Jamie Cullum made his name as a jazz musician but when it comes to songs he’s a Jack of all trades. Jamie Walker speaks to him about his new album and his upcoming appearance at the Love Supreme Jazz Festival in Lewes

Hi Jamie, this is a busy time for you. Do you prefer that?

I think being busy is an individual state you have to go with.

You can wish you were quiet or you can wish you were busy but a mixture is just fine for me.

Can it be a feeling where when you’re busy you wish you were quiet and vice versa?

That’s the danger.

That means you’re never enjoying the moment.

Let’s put it this way, at the moment I feel lucky to be busy with music because I’ve been releasing records for 19 years.

To still have the opportunity to do that makes me feel lucky, but it is busy that’s for sure.

You’ve just released your new album, Taller. It must have been a hectic period?

Yeah it’s a funny time when you finish a record and have to wait for people to hear it.

You realise once it’s out there that it’s not quite yours any more, you let go of it to some degree.

I’m so proud of the record and the writing on it, it’s not been an easy one to bring to life.

I’m proud of the final result.

Normally you can have a mind change when you work on things, you can question it, but I’m pleased with the work and I’m excited for everyone to hear it.

It’s been a few years since your last release, 2014’s Interlude, how does this album differ?

I think it goes a little deeper than Interlude, it’s different because that was big on the jazz sound, it was designed to be a particular type of record.

This album is me focusing a bit more on me being a songwriter because it’s ten songs that are all mine and dig a bit deeper into my own sense of honesty.

It’s a bit of a correlation with how my life has been in the last few years; getting older and having to face new challenges.

I did start a version of the album about four years ago but I ended up getting rid of them because I didn’t feel like they were a true reflection of me as a person.

I went back to the drawing board after taking some time away from it and I think after you’ve heard the album you’ll know a bit more about me than you did before.

It must be nice, with your style of music, to be able to be so versatile in your songs?

Well having the background as a jazz musician gives you lots of flexibility to play with stuff.

But sometimes that can be a negative because you can overcomplicate things and what you’re trying to communicate may not come over.

With this record I’ve focused on lyrics a lot more than I may have before.

A lot of these tracks started out as lyrics before they became songs but before I’ve started with the track and the melody.

You’re also playing Love Supreme Festival next weekend, how much are you looking forward to that?

It’s a great festival, it’s grown and grown over the years and got bigger and bigger.

They’ve really found their groove by having acts that are associated with jazz and the newer jazz scene as well.

It’s a brilliant festival, I’ve had great times there in the past and can’t wait to come back and play some new and old songs.

What do you think it is that’s caused jazz to not only stand the test of time but also evolve and develop?

I think it’s a very sponge-like genre.

It can really soak up other sounds.

It’s all about the communication between musicians.

When you see these musicians communicating live it’s quite primal.

When things feel a part of your body then it gives them a platform to grow and develop.

How does festival season compare to regular touring?

Playing festivals is really fun.

Doing your own tour is fun but it can be a bit more isolating.

But with festivals everywhere you go you see people you know, you can see other bands, it’s a very exciting thing to do.

What is it about Lewes and Love Supreme you enjoy?

There are not any other festivals like Love Supreme that have this type of music but in a big outdoor festival setting.

They’ve carved out a niche and I love it.

And that part of the world, in Sussex, is unbelievably beautiful.

You’re near the sea, all these beautiful landscapes, there’s so much history and there’s a lot of chill people down there.

I have family down there as well so i know it well from when we get together and it means they can come and see me.

With that being said do you approach festivals more as a fan than a performer?

Absolutely. I’m a fan first.

I got into doing this music by being a fan.

I don’t go to scope anyone out for collaborations, I’ll be there with the audience enjoying the music.

So why should anyone going to Love Supreme come and watch your set?

Well they’ll get an hour and a half of great music, a lot of energy and I’ve got some special musicians with me on stage.

If nothing else come and see my incredible band.

Love Supreme Festival runs from July 5 - 7.