Paolo Nutini at Leeds O2 Academy - 2nd Sept 2010

Paolo Nutini slides on to the stage in blue turn-ups and a light, striped shirt and launches straight into his first song. There's no need to warm the crowd up as everyone was already fervently awaiting his arrival.



If his band are at all drained by the gruelling tour schedule they don't show it, being enthusiastically tight and never missing a beat. There is no need for fancy costumes, light shows or stage props; all that matters is outstanding musicality and an emotive and uncontrived performance.



As Paolo sings there is a reptilian quality to his movements, a controlled awkwardness that is exacerbated by his jerky hands and fidgety feet.

It is easy to forget his young age; he has a powerful yet beautifully soulful voice with a raspy tone reminiscent of Louis Armstrong. 

You get the sense that being up onstage is a deeply personal experience for him, he doesn't just recount the emotions that he was feeling when he wrote the songs but completely relives them.

Paolo's characterful voice lifts him from being a great performer to something special and he's quickly establishing himself as an artist that it's a privilege to see live. His single Candy was one of those songs that was truly magical to see performed live, with the whole crowd caught up in the breathtaking chorus.

Published in Yorkshire Evening Post and The Metro