Jamie Cullum has been playing music since he was 8 years old. Apparently, all that practice was worth it. Cullum’s most recent release, Twentysomething, has earned rave reviews from critics and even gotten the young Brit some airplay—no small feat for a jazz artist. Cullum, who will play World Café Live on Oct. 23, counts Oscar Peterson and Dave Brubeck among his influences, but his recent work more closely mirrors the borderline pop-rock-jazz of Norah Jones. Not that this is a bad thing. Songs such as "All At Sea" and "These Are the Days" are jazzy enough for jazz purists but accessible enough for a larger audience, and the formula is paying off for Cullum. He’s already become the biggest selling British jazz musician of all time. Not bad for a Twentysomething.

—T.H.

— JAMIE CULLUM will play two shows at World Café Live, 3025 Walnut Street, on Saturday, Oct. 23. The first show, already sold out, is set for 6 p.m. The second show is scheduled for 10 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the show. Info: 215-222-1400.