I'm a big fan of Hugh Laurie as an actor, I haven't really had much to say on this one, because I think I agree with the sentiments of others. Speaking as a pianist (classically trained, not blues) I think his piano playing is very good and I really admire it. Less keen on the singing.

My need to say something was triggered by Hootenanny's comment above: "His singing like all attempts by English people to sing blues was abysmal."

I think the problem is EXACTLY that it wasn't like an English person singing the blues. It was quite clearly an Englishman trying to sound American while singing the blues. I don't see anything wrong with the idea of singing the blues with real English accents, just the same as I think that (some) UK hip-hop is fantastic without trying to be imitative of American hip-hop. It's its own thing, it has its own clearly developed style.

I guess my point is - I do think Blues can reach beyond American cultures and speak to our British cultures, and I would like to hear a talented Englishman or woman singing the blues as an Englishman or woman. And this just wasn't it for me, as impressive as I find Hugh Laurie's piano playing.