Although known to play more intimate and smaller venues, Jack Savoretti takes to the stage of the QMU tonight to play to a larger venue with a sold out audience.
The gig was due to take place at Oran Mor, however it had to be moved due to a high demand and before Savoretti even takes to the stage, there is no lack of atmosphere.
With no grand musical introductions, Savoretti modestly takes the stage, opening to a noticeably loud and energetic crowd, and, from the outset he makes no attempt to cover up his joy to be playing.
After his opening track telling the crowd: “cheers guys, thanks for being here, you never let us down,” which is met by cheering and various female voices from shouting “take your top off!”, which he laughs off, before engaging with several audience members in reaction.
There is a real connection throughout between the audience and Savoretti, with multiple moments where he takes time to tell little stories of his experiences in Glasgow.
After playing a healthy mix of older tracks and ones from new album Written In Scars, which the audience react extremely well to, he breaks into an acoustic section enhancing the strong connection, which has been present since the start of the show.
The packed venue is almost silent and everyone seems to be engaged and absorbed by the man who stands alone on the stage playing.
This gig shows that Savoretti has mastered two completely different styles of performance.
On the one hand, he shows his ability to play upbeat and lively tracks, allowing the audience to feel and engage with his energy and enthusiasm and then, he shows that he can completely alter the atmosphere by stripping everything back and return to the style he has adopted through playing intimate and smaller shows through the years.
Both styles are accepted very well and it seems that his confidence grows throughout the show; by the time the encore comes, it seems that no one is ready to leave, especially Savoretti himself and his goodbye appears heartfelt and genuine.
Leaving the venue, the audience pours out while still singing, chanting and full of energy, reflecting the passionate and successful performance they have just witnessed.
Words: Orla Brady
