Sam Palladio; actor and singer songwriter; takes the stage to showcase his debut album – The Perfect Summer’s Day, Before We Lost The Light.

Words & Live Picture by Julie Walsh

PIP MARSH / JAMIE LAWSON

Supporting Sam Palladio at Band On The Wall is Pip Marsh, a UK based alternative country artist whose aim is to bridge the gap between Emo and Country. He offers a loud and energetic set finished with his latest single Happy.

Marsh is followed by Jamie Lawson, a successful singer songwriter for many years. With several albums under his belt, he has an altogether more melodic acoustic sound that keeps the audience captivated. Finishing with, I Wasn’t Expecting That, one of his well-known and successful songs, Lawson produces a very enjoyable set. 

RHINESTONE COWBOY

With the sound of Glenn Campbell’s Rhinestone Cowboy ringing out, Sam Palladio takes the stage to huge applause. He immediately launches straight into Meanwhile In London; a song about love and losing long distance friendships and the difficulties distance brings. It is a topic Sam knows something about, having traversed the Atlantic many times over the years since he first starred in the hit TV show, Nashville.

Tennessee follows, then Tears In The Car Park; a personal story about the times you ‘find solace in quiet places’ to think, to cry, to make a difficult phone call, very relatable as something that many people have done. Despite the theme, this is not a quiet song and Palladio sounds on top form, supported by his five-piece band. 

SOMETHING ON MY MIND

The mood changes as Sam introduces, Something On My Mind, his first single off the album. It is a self penned emotional song following the untimely death of his mother, Sally, in 2018. The whole album is inspired by her. This particular song expresses the love and loss that many who have had similar experiences will understand. 

Several more songs from the album follow. Spill Your Heart, a song co-written with Simon Neil (Biffy Clyro) is aired and Gone Like The Summer written with Kaiser Chiefs drummer Nick Hodgson. It is an upbeat catchy indie tune remembering the youthful summer romances of the past that come and go so easily. 

When a man nearby in the audience shouts, “Play a song for JD Souther,’ Sam obliges by regaling the crowd with tales of meeting and writing with the recently departed JD whilst playing  Watty White in Nashville. He enthuses about how great a song writing inspiration he was in Nashville, and how he will be remembered for the many other songs he has written. The song Adios My Friend from the Nashville show ended up being a very apt tribute. 

GUNNER SCOTT

Gunner Scott was the character played by Palladio in Nashville. The audience are delighted to have some Gunner and Scarlet (his love interest) moments in the set. I Will Fall and Fade into You being two of the well-loved songs originally sang by the duo are well remembered tonight! Gun For A Mouth and Going Electric provide a bit of loud country rock to get everyone singing along. 

Throughout the evening Palladio talks of the inspiration from his mother and the people he loves, and the importance of family to him. The story of his grandfather, a WW2 pilot sets the scene for his final song. Many years ago, after meeting a girl and wanting to meet up with her again on the platform in Nashville to say a last goodbye. He tipped a porter to, Wake Me Up In Nashville  so he could say a final farewell, however, by 4am, he was still asleep and he had totally missed his stop. 

MUSICAL VERSATILITY

Towards the end of the set Palladio shows his musical versatility by playing drums on Bullet For Your Love. He also introduces a new song, not on the album. Walking On A Wire, on first hearing, is a melodic song with a punchy rhythm and catchy tune.

Sam has played many larger venues with the Nashville Cast Reunion Tour. He will be doing so again very soon. However, tonight proves that Palladio and his song writing and storytelling ability are top class. His musical versatility and on-stage presence will provide great opportunities for him to showcase his work to many more fans, in his own right, in the future.

Check out Gone Like The Summer from Sam Palladio below, and you can read our review here.

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