Paolo Nutini - Live at Glasgow SSE Hydro - 09/01/2015
By Guest Reviewer - Honza Berka
"Hey come on in. Sit down, make yourself comfortable........" "Bus Talk" provides the intro to the evening, during which time Paolo dance-walks on stage in a very chilled out manner. He's about to funk our lives up and us die hard fans scream loudly at the very first sight of him.
Just like on his latest Album "Caustic Love", The first song of the night "Scream", is followed by "Let Me Down Easy". What a grand opening I thought. While I knew these hits would definitely be played tonight, I expected to hear them a bit later in the show, - but then again it's not like Paolo only has 2 good songs in his catalalouge.....
"Coming Up Easy" is the one song that Paolo dedicates it to all of his fans. I love the final uplifting lyrics of this track - "It was in love i was created and in love is how i hope i die". When the song is over it seems like the perfect moment for us all to sing "Happy Birthday" to this talented young scotsman who turned 28 this very evening, whilst playing in his home town. Paolo jokes "I made it past 27" and rolls straight into the next number. He doesn't speak much during the gig but, i've heard him say in interviews that it's not really his thing - It just means we get to hear a lot more of his amazing singing voice.
It is a really magical show, and most songs have their own theme for which visuals get projected on the big screens - the lighting is stunning too. We are treated to 18 songs in all - a nice mix of the best tracks from all 3 of his albums. Lots of the older songs wear "New Shoes" these days and sound a lot more grown up to me but then again, I've always thought Paolo sounded way beyond his years ever since he started out making music. The acoustic versions are very intimate, and although the SSE is a huge venue and I was sitting at the very back, there is always feeling of closeness during these songs.
It was an amazing night and I wish I was better at writing to be able to capture what I saw and heard. I guess even the best music journalist's reviews don't even get close to how it feels to actually see this incredible musician play live. You might get a better idea from listening to the audio recordings that I've posted to my YouTube Channel (See Below)
My personal highlights:
Looking for something - during this song, we discover that Paolo's "dear mother" is in the audience tonight too.
Diana - I LOVE the album version but I ADORE the live version even more. A stunning delIvery and a real feeling of intimacy grows between Paolo & the audience during this song.
One Day - just as great and powerful as it is on the album plus there's a heavenly light show to compliment it.
No Other Way - Extra special because it was being performed in his "home town". Paolo felt the love and so did we.
Candy - another song that I feel has really grown musically into something even greater
Tricks of the trade - Paolo treats us to some lovely harmonies with a couple of the other band members
Last request - the final song which Paolo performs solo - quite simply the most moving moment of the entire evening and a perfect way to end.
All Images from www.paolonutini.com
