Reviews

It was a tale of two concerts in Thetford Forest - depending on how close to the stage you were... The organisation of the event was undoubtedly brilliant, and from my vantage point fairly near the stage I thought the show was great too, but for some of those sitting further away the atmosphere just wasn't intimate enough for Jamie's unique style of jazz.

Cherry Blackstone and the Webb Sisters

The evening started with the colourful Cherry Blackstone - handpicked by Jamie Cullum and soon to appear on national television. They got the crowd well and truly in the mood for partying, with well known covers and some slower self-penned numbers.

Cherry Blackstone

The Webb Sisters' huge talent and undoubted beauty were appreciated by the audience, although their folky set was a rather more subdued affair than the first support act. Charley and Hattie's single 'I Still Hear It' went down well, and the audience seemed to enjoy the more unfamiliar work too. 

One thing that all the acts had in common – not least the Webb sisters and their accompanying musicians - was the fact they all obviously enjoyed making music - and were there to do just that.

The main event

Jamie Cullum hit the stage running – much of the audience was made up of die hard fans, some of whom had travelled from Europe to see the young star and gave him a rousing reception. 

Jamie Cullum

Jamie’s no stranger to performing, and yet he still seems as excited about it as ever. I last saw him a couple of years ago, and I think it’s fair to say he’s toned down his act since then. At times it was like we were imposing on a very personal moment, just him and his piano. 

There were various (friendly) heckles from the crowd – all of which he dealt with with typical Cullum ease. I’m not sure what the traditional jazz fan would think, but at one point a pair of knickers was even lobbed stageward!

The big screen at the back of the stage showed arty close ups and films linked to the lyrics he was performing – great for those close enough to see it properly, but it didn’t help those nearer the back of the crowd feel closer to the performance.

Jamie made the most of his appearance in the forest – and seemed to gather energy as the evening went on. He played half an hour longer than expected (until the 11 o’clock curfew), but many people missed his finale - and attempt at creating a ‘massed choir’ - because they left early, some presumably concerned about getting out of the car park. They needn’t have worried the traffic flowed rather more freely than I for one expected (from my experience anyway).

Prawn Crackers

The stewards did a great job – particularly those on the gate who had to put up with the grumbles of people who had to give up their glass bottles and umbrellas (I’m sure they were just following orders). There were plenty of event staff within the auditorium too and the whole evening felt very safe. 

All in all I thoroughly enjoyed the night – Jamie Cullum’s set (with his tremendously talented band) was the highlight of the evening for me, but all of the acts were hugely entertaining. From what I saw on the Forestry Commission stage, the Webb Sisters star is on the rise – and Cherry Blackstone, will I hope, swiftly follow them.

I was left pondering whether you could set up an area specifically for people who’d taken seats – for those of us with just a blanket, it was tricky finding a good vantage point. But there was just one question that really bugged me – was the Chinese takeaway (with copious amounts of prawn crackers) which I saw heading backstage destined for young Mr Cullum himself?!