By Sylvain Gaulier
Paolo Nutini took the stage at the Southern-inspired House of Blues on Friday, delivering a powerful performance.
Nutini, a Scottish soul singer, was framed by the venue’s iconic multi-level balconies and ethnographic symbols, which send a mystic vibe throughout the House of Blues. This creates a unique atmosphere that draws you into the live performances.
Indie band Phox played a small set from their debut album before Nutini took the stage. The band managed to warm up the audience with some high-pitched solos and enjoyable harmonies.
Then, Nutini’s set began. His serene, yet powerful attitude joyfully launched the concert. He played along with the audience and band members through some seductive looks while personifying all his songs with sincerity and emotion. After playing some of the songs from his latest soul album “Caustic Love,” he performed a well-improvised mash-up of his two early hits “Jenny, Don’t be Hasty” and “New Shoes.”
“Caustic Love” has received many positive reviews since its release in April. However, this album is more mature than his previous ones. It appears he put more effort into his lyrics and the composition of his songs. “Caustic Love” deserves multiple listens in order to fully grasp the meaning and impact of its songs.
The Scottish soul singer now seems to have reached the full potential of his storytelling skills. He can be likened to a younger version of Ben Harper, who would have collaborated with Marvin Gaye. His album is also said to be a tribute to Motown singers. This powerful influence can be seen in many of his songs, including “Scream” and “Let Me Down Easy.”
In an interview with NPR, Nutini said that the new album refers to “the tough exteriors people develop to protect their emotions, and how romantic love often melts those walls away.”
Nutini has played in many prestigious music venues such as Wembley Stadium and Glastonbury Festival. Nutini, now an experienced performer, is very confident in his singing and scenic abilities. This was clear on Friday, with his deep hoarse voice similar to the likes of his influences Rod Stewart and Damien Rice. He delighted the audience until the very end, when he finished his performance with his popular nostalgic ballad “Candy.”
Ten years from now, I may not remember what artist I had seen in September of 2014, but I will certainly remember that I befriended a Polish girl who came all the way from New York City to see a talented Scottish singer. Music fosters a wide array of feelings that bring us together to appreciate the real meaning of life, evident at Nutini’s show.
