Paolo Nutini, Whitley, Joe Echo @ The
Forum Theatre, Melbourne (27/10/2009)



Back down under for two sold out shows, Paolo Nutini took to Melbourne’s Forum Theatre on Tuesday night for a set that proved the man is as versatile as they come. It’s no secret that the Scotsman has little trouble wooing the young ladies, but all squealing aside, he and his band put on a very eclectic set, showing off both of his albums and a great selection of covers.

Sitting below his self-titled banner, you could be mistaken for thinking the first support of the night was some kind of action figure, what with a name like Joe Echo. Tinkering away on his acoustic guitar though, the Irish singer songwriter proved he wasn’t marketed at 12 year old boys. It wasn’t hard for Echo to make fans – all he had to do was show off his accent – but his songs certainly helped him out too. The folky The Heart That Moves Desire demonstrated his soft natured style, whilst his closing number was a little more upbeat with his looping effects shuffling behind his voice and a fairly cooperative sing along from the crowd.

Plugging a new album set for release this week, Whitley was undoubtedly out to show off some fresh tracks. A longwinded and eerie introduction started things off in the darkness before the whole band burst into a new track – instantly making a statement that they’d upgraded their sound. It’s definitely a good move for Lawrence Greenwood and the band, as their rising popularity means their venue sizes are likely to grow and this is the kind of sound they need to fill such rooms as the Forum. The set progressed through a selection of new tracks and some strange and self-deprecating banter from Greenwood: “Buy the album … I have a really nasty crack habit”.

Poison In Our Pockets was a highlight amongst the latest material; starting off in a soft, similar vein to his earlier material before progressing into the full rock sound Whitley is now taking advantage off. Another highlight was Greenwood’s impromptu blues number My Pizza Just Landed On My Lap – a result of his story from dinner, and of course the couple of old tracks that appeared – All Is Whole and Lost In Time.

Paolo Nutini was certainly playing on his reputation when, through the darkness of the Forum Theatre, You’re Just Too Good To Be True started crooning out. Spotlights eventually protruded and out walked the band, bursting into the rollicking Alloway Grove, and of course followed by a casually strutting Nutini. Then came the screams. And the cameras. It was almost like the stars of the Forum’s ceiling were reflected on its floor with the amount of sparkling screens trying to get a snap. Luckily, Nutini doesn’t play on such devotion and whilst many heartthrobs might lavish the attention, he just stuck to the music.

In the jazzy High Hopes that followed, it was clear why Nutini has received the musical recognition he has. His voice sounds well beyond his years, not to mention its uniqueness, and was immediately impressive on stage. Not to get stuck front and centre singing though, he quickly retreated to the drum kit to lend an extra pair of percussive hands – his showmanship an instant pleasure to watch.

Whilst Nutini did revert to front and centre to impress with his voice for most of the show, his band were certainly proving themselves as stellar performers in their own right. The one man horn section, Gavin Fitzjohn, was an absolute delight, delivering crazy saxophone jams during the likes of Smokey Joe’s Cafe. Donny Little was similarly energetic, playing the ukulele like a madman in Pencil Full of Lead, a circus-like track that also included some awesome bass harmonies courtesy of Dave Nelson. Little and Nelson calmed things down behind Nutini in a gentler, duel-guitar rendition of Chamber Music, showing their adaptability as musicians.

Speaking of renditions, Nutini isn’t one to shy away from covers in his live show and tonight was no exception. The shanty-like version of It Takes A Worried Man – a Carter Family song from 1931 – was a set highlight. With dominant bass and trumpet driving it along, it was no wonder Nutini felt the urge to run around for most of the song. A hefty dose of call and response care of Mini the Moocher led into a cover of The Coasters’ 1956 track Down In Mexico, which was translated into a real big band sound from its RnB roots. These covers were full of serious energy from everyone of stage, though the majority of the crowd didn’t look like they even wanted to bob their head. The massive hoedown that was Funky Cigarette and expressive enjoyment of Ten Out of Ten were further examples of this, wherein the band gave everything they had but got little energy returned to them from the crowd.
Rounding out the set, Nutini reflected his soulful influence yet again with No Other Way, squalling like James Brown and even utilising Brown’s trademark stoop in his delivery. Jenny Don’t Be Hasty then finally got the biggest reaction from the crowd. Another cover made it into the encore – Love’s Alone Again Or, in which even Nutini’s vocals were outdone by Fitzjohn’s striking Spanish trumpet. Finally, Last Request concluded the set on a calmer note, screams once again filling the room as Nutini finished things up.

In his second visit here, Paolo Nutini proved to be one hell of a performer, along with the help of his fantastic band of course. In a mixed set that included soul, jazz, blues, folk, a little bit of country and even a shanty, it’s hard not to notice Nutini’s versatility as a musician and the Forum was certainly the place to celebrate such a fact.

Check out photos here

Link to story here

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mabingham,

quote:

Originally posted by nutinisnuts_ts_ssu:
Charity and the voluntary sector All Scotland October 26 2009 00:00
Paolo Records Charity Single for Neglected Children

Scots singing sensation Paolo Nutini has given his backing to a Bauer Media Scotland Radio appeal to help neglected children.

The star took time out from his current tour with his band the Vipers to record an exclusive track for listeners to download – helping raise funds for neglected children.

Thanks for posting this nutinisnuts! Love to see Paolo doing things for charity, and Caledonia is a perfect choice!

Download HERE

It's listed under the ITunes UK New Releases column, "Caledonia Live at the Garage, Glasgow" (for Cash for Kids)

Talking Shop: Paolo Nutini

Scottish songsmith Paolo Nutini has had a great year.

His second album, Sunny Side Up, went straight to number one in the UK, and he was asked to visit the White House during a recent US tour.

The 22-year-old spoke to BBC News reporter Mark Savage shortly before his biggest British show to date at London's Hammersmith Apollo last month.


Hello Paolo! How has the tour been going so far?

Last night, we had a power failure and all the vocals managed to cut out - so hopefully this evening the same won't happen.

You have a much bigger band this time around. Why did you decide to do that?

It's nine merry men. They just started following me and tagging along.

You don't write music - so how do you make sure people are playing what's in your head?

We've got a three-part horn section, the Horns Of Thunder, and the brass maestro Gavin "The Hitman" Fitzjohn has been doing all the arrangements.

Is it true that fans were throwing their underwear at you in Canada?

There were a couple of bras, yes. Tom Jones-style.

One of them came just as I walked off stage and it landed on my mic stand. So that was a nice exit shot.

How do you feel about being a sex symbol?

It's the only reason I'm involved in music - the hope that I'm going to have some underwear thrown at me.

Not really, I just try and dodge it.

Changing tack slightly, you were invited to the White House…

No underwear was thrown at me there, unfortunately.

A couple of President Obama's aides asked you over, is that right?

Yes.

And was the President at home?

No, he wasn't. I was disappointed because I thought I was going to get to have a go in his private bowling alley.

But I had a chance to take it all in and find out some of the quirks of the last presidents. President Truman, you know, loved the mantelpiece in the banquet room so much that, when his reign ended, he tried to saw it off and take it with him! He had to be detained.

Have you ever been invited to the Scottish Parliament?

I've been up to Holyrood House in Edinburgh and I got to meet the Queen, actually. She was very polite.

Well, I suppose she's not going to turn up and swear at you.

But everybody else got a handshake and I got a high five. It was strange.

Do you get recognised when you go home?

Yeah, safe to say. I don't see why my look is in any way distinctive, so it surprises me. I think it's the nose.

One review I read talked about your "Timotei hair and Angelina Jolie lips".

Angelina Jolie lips? I don't know about that. But my girlfriend is here [ turns to face his girlfriend ] "Have I got Angelina Jolie lips?" [ voice says "oh, yes"]

Well, she agrees. But they're still not a patch on Mick Jagger.

You sang with Mick Jagger at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2007, of course.

Yeah, that was a biggie. Just to see who could get their mouth furthest around the microphone!

Seriously, though, he's something else. He was a force of nature.

In what way?

It's that perfect mix between a hard-working musician and a live wire animal.

Where would you place yourself on that scale?

Ah, jeez, I wouldn't know. That's something somebody else would have to answer for you.

What does your girlfriend think?

I'm not asking her. I'm getting looks now. But most people who've been on tour with me would say I'm not much of an animal. Except some of the basic primal characteristics.

Mainly, I'm mellow yellow.

You have a very pronounced Scottish accent - but your singing voice is nothing like that. On some of the songs from your recent album, you almost seem to be channelling Bob Marley. How do you account for that?

I don't have a real explanation - but imagine how talking to somebody compares to shouting at them. You sound completely different. The projection makes your voice different, you use your diaphragm instead of your throat. [Puts on his best Robert De Niro accent] "Who knows what's gonna happen?"

You come across as a very modest person. But it's a peculiarly Celtic brand of modesty I recognise from growing up in Ireland, where any sort of pride or boastfulness is an instant target for mickey-taking.

Well, I think the moment you become proud you're leaving yourself open for a big reality check. There's always somebody better - or somebody that's achieved more. You've always got something to reach for.

But you must need a certain amount of belief to step out on stage every night, otherwise you'd be a wreck.

That's why you release records. If the response has been good, it makes walking out on stage a hell of a lot easier.

One of the most touching songs on the album, Simple Things, is a tribute to your father. Do you still get to see him much?

I see him whenever I'm home. I'll see him nearly every day.

Does he still own a chip shop?

Yes, and he works there every day, without failure.

Did you do shifts there when you were a kid?

Yeah, I did, but he would probably argue that I hindered more than helped.

What's the weirdest thing you've ever deep fried?

I remember being asked to deep fry a bag of Maltesers once. But I just told them to get the hell out of the shop and annoy somebody else.

It's a barrel of laughs working in a chip shop. Somebody will come in and ask, "how much is that?" and you'll reply, "25 pence". Then, they'll hold out a handful of change that adds up to nowhere near 25 pence and ask, "is that enough?" And you say, "no, it's not enough". They'll say, "well, what can I get" and you reply, "you can't get anything".

And then eventually you end up negotiating a fritter and everything moves on.

Paolo Nutini's new single, Pencil Full Of Lead, is out next week. He tours Europe throughout November.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr...tainment/8299949.stm

Published: 2009/10/28 08:34:38 GMT

Hot to Scot
October 29, 2009

PAOLO NUTINI
Forum Theatre, October 27
Reviewer Andrew Murfett

IN POP music, particularly outside the mainstream-friendly acts that inhabit charts and commercial radio playlists, not everything is as it appears.

Let's say you arrived at the Forum with no knowledge of Scottish troubadour Paolo Nutini. Your first assessment, as he bounded on stage, would be his matinee-idol looks indicating that he's a conventional singer-songwriter. Two hours later, however, you would know this is not the case.

In a surprisingly diverse show, the 22-year-old son of a fish-and-chip shop owner demonstrated a solid level of musical nous and appreciation.

Nutini has two big-label albums under his belt. His first, These Streets, was released when he was a teenager, and although a blockbuster in Britain, it undersold his musicality.

Not so this year's improved follow-up, Sunny Side Up, which moves away from mainstream pop for a sound traversed by the likes of Van Morrison.

It was Morrison who appeared to be an inspiration on Tuesday, as Nutini's husky timbre lurched through a set that mixed soul, folk, pop and rock.

He modified earlier tracks by roughing them and dialling down the pop sheen proffered via their recording.

He tackled the material with gusto, however. His covers traded on blues and New Orleans doo-wop. His singing style, hunched over the microphone, standing centre-stage, is modest for his booming, beguiling voice.

Link to story here

quote:

Originally posted by Won't be Hasty:
It's a barrel of laughs working in a chip shop. Somebody will come in and ask, "how much is that?" and you'll reply, "25 pence". Then, they'll hold out a handful of change that adds up to nowhere near 25 pence and ask, "is that enough?" And you say, "no, it's not enough". They'll say, "well, what can I get" and you reply, "you can't get anything". And then eventually you end up negotiating a fritter and everything moves on.

I'm gonna negotiate a 15p fritter next time I'm in Castelvecchi

quote:

Originally posted by Won't be Hasty:

But everybody else got a handshake and I got a high five. It was strange.


Yeah, that was a biggie. Just to see who could get their mouth furthest around the microphone!

That first quote I nearly spilt my coffee & the 2nd quote nailed it.. i ned a nu kypad

Thank you, Mabingham. Is there any reason we don't love this boy!!! Cat

quote:

Originally posted by Cat in Portland:
Thank you, Mabingham. Is there any reason we don't love this boy!!! Cat

None that I can think of. Love him more and more and more every day!

PAOLO NUTINI'S MOUTHY COMPETITION

'Pencil Full of Lead' singer Paolo Nutini thinks Mick Jagger is a ''force of nature'' following their mouth-stretching competition at a music festival.

Paolo Nutini thinks Mick Jagger is a "force of nature".

The 'Pencil Full of Lead' singer was thrilled to duet with the legendary Rolling Stones frontman at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2007 but admits they did not take the event seriously because they were too busy having a competition to see who had the most stretchy lips.

He joked: "Yeah, that was a biggie. Just to see who could get their mouth furthest around the microphone! Seriously, though, he's something else. He was a force of nature.

"He's that perfect mix between a hard-working musician and a live wire animal."

Although his second LP 'Sunny Side Up' - which was released in May this year - went straight to the top of the UK album charts, the Scottish musician remains modest about his success.

He told BBC News: "Well, I think the moment you become proud you're leaving yourself open for a big reality check. There's always somebody better - or somebody that's achieved more. You've always got something to reach for."

Paolo's new single 'Pencil Full of Lead' is out on November 2.


29 October 2009 05:45:11
http://www.contactmusic.com/ne...-competition_1120553

quote:

Originally posted by Schneckie:

quote:

Originally posted by Won't be Hasty:
It's a barrel of laughs working in a chip shop. Somebody will come in and ask, "how much is that?" and you'll reply, "25 pence". Then, they'll hold out a handful of change that adds up to nowhere near 25 pence and ask, "is that enough?" And you say, "no, it's not enough". They'll say, "well, what can I get" and you reply, "you can't get anything". And then eventually you end up negotiating a fritter and everything moves on.

I'm gonna negotiate a 15p fritter next time I'm in Castelvecchi

HA! Bad girl! And I’ll bring the Maltesers…I had to post this interview – you read that, and realize how Paolo developed the patience of a saint!

Paolo Nutini's album is now the third-best seller of the year
By Gavin Martin on Oct 30, 09 12:00 AM in Music

Paolo-Nurini-30.10.09.jpg

His transformation from coffee table crooner into a genre-crossing folk 'n' soul-charged free spirit has been one of the most slyly successful rebranding exercises of the year. The reason why it has worked is that Paolo's excellent second album, Sunny Side Up, is an honest reflection of his upbringing, his musical loves and his down-to-earth attitude.
Paolo, 22, has already sold 400,000 copies of the record, making it the third-biggest selling album of the year in the UK.

Backstage at London's Hammersmith Apollo he answers questions thoughtfully in a thick Scottish accent. And, as tonight's joyful performance shows, his recent American tour has left him match fit.

"We covered lots of ground over there and it had a nice vibe," he says. "The shows were recorded and made available to buy as people were leaving the gig. That brings pressure, but in a good way."

Nutini's world class vocal sound got him taken under the wing of legendary Atlantic Records mogul Ahmet Ertegun before his first album. Now he looks after his greatest asset in his own way.

"The audience can affect the way you perform, but you have to make your own preparations," says Paolo. "Singing harmonies in the dressing room is good and a little port before you go onstage never hurt either. It seems to do the job."
In his teens Nutini fancied a future as an architect.

"My best friend back home is actually doing that now," he says. "He's living that dream. Mind you, I also wanted to be a Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtle and a member of The Thundercats, but neither of those proved possible either."

Part of what makes Paolo stand out is that, particularly for a performer of his tender age, he has an unusual set of musical references, including vintage US R&B stretching back to his family's Italian roots.

"Hearing The Drifters with Ben E King was really when I thought I could do this," he says. "Songs like Under The Boardwalk seemed to be built around having a laugh and a smile as the girls go by.

"I love that 50s group or gang vibe - singing with a smile on your face. Songwriting-wise, I loved Willie Dixon on one side and Richard Thompson and John Martyn on the other. That's the beauty of it, man, there's so much good music to go back and listen to.

"If there was no more music made tomorrow I still think that there would be more than enough to satisfy our appetites that we haven't heard from the past."

He acknowledges he had a headstart in exploring music history.

"I was fortunate to be brought up in a family of record collectors," Paolo says.

"My grandfather was a massive collector. I'd go to see him in the morning and he'd be playing The Corries, two Scottish guys with acoustic guitars.

"In the afternoon he'd be at his piano playing a Verdi aria from an opera before moving on to a Fats Domino song in the evening. My dad had Pink Floyd and Stax vinyl, me mum loved early Elton John.

"When I got into bands I was fortunate to get to hang out with older people who would introduce me to a new act that pretty much blew my mind every day. And that's been happening pretty much constantly for the past six years."

Paolo has also had opportunities to encounter many of his influences.

"When you meet Mick Jagger for the first time it's really exciting and cool," he grins. "He told me not to let things run away with me.

"That's the kind of advice you get. He's right, too. If you let stars in your eyes get the better of you, you lose the thread of why you were there in the first place.

"I admire the way Jagger can play a 60,000 stadium and make the people in the really bad seats feel like they are in row two - that's an amazing thing and something I'd love to learn over time.

"I watched The Last Waltz last night for about the millionth time. An hour of that puts everything in perspective. You hear Doctor John sing Such A Night and I think I haven't even started yet."

Happily reunited with childhood sweetheart Terri Brogan, Nutini isn't about to embrace the highlife, preferring to settle in his hometown.

"People there just treat me the same as they always did," he says. "If I'm lucky somebody will come up and say how much they liked my new song. But mostly they don't even notice."

New single Pencil Full Of Lead is out on Monday.
http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/the-...lbum-is-now-the.html

quote:

And, as tonight's joyful performance shows, his recent American tour has left him match fit.

"We covered lots of ground over there and it had a nice vibe," he says. "The shows were recorded and made available to buy as people were leaving the gig. That brings pressure, but in a good way."

Did I miss something? This sounds like the US shows were recorded. Am I reading this incorrectly, or did I just miss the boat altogether?

quote:

Originally posted by imafan2:

quote:

And, as tonight's joyful performance shows, his recent American tour has left him match fit.

"We covered lots of ground over there and it had a nice vibe," he says. "The shows were recorded and made available to buy as people were leaving the gig. That brings pressure, but in a good way."

Did I miss something? This sounds like the US shows were recorded. Am I reading this incorrectly, or did I just miss the boat altogether?

Mmmm...good question. If the one show I attended was recorded they sure didn't do a good job of letting the fans know about it!
I did get my live CD from Glasgow yesterday and it is excellent. Maybe we're reading it wrong.

Paolo Nutini stunned by punter's request for deep-fried Maltesers

Oct 31 2009 Rick Fulton

PAOLO NUTINI has revealed he got many strange requests while working in his parents' chip shop - including deep-fried Maltesers.
The singer, who has just released single Pencil Full Of Lead, used to work behind the counter of the now renowned Paisley chippy and got plenty of lip from the customers.
Paolo, 22, said: "I remember being asked to deep fry a bag of Maltesers. But I just told them to get the hell out of the shop and annoy somebody else.
"It's a barrel of laughs working in a chip shop. Somebody will come in and ask, 'How much is that?' and you'll reply, '25 pence'.
"Then, they'll hold out a handful of change that adds up to nowhere near 25 pence and ask, 'Is that enough?' And you say, 'No'. They'll say, 'Well, what can I get?' and you reply, 'You can't get anything'.
"Eventually you end up negotiating a fritter and everything moves on."
Paolo, whose latest album Sunny Side Up hit No1, reckons life in the music business has more perks than his experiences in catering.
He claims he does try to avoid the underwear that is thrown on stage while he performs but he was recently pictured in Canada with a bra perched on his microphone stand.
He said: "There were a few bras, yes. One came up just as I walked off stage and it landed on my mic stand. So that was a nice exit shot."
He joked: "Being a sex symbol is the only reason I'm in music - the hope I'm going to have underwear thrown at me. Not really, I just try and dodge it."
Paolo is hoping to see girlfriend Teri Brogan when she takes to the catwalk at the Scottish Style Awards tonight . Novice model Teri will be on the runway at the glitzy bash in Glasgow's Fruitmarket .
He'll be glad to be home, despite the fact critics say he sounds more like Bob Marley than Glaswegian on his latest record.
Paolo said: "Imagine how talking to somebody compares to shouting at them. You sound different. The projection makes your voice different, you use your diaphragm instead of your throat."
Despite recently being invited to the White House, meeting the Queen and now having the third-biggest selling album of the year in the UK, Paolo remains grounded.
He said: "The moment you become proud, you're leaving yourself open for a reality check. There's always somebody better or that has achieved more. You've always got something to reach for."

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/s...sers-86908-21786855/

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