Cullum was born in Romford, East London. He was brought up in Hullavington, Wiltshire, and educated at the independent fee-paying Grittleton House School and the sixth form at Sheldon School. He then went on to study English Literature, and minored in Film Studies, at Reading University where he graduated with First Class Honours.
His mother, Yvonne, is a secretary of Anglo-Burmese origin, whose family settled in Wales after Burma's independence; his father, John Cullum, worked in finance. His paternal grandfather was a British Army officer, while his paternal grandmother was a Jewish refugee from Prussia who sang in Berlin nightclubs.
Cullum married British model Sophie Dahl at a country hotel in the New Forest National Park in England on 9 January 2010.
Cullum released his first album, Jamie Cullum Trio—Heard it All, in 1999, of which 500 copies were made. Due to their rarity, original copies have sold for as much as £600 on eBay. The success of Heard It All Before resulted in Cullum being invited to appear on Geoff Gascoyne's album Songs of the Summer.
After graduating from Reading University, Cullum released a best-selling album, Pointless Nostalgic, which stirred interest from Michael Parkinson[2] and Melvyn Bragg.
Just after Cullum made his first television appearance, on Parkinson in April 2003, he signed a £1m contract[3] for three albums with Universal, who beat Sony in a bidding war. Cullum's third album, Twentysomething, released in October 2003, went platinum and became the #1 selling studio album by a jazz artist in the United Kingdom. Cullum ended 2003 as the UK's biggest selling jazz artist of all time.[3]
Although primarily a jazz musician, he performs in a wide range of styles and is generally regarded as a "crossover" artist with his musical roots firmly based in jazz. Cullum draws his inspiration from many different musicians and listens to an eclectic mix of music from Miles Davis[4] to Tom Waits and many more. Cullum has belonged to several bands, ranging from banging drums in a hip hop group to playing guitar in rock bands such as Raw Sausage and The Mystery Machine, in his teenage youth. Cullum names his elder brother, Ben Cullum, as his biggest musical influence, and the two continue to collaborate extensively.
Cullum is well known not only for his abilities on the piano, but also for his unique entertainment style and charisma. One of the many things that features in Jamie's concerts is the "stompbox" (not to be confused with an effect pedal for guitars), made from a small wooden block. The stompbox is used to amplify a musician's tapping foot. Jamie found this in Australia and uses it to enhance upbeat and fast-paced songs such as Seven Nation Army originally by the White Stripes and "Gold Digger", originally by Kanye West. He is also often found using a looping machine. This plays a heavy part in Cullum's versions of Seven Nation Army and Teardrop by Massive Attack. Cullum is also often found beatboxing at most gigs.
As well as the White Stripes and Kanye West, Cullum has performed work by Massive Attack, Rihanna, Pussycat Dolls, Radiohead, Gnarls Barkley, Elton John, Justin Timberlake, John Legend, Joy Division, Lady Gaga and many others. He has also performed with Kylie Minogue, Sugababes, Will.i.am and Burt Bacharach.
Cullum rarely works to a set list and on average his gigs last just over two hours. The gigs are largely improvised, rooted in jazz but not solely consisting of jazz music.
Cullum has played at many large music festivals, including Glastonbury Festival (in 2004 & 2009), Coachella 2005, 2006 South by Southwest, North Sea Jazz Festival, the Hollywood Bowl (performing with the Count Basie Orchestra) and the 2006 Playboy Jazz Festival. On the April 29th 2006 Cullum played his biggest ever crowd on Queensday in The Netherlands.
Discography:
1999 - Heard It All Before
2001 - Pointless Nostalgic
2003 - Twentysomething
2005 - Catching Tales
2009 - The Pursuit
2010 - Devil May Care
2013 - Momentum
2014 - Interlude
2018 - The song society playlist
2019 - Taller
2020 - The pianoman at christmas
2021 - The pianoman at christmas (The complete edition)
Mixtape
Jamie Cullum Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let me tell you what we're listening to
I'm a gentle soul I'm sure
But on the stereo I'm a dictator
Do you even have a tape machine?
To facilitate my plastic dreams
All the things that I have seen, from
Morrissey to John Coltrane ah!
An adolescent love letter, a sparkling jewel of manual labor
I'll make you mixtape that's a blueprint of my soul
It may sound grand but babe it's all you need to know
I'll make you a mixtape that will charm you into bed
It details everything that's running 'round my head
That is running 'round my head
Fondling, record and play
Without you it's records night and day
This ain't no disc of MP3's
This one's handmade, fashioned lovingly
Plant the rhythm in your bones
You're the only angel in headphones
My love can paint a million tones
From Nine Inch Nails to Louis Armstrong
So resurrect your stereo
And the swathes of melodies will flow
Thelonious, Maurizio
I tell you babe it will make your heart glow
I'll make you mixtape that's a blueprint of my soul
It may sound grand but babe it's all you need to know
I'll make you a mixtape that will charm you into bed
It details everything that's running 'round my head
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
In Jamie Cullum's song Mixtape, the singer declares that everything he knows is his partner's and that he will make her a mixtape that represents a blueprint of his soul. He is the one in charge of what they are listening to and although he is a gentle soul, he becomes a dictator when it comes to what music is being played. Cullum's character captures the essence of the mixtape culture in the late '90s and early 2000s, where lovers would express their feelings to each other through a selection of songs.
Cullum's song is peppered with music references and highlights his love for various genres. He mentions Morrissey, John Coltrane, the Cinematic Orchestra, De La Soul, and the Shangri-La's as some of the musicians on his mixtape. He also makes a nod to Nine Inch Nails and Louis Armstrong, juxtaposing their different styles to showcase the diversity of his musical taste.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of nostalgia and fondness for the bygone era of mixtapes. The lyrics display a sense of vulnerability and a longing for human connection through music. The act of making a mixtape is very personal, and it becomes a way of expressing one's feelings to another individual. It's a romantic gesture that many people can relate to.
Overall, Jamie Cullum's Mixtape is a declaration of love, using music as a medium of communication. It talks about the power of music to bring people together, preserve memories, and convey emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
Everything I know is you
My knowledge is a reflection of my love for you.
Let me tell you what we're listening to
Allow me to share the music that forms the soundtrack of our love.
I'm a gentle soul I'm sure
I may seem soft-hearted, but my music tastes reveal a more authoritative side of me.
But on the stereo I'm a dictator
When it comes to music, I am in complete control and am unapologetically dominant in my preferences.
Do you even have a tape machine?
Do you possess the necessary equipment to indulge in my nostalgic cassette tape obsession?
To facilitate my plastic dreams
To fulfill my shallow desires for physical recordings and tangible musical artifacts.
All the things that I have seen, from Morrissey to John Coltrane, ah!
I've experienced a wide range of musical acts, from moody rockers to jazz legends, and it's left an imprint on me.
Cinematic Orchestra, De La Soul the Shangri-La's
I have eclectic tastes, ranging from contemporary electronic and hip-hop artists to more classic doo-wop groups.
An adolescent love letter, a sparkling jewel of manual labor
This mixtape is more than just a collection of songs - it's a labor of love, thoughtfully curated and assembled with care.
I'll make you mixtape that's a blueprint of my soul
I'm creating a very personal and intimate collection of songs that reflect my innermost self, to share with you.
It may sound grand but babe it's all you need to know
It may seem like a big deal, but honestly, this mixtape is the key to understanding me and everything that's important to me.
I'll make you a mixtape that will charm you into bed
This mixtape is going to be so romantic and sensual that it will literally seduce you into bed with me.
It details everything that's running 'round my head
Every song is chosen for a reason - they all reflect some aspect of myself and our relationship that I want to express.
Fondling, record and play
I love the tactile experience of handling vinyl records and manipulating a physical, mechanical sound system.
Without you it's records night and day
Music is integral to my life, but it's even more meaningful when I can share it with the one I love.
This ain't no disc of MP3's
I'm not just throwing together a random assortment of digital files - this mixtape is crafted with intention and care.
This one's handmade, fashioned lovingly
I've put so much effort and thought into every aspect of this mixtape, from the song selections to the physical packaging.
Plant the rhythm in your bones
I want this music to resonate with you on a deep level and become a fundamental part of your being.
You're the only angel in headphones
When you're listening to this mixtape, it's like you're in your own special world, and nothing else matters.
My love can paint a million tones
My love is reflected in every note, every chord, every melody of these songs, and there's no limit to the emotions they can convey.
From Nine Inch Nails to Louis Armstrong
My musical tastes are broad and eclectic, ranging from moody industrial rockers to classic jazz crooners.
So resurrect your stereo
Don't let the digital age kill the magic of music - bring out your old-school sound system and bask in the warm glow of the tubes.
And the swathes of melodies will flow
Once you fire up that old stereo, you'll be transported by a flood of beautiful, meaningful music.
Thelonious, Maurizio
I love some obscure and avant-garde musicians, but I'm not so pretentious that I won't enjoy some cheesy Italian pop too.
I tell you babe it will make your heart glow
This mixtape is going to make you feel so deeply and so intensely, you'll be overflowing with joy and love.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BEN CULLUM, JAMIE CULLUM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Seroko111
As I come here from time to time, and always forget the lyrics, I'll leave this here:
Everything I know is you
Let me tell you what we're listening to
I'm a gentle soul I'm sure
But on the stereo I'm a dictator
Do you even have a tape machine?
To facilitate my plastic dreams
All the things that I have seen, from
Morrissey to John Coltrane AHHH!...
Cinematic Orchestra, De La Soul the Shangri-La's
An adolescent love letter, a sparkling jewel of manual labour
I'll make you a mixtape that's a blueprint of my soul
It may sound grand but babe it's all you need to know
I'll make you a mixtape that will charm you into bed
It details everything that's running round my head
That's running round my head
Fondling, record and play
Without you (*VIENNE!*) it's records night and day
This ain't no disc of MP3's
This one's handmade, fashioned lovingly
Plant the rhythm in your bones
You're the only angel in headphones
My love can paint a million tones
From Nine Inch Nails to Louis Armstrong
So resurrect your stereo
And the swathrs of melodies will flow
Thelonious, Maurizio
I tell you babe it will make your heart glow
I'll make you a mixtape that's a blueprint of my soul
It may sound grand but babe it's all you need to know
I'll make you a mixtape that will charm you into bed
It details everything that's running round my head
@incredelman11
Jamie is an INCREDIBLE performer. One of the best in the biz. Saw him perform live in Boston and he smashed this song to finish that set as well. What an absolute gem he is.
@colorfullconcerto
I saw and heard this song for the first time Live in Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, 2015. It was my favourite song from the performance, but I never got hold of the title until just now. I'm so happy I finally got this song!! I miss watching him LIVE in Copenhagen. It was the first time I heard of Jamie Cullum, and now I'm in love with his voice and piano. TAKE ME BACKKKKKK PLEASEEEEEE
@SerialBloggeurleblog
I was definitely one of my best concert ever !!!
@julestv2185
This is de attitude every artist wants to have
@furbylittle2138
I have seen Jamie in a lot of concerts. I love it always.
@kalilalicorne952
J’ai eu la chance d’assister à deux de ses concerts ! Un TRÈS grand artiste et d’une sincère générosité avec son public ! Du pur bonheur. Thanks for all
@pb2560
this song is absolutely amazing... the ending got me chills. i really hope i can see you perform someday
@BlindGuitardian
I saw Jamie in Stuttgart in July 2017, and he was_f***ing_amazing!
@francescoravizza3038
I didn't see such a good performance!! This final in incredible. Go go Jamie go!!!!!
@ScottMickelson1
I'm very happy that you included your "Mixtape" in your Valentine's Day 2022 release of, "For The Love." Your energy and song composition reinvigorate and uplift my senses.