First Listen: Elio Pace – I’ll Take It From Here, Kid

A long-awaited return: Elio Pace, I’ll Take It From Here, Kid

Isn’t it funny how music can take you straight back to another time and bring back special moments you thought you’d almost forgotten?

I clearly remember being 13 and waiting – not very patiently, for a record shop that specialised in American imports to open one Saturday morning. A few weeks earlier, I’d ordered Frankie Valli’s then-new album, Lady Put the Light Out, only available in the US at that point.

When I finally had the LP in my hands, I was thrilled. There was the fantastic sleeve of course, but also that unmistakable new American vinyl smell. I couldn’t wait to get home, put it on my trusty orange Philips record player and lose myself through my Pioneer headphones — almost certainly far too loud!

The album felt like a real step up. It sounded grown-up: lush strings, soaring backing vocals and immaculate production. More than that, every track, every note, seemed to jump out and settle somewhere deep inside. Nearly 50 years on, that memory — and that feeling — has never left me. 

And here I am in 2026 with exactly those same feelings.

That’s because one of the most eagerly awaited releases of the year has finally landed.

Elio Pace’s I’ll Take It From Here, Kid has arrived – his first album of new solo material in 17 years. And the big question is obvious: has it been worth the wait?

In one word: YES!

MIX56 listeners will already know just what a talent Elio Pace is. Over recent years, the huge success of The Billy Joel Songbook has rightly taken him to theatres and larger venues across the UK and Europe.

It’s easy to see why: Billy Joel’s songs are timeless – but it’s Elio’s powerhouse piano playing, remarkable voice, infectious energy and the sheer brilliance of the musicians around him that turn a great night out into something truly special.

But now, at last, we have a new Elio Pace album — and what an album it is.

I’ll Take It From Here, Kid has the confidence, class and attention to detail of a record made by someone who knows exactly who he is as an artist.

There is warmth in every corner, melody in abundance and production so polished it could give Mr Sheen a run for his money. But polish alone is never enough. This is an album with heart, personality and songs that invite you in from the first listen.

There are one or two titles here that may be familiar to dedicated Elio Pace fans, having appeared occasionally in live settings over the years — perhaps on Weekend Wogan or during Elio’s last solo mini-tour. But hearing them presented in this setting is something else entirely.

Track 1 – Every Last Memory

Every Last Memory will already be familiar to some, having been performed on Weekend Wogan and at a handful of select live shows over the years. But this time, the tempo and rhythm have been turned down beautifully, taking the song into grown-up territory.

Glorious real strings, a lovely Hammond sound and soaring backing vocals create a rich, emotional soundscape. It manages to feel wonderfully retro yet completely fresh at the same time.

It’s a “wow” moment from the very first bars — a quietly stunning beginning to this new collection of songs, and a perfect statement of intent for the album to come.

Track 2 – You Never Know The Last Time

You Never Know The Last Time is a stunning ballad that gently meanders through a valley of emotions.

It is a completely original song, but with a classical influence that, dare I say, feels like something Billy Joel himself might have written.

It is important to stress that this album’s DNA is entirely Elio – and a credit to his own incredible musicianship. But as Elio said himself on Harvey’s Musicgasm show on MIX56, this track is his “Good Night My Angel” moment.

It’s modern. It’s lovely. It’s special. And it’s one of those songs that feels like it has always been there, waiting to be discovered.

Track 3 – Pick A Kiss

Pick A Kiss is definitely a personal favourite — and in the brief chat I had with Elio as soon as the album landed, he just knew I was going to highlight this track.

It is a perfect melancholy blend of happy pop-jazz, something that wouldn’t be amiss in Huey Lewis and the News’ impressive catalogue. It has a laid-back, radio-friendly, feel-good vibe that sails by in no time at all.

It might run at 3:48, but it doesn’t feel like it. After the first few listens of this album, I’m still trying to work out my ultimate favourite. This could be it.

Track 4 – And The Grass Won’t Pay No Mind

Now then. The title of this one was vaguely familiar — and as it turns out, it is a cover and the only one you will find on this album. Elvis may have made it famous in 1969 – but Neil Diamond wrote it, and it sits perfectly in this modern-day collection.

This is a mid-tempo, uplifting ballad with carefree words and a relaxed, confident groove. It feels like a perfect listen for a bit of “me” time — the kind of song you put on when you want to switch off, take a breath and let the world fade into the background for a few minutes.

Track 5 – Mountains

Mountains is a big-time ballad moment and a true highlight of this special collection. Piano-led, with glorious Italian-influenced accordion accents, it is a simple song with a huge soundtrack.

It feels like a future classic — and yes, even a future anthem, in the same way that Bridge Over Troubled Water became: a song whose pure genius may only be fully appreciated long after its release.

Track 6 – One Shot

Halfway through, we reach One Shot — a track with that true Elio trademark sound that shaped his early career, and perhaps what many hardcore fans have been waiting for.

Those who know and love his A Seat At My Table album will find this fits like a glove. It has elements of the Thinkin’ sound — the original song that became an anthem radio jingle for Fords of Winsford many years ago.

This is jazz-funk: bright, cheerful and full of energy. It even features the wonderful Paul Jones (of Manfred Mann), adding an extra layer of class to an already brilliant track.

Track 7 – Holding You

As soon as the album arrived, I eagerly scanned the track list looking for this one.

Holding You is a truly special Elio composition that has remained in the can for many years. MIX56 listeners have been treated to plays of the demo version (which to date, is still exclusive to us), but otherwise it is a song that will be unknown to most. It did have one very special public performance on Weekend Wogan many years ago, with an incredible lead vocal by Kirsty Roberts.

Why was I so keen to find it? Quite frankly, this is one of my favourite songs of all time.

Dare I say, it beats anything I ever discovered on that Frankie Valli album back in 1977. I suspect Elio wrote this song with a particular performer in mind – and maybe one day, it will become a powerhouse hit for a big-name artist. It could, and it should, happen.

But for now – at last – we finally have a properly created, studio version of this anthem in its entirety.

It is a completely different interpretation of the demo: much more laid-back and orchestral, with a different emotion — gentler, like a late-night, lights-down moment. Whichever version you prefer, there is no denying that this song is a pure masterpiece. One day, it will have its day.

Track 8 – L’Alba

Elio is of course, a truly accomplished singer-songwriter and musician in his own right.

For many, he is Britain’s answer to Billy Joel — or perhaps, even – the new Elton John. L’Alba, is a largely laid-back, piano-led instrumental which showcases the grown-up side of his composing talent.  Right up there will Billy and Elton.

On first listen, I found myself subconsciously thinking of Song For Guy — not because it sounds anything like it, but because of its similar approach, and in the hope that it would lead into a big, anthemic final section. I wasn’t disappointed.

There is a haunting, ethereal chorus at the end. It seems such a simple tune – but, this being Elio means it probably isn’t. You could easily imagine this sitting on a major film soundtrack somewhere.

Track 9 – You’re The Key

You’re The Key brings two very special guest performances to the album, featuring guitar legend Albert Lee and the wonderful Tessa Niles sharing the lead vocals.

Albert’s connection with Elio goes back many years, including recordings and live performances together, while Tessa’s distinctive vocal talents add another touch of class.

The result is a warm, polished track that feels full of musical generosity. Albert’s guitar work brings its own unmistakable character, while Tessa’s vocals add texture, depth and that little extra lift to the song.

It is another reminder of the respect Elio commands among fellow musicians — but, most importantly, it is a lovely song in its own right, full of melody, heart and easy-going style.

Track 10 – I’ll Take It From Here, Kid

And so we arrive at the title track, I’ll Take It From Here, Kid — a fitting name for an album that marks Elio Pace’s long-awaited return to his own new material. The album is officially released today (10th September 2026), 17 years after his previous collection of original songs.

As a title, it feels full of confidence, warmth and just a little bit of cheek — all qualities that Elio brings to his music. After years of taking The Billy Joel Songbook to audiences across the country and beyond, this is Elio firmly stepping back into the spotlight as a songwriter, performer and musician in his own right.

This track could mean many different things to different people – and that is part of its appeal.

It is a very fitting closing track for what is simply a masterpiece of modern music.

There is a special message weaving throughout – and it features Elio’s dad, Umberto on harmonica.

Sadly, Umberto left us before he had the chance to hear the final edit of what is just a lovely pop song. Listening now, it feels like catching up with a special, familiar friend after a long gap.

You want to give this song a hug. The final fade goes to Umberto, which is so fitting as a closing track to what is a true masterpiece.

This 10-track album has certainly been worth the wait. There may be no obvious chart-battlers here to compete with the likes of Jessie J, Pixie Lott or Olivia Dean — but this is proper grown-up music that speaks to the soul – and I can only hope it gets the public attention it rightly deserves.

The very fact that headliners like Albert Lee have collaborated on this album — alongside the incredibly lovely and talented group of musicians who have supported Elio for the last 20 years or so and are featured here — shows just how respected he is in the business.

This is an album you can just press play on — and whichever track plays, you won’t be disappointed.

• Find out more at ELIO PACE

Tune to Harvey’s Musicgasm show this evening (10th September 2026) from 6pm for an exclusive chat with Elio and a first play of three special tracks.  The listen again link will be posted here in due course.