Jazz musician Jamie Cullum is known for his striking cover versions and ability to fuse jazz with pop, rock and even hip hop styles. He is on the brink of releasing his fifth studio album, The Pursuit, and will be touring the UK in 2010. Jamie took time out from his busy schedule to tell us his London highlights.
Q: What's your favourite London music venue?
A: 606 Club in Lots Road Chelsea, both to perform in and to watch other acts. Ronnie Scott's is a very close second – I absolutely love it there but if you want to see some more underground jazz, with impromptu sets, then 606 is the place.
Q: What's the best play, gig, or comedy act you've been to in London recently?
A: I went to the Barbican last Saturday to see Grizzly Bear play with the London Symphony Orchestra. They were amazing, it was one of the best gigs I've been to.
Q: You have your own recording studio in Shepherd's Bush – do you find London inspires your music?
A: Definitely. London's incredible colour and variation is a constant source of inspiration.
Q: What's the best party you've been to in London?
A: The GQ Awards are always fun. This year was at the Royal Opera House – there was a great dinner and a great party.
Q: Where do you think serves the best breakfast in London?
A: Without a doubt, The Wolseley in Piccadilly. The venue is just really special, with the Viennese style, and it’s a bustling place, you feel you're part of something. The food is also delicious.
Q: What's your favourite London icon?
A: I've always thought Brick Lane was a bit of a London icon. It's fun, varied, dirty and trendy. Really it's got everything that London's about.
Q: Where do you think's the most romantic place in London?
A: You can't beat Green Park on a hot Sunday afternoon, with an ice cream.
Q: Do you have any recommendations for Christmas shopping in London?
A: Spitalfields Market is perfect for Christmas shopping. The department stores are good too, but Spitalfields if you're looking for something different.
Q: If you were Mayor for the day what would you do or change?
A: I'd introduce 24 hour public transport because I think London is becoming a 24 hour city. Also, we need better facilities for bikes, as there are more cyclists on the road.
Q: If you could take one piece from a London museum or gallery, what would it be?
A: I wouldn't mind one of the pieces from the Francis Bacon exhibition at Tate Britain last year. I'd go with the Triptych.
Q: What do you miss most when you're away from London?
A: My friends; fried breakfast from the café around the corner to me; and my weekly cycle rides around Wormwood Scrubs.
See Jamie Cullum live at the London Palladium next year, as his tour comes to the capital on 16 and 23 May 2010.
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