London Jazz Festival, in association with BBC Radio 3, Friday 11 to Sunday 20 November 2011

“A gruff smoker’s voice, a piano style that wanders from honky-tonk to tango palace, and a weathered romantic’s world view have made Paolo Conte who he is.” The New York Times

Paolo Conte returns to the UK for one London concert. His records are good but his live shows are great. If you don’t know him, you should - imagine the voice of Tom Waits and the soul of Cole Porter inhabiting the body of craggily handsome Italian poet, painter and singer-songwriter. His music blends the heart and soul of jazz to the powerful sounds of the Big Band era, coupled with the rhythms of the tango, taking you on a journey from Buenos Aires dance hall to Louisiana juke-joint.

The Times summed his magic up perfectly – “he possesses the rare ability to evoke a world of hallucinations, half-consummated love affairs and long solitary nights in a darkened bar”

“On record, Conte’s music is enigmatic. Heard live, it’s a revelation.” The Guardian

"One of those rare musicians who remain inventive and surprising as they get older... a true original." ****
The Guardian on recent album 'Nelson'.

Part of the London Jazz Festival in association with BBC Radio 3

Part of the EFG International Excellence Series