Paolo Nutini – “These Streets” on Atlantic Records

By Susie Salva
Twenty-year-old singer/songwriter Paolo Nutini, a musical prodigy, is nothing short of sensational. Nutini recently released “These Streets,” on Atlantic records a soulfully charismatic effort from this young troubadour. Despite his Italian name, the Nutini family lived in Paisley, Scotland for at least four generations.

This handsome musician has been compared to the likes of his label mate James Blunt and Daniel Powder. Exposed to classic R & B stars like the Drifters and Ray Charles Nutini came to this kind of music through his parents’ record collection and his own post-adolescent explorations brought him to the works of John Martyn and Van Morrison.

Paolo’s great-grandfather opened the fish and chip shop in Paisley which in now run by his parents. His musical education began with his late grandfather who introduced him to Scottish folk songs as well as a wide range of other styles of music. He encouraged Nutini to sing and make a living out of music. Unfortunately, he wasn’t around to see it to fruition.

Paolo’s sexy, sultry voice is similar to that of the greats such as Joe Cocker and Rod Stewart. Nutini’s debut CD on Atlantic, “These Streets,” after he appeared at the South-by-Southwest performance in Austin, Texas last March (2006) his debut single, “Last Request,” reached No. 5 on the British charts and also became a substantial airplay hit. “These Streets,” hit the US in January. Nutini’s bold voice and provocative songs has created an instant buzz. “ These Streets,” was produced by Ken Nelson (Coldplay, Ray LaMontagne, and Badly Drawn Boy).

“These Streets,” is an autobiographical account of the Scots move to London, the “big bad world where the streets have too many names”. “It delves into three years story of some Scottish kids life in London,” explains Nutini. Paolo’s music has elements of rock, soul, fold and even some electro.

The first track off of the “These Streets,” disc is “Jenny Don’t Be Hasty,” which tells the story of a nasty breakup with a girl Nutini met in London. The then eighteen-year-old told the twenty-three-year-old Jenny that he was twenty-two. When he told her the truth, she slapped him and sent him on his way. This second single was a top 20 U.K. hit in early October 2006 and was followed in early December by “Rewind”.

This Scottish singer is already attracting triple-A airplay with the lead track, “New Shoes,” This song has classic soul-tinged pop sound with a catchy chorus and is destined to be a huge hit here in America. This is a stand out track from this charismatic crooner.
Rolling Stone magazine had hailed Nutini as one of the Top 10 artists to watch in 2006 and Paste magazine says he’s 4 to Watch.

Nutini has been very fortunate to play with his heroes such as Ben E. King and has opened for the Rolling Stones at their request. Paolo is mature for his age and his music transcends boundaries. A soul loving troubadour he has a bright future ahead of him. Check his out at www.paolonutini.com or www.myspace.com/paolonutini.