Paolo Nutini: Sunny Side Up: Piano/Vocal/Chords Book

This songbook captures Nutini's genre-spanning range in accessible piano and vocal arrangements, giving singers and pianists real material to work with rather than stripped-down versions of pop hits. The chord notations support guitarists learning to accompany, while the lyrical depth and rhythmic variety keep rehearsals engaging across multiple skill levels.

The album's eclecticism comes through in these arrangements. You'll move from the introspective fingerpicking implied in folk pieces to the groove-heavy soul and reggae inflections in others, all grounded in Nutini's warm, conversational vocal approach. The music feels intimate and lived-in rather than polished.

Pianists and singers (especially intermediate to advanced) who want to work with contemporary material that demands genuine musicianship rather than relying on recorded versions. This book works well for private studio instructors teaching pop and rock contexts, or for ensemble directors looking to add genre diversity to their programming.

• Pay attention to the rhythmic pocket in tracks like 'Pencil Full of Lead' and 'Coming Up Easy,' where the groove sits behind the beat rather than on top of it. Your accompaniment should feel deliberate and relaxed rather than rushed.
• Use the chord boxes to explore different voicings on piano. Nutini's arrangements often suggest one harmony, but trying quartal or extended chords can unlock the soulful character of songs like 'Simple Things' and 'Chamber Music.'
• Balance the vocal melody against the piano texture. In folk-leaning tracks, the piano often stays minimal; resist the urge to fill every moment, and let silence do its work.

These arrangements suit recitals that celebrate contemporary songwriting alongside classical or jazz repertoire, or as anchor pieces in a concert themed around singer-songwriters and modern folk influence. The variety of moods and genres makes individual songs useful for student recitals across a full season.

• Reading and performing lyrics with authentic phrasing and emotional intention
• Interpreting guitar chord notation and translating it to piano voicings
• Understanding groove-based accompaniment versus traditional harmonic support
• Adapting folk, soul, and reggae stylistic conventions in arranged form