Jack Savoretti at the Hammersmith Apollo

On this anticipated night of his European tour, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jack Savoretti wows fans in a packed Apollo, with his warmth and charm, brazenly joking, “I can taste and smell you.” 

Orange halogen lights ring three of the backing musicians, with a band made up of synthesiser, drums and electric violin, and a piano just waiting to be played on the right. Early highlight, What More Can I Do, is quick proof that Savoretti is a natural performer, rousing the audience and keen to introduce his band. The singer inspires everyone to dance for some of the more energetic tracks and lets them sit for the mellower tunes, while stunning light engineering reveals beams frenetically flashing on the podiums. The crowd accompanies on the introduction to Too Much History, another standout, Savoretti preceding the song with storytelling – something he also shines at, a wholesome charmer. A clever use of Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) starts Candlelight, foraying into Americana, a genre the vocalist clearly enjoys and excels at. 

Savoretti dedicates Greatest Mistake to fans, thanking them for their support through the difficult past two years. An incredible life-affirming live rendition, the Apollo beats through every rhythm, putting the heart in London, while Dr Frankenstein instils some 90s nostalgia, reminiscent of Stereophonics’ A Thousand Trees. The singer’s rapport with his audience is funny and genuinely warm. He lightly comments, “I’m not going to talk about politics because that’s not what you paid for,” before playing Soldier’s Eyes, and it doesn’t remove anything from the song’s beauty, accompanied by crisply plucked guitar and a haunting violin. Performing The Way You Said Goodbye, the band gather on the right side of the stage, with the addition of a double bass; the song is played in a distinct Parisian style, thanks to an accordion. Everyone is back on their feet for Knock Knock, and the atmosphere is like in an American barn, while 1980s-style Secret Life is a boisterous uplifting gem, with Savoretti thumping away on bongo drums – happy vibes all round. Another highlight includes the Nile Rodgers produced Who’s Hurting Who, which creates big disco dance energy, the band members providing dazzling electric guitar solos. Being half Italian, the musician knows how to win over his countrymen as he plays a beautiful rendition of Dusty Springfield’s 1960s classic, You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me, a cover of the original Io Che Non Vivo Senza Te.

Simply put, Savoretti is utterly at home onstage, and tonight’s show is as perfect as they come. 

Selina Begum
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events visit Jack Savoretti’s website here.

Watch the video for the single You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me (Io Che Non Vivo Senza Te) here: