When I say jazz, what's the first name that comes to mind? Miles Davis. John Coltrane. Maybe Ella Fitzgerald. Most people who don't follow the modern jazz scene very closely don't likely recognize Clint Eastwood's importance to the genre.
An accomplished musician in his own right, Eastwood has made it a personal goal to educate the public at large about the importance of jazz both historically and in today's world. He directed and produced Bird, a biopic about jazz great Charlie "Bird" Parker and helped produce a Tony Bennett PBS special as well as a documentary about the world renowned Monterey Jazz Festival.
For his latest film, Gran Torino, Clint worked with up-and-coming jazz musician Jamie Cullum, as well as his own son, Kyle, an accomplished musician in his own right, to record a stunning title track that was nominated for a Golden Globe.
Gran Torino (feat. Clint Eastwood as Walt Kowalski) - Jamie Cullum and Clint Eastwood
Jamie has been a favorite artist of mine since the 2004 release of Twentysomething. While I must admit I never bought the follow-up, Catching Tales, he's been regularly on my playlist ever since. Apparently he's been in the studio working on a new record and I can't wait to hear what he has cooked up.
From a live performance at Portland, Oregon's own KinkFM, here is Jamie performing one from his sophmore work, a song from his debut and a jazz standard. The recording seems to be no longer available, but I've made the entire thing available as well, if you really want to hear the witty banter and talk show host intros.
Jamie Cullum - Live @ KinkFM, Portland, OR, October 19, 2006
Jamie Cullum - Photograph (Live)
Jamie Cullum - All At Sea (Live)
Jamie Cullum - Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans? (Live)
Download the full performance
Bonus: Here's Jamie covering Radiohead, so you know it has to be good.
Double Bonus: Diana Krall singing a song co-composed by Clint Eastwood
Why Should I Care - Diana Krall
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