Jazz pianist and singer Jamie Cullum makes his debut at Carnegie Hall in New York tomorrow night, 20 June. With his band thought to include trumpeter Rory Simmons doubling on guitar, saxophonist Tom Richards doubling keys, bassist Chris Hill, and former Ko drummer Brad Webb, the concert is presented by the legendary Newport Jazz Festival promoter George Wein featuring support by electronica outfit, the Marco Benevento Trio.

Cullum, who turns 30 in August, debuted with the multi-million selling album Twentysomething in 2003 based around the trio format with bassist Geoff Gascoyne and drummer Sebastiaan DeKrom. Initially modelling himself on Harry Connick Jr, by the time of the second album Catching Tales in 2005, Cullum had established himself in the US through regular touring, even though the album sold less well. Cullum had nonetheless honed his piano playing and songwriting craft further, especially in partnership with his brother Ben. Cullum started to entertain more, jumping off pianos, wearing increasingly skinny ties and playing at celebrity parties. By that time he had embraced the designer hip hop of The Neptunes.

The delayed third album now believed to be titled The Pursuit is due in the autumn. While details are sketchy, he has recorded in LA on a number of tracks and has also worked in the studio with the Count Basie Big Band for the album.

– Stephen Graham