When we started playing Paolo Nutini I thought “Wow, where did this guy come from? He’s got some talent—is he a new artist?” Turns out he’s been releasing records for years and has a huge following already for someone in his mid-20s. We were very pleased and lucky to host an intimate, private performance from Paolo and his band at the very tail end of his North American tour.

Upon seeing his performance on stage at the Turf Club Friday night, I am now a Paolo-vangelist! What a crooner! There were as many conversations about how dreamy the artist is, as there were people singing along word-for-word. A few people mentioned being introduced to Paolo’s music at his performance at the Minnesota Zoo a few years ago. It’s been noted that he often sings with his eyes closed, which made the performance that much more intimate, like a kiss.

Nutini and his band played to a packed room, making some fun banter while sharing a tray or two of shots. As I approached the stage to make a thank-you announcement, there were still a couple of tunes to be played. An audience member asked if I knew what was coming at the end of the tune the band were playing. I was not—but I was pleasantly surprised as Nutini’s soulful vocals became scream-like pleas. It was like he opened his heart up, right in front of our eyes.

After that tune finished there was another tray of shots passed around and Paolo’s band left the stage as he asked “You want one more?” And the answer was of course, a resounding “yes!” He said he was thrilled to wrap up his North American shows with that stop in the Twin Cities. Now he’s headed back home to Scotland to rest up after an intense tour behind his album Caustic Love.