One of Britain’s redtop newspapers is running a story today that mentions Barga. The Daily Star has an article entitled Paolo to learn “native” tongue and recounts in breathless tones that Paolo Nutini plans to make better use of his Italian heritage by finally learning the lingo.

MAMMA mia, Paolo Nutini plans to make better use of his Italian heritage by finally learning the lingo.The Paisley-born Scot, whose father hails from the Tuscan hilltown of Barga, is a big draw with the Azzurri, but hasn’t grasped the language. The 22-year-old told me: “I can’t speak much Italian. I do go down well over there but it’s frustrating cos I can’t really speak it.
“Even if I do talk they can’t understand my accent, but I should try to learn it.”

Although Paolo’s musical influences stem mostly from American blues, he admits Italy did play a part.He explained: “My grandfather was Italian, he influenced me with the music, especially when I was between five and six. “He would calm me down by playing old tunes on the piano.”

Paolo’s latest album, Sunny Side Up, recently topped the UK charts and he got to celebrate in Italy. The gravel-voiced crooner said: “We were in Verona for an Italian awards show when it was confirmed that the album went No 1. So we got to drink all the Italians’ free booze.”

The lad even spent time in the hilltown of Barga Vecchia for a photo session. – article and images here

Back in 2007 he was handed the Golden St Christopher medal for his contribution to the town and on his latest visit he got to see an old family home. He said: “I always love coming back to Barga and seeing everyone. “I also met the Barga Lake Angels, a group of guys who raise money for Africa. They gave me a T-shirt and honorary membership.”

I’m looking forward to hearing a rendition of Shaddap You Face in Paolo’s live set soon. – source Kim Dawson’s playlist – The Daily Star

At least the Lake Angels got a mention