Review: Jamie Cullum - "Catching Tales"

Jamie Cullum - "Catching Tales"
(Verve, 2005)

Jamie Cullum is reinvigorating the art of jazz pop. Blending the art pop sounds of Rufus Wainwright with the crooning style of Harry Connick, Jr., he's crafted a sophomore album that crosses more (sonic) borders than the Red Cross! The album is loaded with potential addictive substances. "London Skies" opens with an intricate guitar melody that provides the perfect base for Cullum's gravelly vocals, leading up to a hook that's undeniable. "Nothing I Do" is a hilarious lounge act with lyrics I cannot print here; suffice it to say the banter between this couple is priceless. "Mind Trick" has a sultry r&b-infused vibe that leads into a chorus that would sound right at home on an Al Green record. And the best is saved for last on "7 Days To Change Your Life," another bare-bones piano lounge track on which Cullum plays a TV infomercial announcer hawking a cure-all to life's ills. "Send me your money and I'll change your life," he sings in a spot-on parody. A vocal chameleon, Cullum's album is impossible to fully describe, you've really got to hear it for yourself. Catching Tales is an album that will take many repeat listens to fully reveal its brilliance, but rest assured it's worth the time and effort.