University News Last updated 12 December 2024
BMus Jazz pianist Tom Ward performed with famous jazz pianist and singer Jamie Cullum recently at the Royal Albert Hall.
Jamie has recorded nine studio albums and presents a Jazz Show on BBC Radio 2.
Tom was invited to join the concert on Friday 6 December at the Royal Albert Hall, which was the main London date of Jamie's Christmas tour: The Pianoman at Christmas.
Tom was presented with the opportunity when saxophonist Giacomo Smith, a member of Jamie’s band, recommended Tom to Jamie and asked him to play.
Tom had played with Giacomo earlier in the year at Cheltenham Jazz festival and was given just a few weeks’ notice to prepare for playing at the Royal Albert Hall.
Tom reflected: “Playing at the Royal Albert Hall to a sold-out audience was an incredible and surreal experience. I had so much fun meeting everyone, from Jamie to the rest of the band and the crew behind the scenes.
“The whole day was an amazing experience and definitely a highlight of my life.”