A leisure club in North Finchley seems an odd place for a gig for a man described as the 'David Beckham of jazz'.

But when they are not pressing the pedals on a grand piano, 23-year-old jazz sensation Jamie Cullum's feet are firmly on the ground.

He landed a £1million recording deal with Universal a fortnight ago, but despite all the attention, he has pledged to honour all the gigs he has arranged for the next six months including a night at the David Lloyd sports centre in High Road, North Finchley, on May 18.

"I can't just dump people in it. I've been doing gigs for six years and I've built up a lot of trust," he said.

Stardom is still a novelty for Jamie, and he is enjoying every minute of it.

"I've been recognised in the street five or six times now, which is hilarious. Obviously I am still at that stage where it is really fun. In the taxi today the cabbie asked me what I did and I told him I was a jazz pianist. He said: 'I was at home last night and I was a bit drunk and I saw this amazing guy on the piano on Parkinson. Do you know who that is?' I told him that was me it was really funny and so flattering it's almost overwhelming," he said.

At the gig, Jamie has agreed to sing some songs written by composer Pete Matthews, of Long Lane, who saw him perform at the Royal Festival Hall last December.

"I caught him at the tail end of his last song but that was enough to know he was a star in the making. I've been composing since I was 14 and I just know these things. The girls love him he's fresh-faced, he has a charming way with him. And he puts everything into a song."

But not everyone is praising Jamie's success, particularly those living close by who get to hear him practise for free.

"I've had a court injunction from the neighbours in Paddington. I'll move when I'm rich. All the flats in Paddington are really close together," he said.

Entrance to Jamie's gig at the David Lloyd club is £10 to non-members. There is no booking line so just turn up when the doors open at 8pm. Early arrival is recommended.

May 6, 2003 16:30