Jamie Cullum to perform at outdoor Montreal Jazz Fest show tonight

Jamie Cullum is so beloved by MontrealInternational Jazz Festival organizers, they rearranged their schedule for him.

The festival usually holdsits second outdoor show on a Tuesday, but Cullum wasn't available on July 5, so organizersmoved the show to tonight.

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Cullumcould have studied history at the prestigiousOxford University, an idea sparked byan essay he wrote about his family history, but decided to pass up on the opportunity.

Jamie Cullum on why going to Oxford didn't feel right

8 years ago

Duration 2:23

Jamie Cullum, performing at the 2016 Montreal International Jazz Festival, could have went to Oxford but he opted not to.

Cullumkeeps himself on the edge; henever preparesa set list before going on stage and enjoysthe challenge of working with musicians he may have just met a couple of hours earlier.

He is known for his crossover versions of songs such as Wind Cries Mary by Jimi Hendrix and Don't Stop the Music by Rihanna.

He calls Rihanna "one of the honest pop stars" and says he loves the lyrics to her songs. He thinks it's normal to play jazz versions of contemporary pop and rock songs.

Cullum plays on the TD Stage at the Montreal International Jazz Festival tonight at 9:30 p.m.

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