So I guess I just really like jazz festivals. There’s something magical and elegant, yet cool and casual about them. They’re often scheduled during the most perfect time of the year and in beautiful, storied locations (i.e. Newport, Montreal, Monterey, Paris). And I love the idea of relaxing for hours as the sunny day transitions into a moonlit night listening to live jazz al fresco.

I already posted about the classic 1958 Newport Jazz Festival, but here’s another gem that I found. Its British musician Jamie Cullum’s performance at the latest Monterey Jazz Festival over in California.

I’ve loved Cullum and his music for a long time and to hear his full hour long set is excellent. Its a relaxing touch to an otherwise hectic time of the year. His crisp, raspy, yet youthful voice conquers all types of song. At one point, he transitions from Cole Porter’s “I Get A Kick Out Of You” to Hendrix’s “Wind Cries Mary” and later from “Singin’ in the Rain” to Rihanna’s “Umbrella.” Its quite the mix. He also channels a little Louis Armstrong in “What A Difference A Day Made” without being blasphemous to the jazz gods. “Twentysomething” is a song we all can relate to.

His performances can be heard here