability to give us new classics and make those we have heard so many times before sound fresh and new. For those of you who aren’t familiar with all of Cullum’s music, it’s highly recommended to explore the wealth of his musical catalog, and don’t miss the hidden gem, “Gran Torino,” arguably one of his finest songs, and which served as the theme for the Clint Eastwood movie.

What sets Cullum apart, above all else, is his heartfelt connection with his audience. Throughout the performance, he went to extraordinary lengths to forge personal bonds with his fans. At one memorable juncture, he fearlessly ventured deep into the crowd, even scaling to the nosebleed section, singing directly to his adoring fans who might have initially believed they were too distant to catch his attention. And then there’s the matter of his infectious, irrepressible energy, as he gracefully leaped from his piano stool and treated the crowd to his mesmerizing dance moves. Simply priceless.

— G. Dhalla

For more on Jamie Cullum, please visit www.jamiecullum.com

For more information on events and concerts at the Disney Concert Hall, please visit www.laphil.com