Savoretti's a sell-out success

Jack Savoretti

The Glee Club Studio, Birmingham

The sold-out signs were up when singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti made a return visit to Birmingham.

And it was easy to see why, as the Anglo-Italian wove his magic on a small but devoted audience, painting pictures with a succession of intimate, emotion-soaked songs from his debut album, Between The Minds, and beyond.

When Savoretti sits alone on a stage there are two instruments – his acoustic guitar and his rich, soulful voice.

Although the album features gentle washes of keyboards to create a mellow soundscape, last night we were treated to an unplugged performance, the sound much more raw and direct.

Extra colour was provided by musicians from London band The Suppliers, who occasionally augmented Savoretti with piano, extra guitars and a haunting pedal steel guitar.

The singer's gentle, self-effacing stage presence was well received by an audience who were at times reverentially silent.

Among the highlights were the songs Dreamers, Without, Dr Frankenstein and the album's title track, dedicated to a couple in the audience celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary.

At one point support act Dawn Kinnard joined him on the Glee Club's tiny stage for a new song, Gypsy Love, her husky backing vocals an inspired counterpoint.

A new song telling the story of Charles Lindbergh, the first man to fly solo non-stop across the Atlantic, was particularly well received, as was a version of Johnny Cash's Ring Of Fire. Slowed down and with a harmonica to accompany Savoretti's guitar, it took on a campside air.

On last night's evidence Jack Savoretti is a major star in the making. Following appearances on GMTV, BBC2 and support from BBC Radio 2 he is steadily building a loyal following.

Next time he's going to need a bigger venue.

By Ian Harvey