Jamie Cullum sings jazz and pop standards, cover versions of recent swingable tunes, and originals that possess the necessary pizzazz. But he's not just another clone of Frank Sinatra. A sensation in England, Cullum is the rare up-and-coming artist who can make jazz sound as fresh, exhilarating and relevant as it was in its glory days.

With his fourth album, "Catching Tales," the singer-songwriter-pianist has come up with one of the most eclectic yet cohesive, jazz-oriented discs in recent memory. It more than fulfills the promise of the superlative "Pointless Nostalgic" and his brilliant breakthrough album, "Twentysomething."

In a world of suit-and-tie jazz singers, Cullum's jeans-and-sneakers style is downright refreshing.

"As much as I love the greats, such as Sinatra, I think most of my influences are from modern music," says Cullum, 26. "I grew up listening to pop and rock, and I love that kind of music. There was a time in my life when I was playing in out-and-out jazz and swing bands - and I was playing in rock and hip-hop bands. And I kept the two very separate."

But gradually, Cullum came up with a jazz approach that he describes as "influenced by the music of my day. I'm not a young kid trying to be old."

"Catching Tales" may not be Cullum's jazziest album, but it's the one on which he mostly seamlessly brings together his various influences. The opening track, "Get Your Way," sets the tone: This is post-millennial jazz, freely acknowledging the swing era while incorporating the state-of-the-art swagger of hip-hop.

Unlike some jazz artists, who seem reluctant to experiment with electronics, Cullum embraces the latest technology without being overcome by it. That strategy pays off on "I Only Have Eyes For You," which shimmers with romantic longing. Cullum sounds as if he's in outer space, weightlessly reflecting on a love that he can't get off his mind - and wouldn't want to.

Not that he can't sing jazz straight, or needs to resort to studio trickery. "Nothing I Do" has the feel of classic swing, as Cullum adopts the persona of a guy coping with a romantic dilemma. An out-of-nowhere reggae riff in the middle of the song turns out to be uncannily right.

"I'm always looking at songs from a skewed kind of angle," Cullum says. "I don't want the easy way out. And, for some reason, my head told me to go into a reggae section."

Arguably, the standout track is "7 Days to Change Your Life." It's an ode to late-night television pitches that promise enlightenment, provide an 800 number and require a credit-card purchase. Not only is Cullum in fine voice, but the song confirms his talent as a tunesmith in the tradition of Cole Porter and Irving Berlin.

Indeed, Cullum's music is distinguished by a sophisticated playfulness.

"I've always been attracted to tricky music," he says. "Sometimes, I can overcomplicate things. But I like something that makes you think."


Jamie Cullum

With Brandi Carlile

When: 8 p.m. Tuesday

Where: The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Boulevard

How much: sold out

More info: 314-726-6161


calvinwilson@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8346