Francesca Sidoti

Twenty-three year old Blue Mountains native and folk/blues artist Francesca Sidoti released her debut album Bright City Light Fool late 2010. Having been reared around folk, country and blues music, you can imagine how this album would sound – folk-styled, with hints of country and the blues! Francesca Sidoti is an emotive and poetic writer who has yet to be unearthed by industry figures.
The first track off the album, "Happy", is one that makes you want to go on a road trip to some serene place. This pop-folk tune has one of the album's catchiest choruses, while a funky piano accordion plays in the background and Sidoti's vocals come off subtle and sweet.
"Borne By The Saints Marching In" is a driving song that almost sounds like gospel-rock. An enjoyable tune to listen to with Sidoti’s folky vox, trumpet sounds in the background, Drummer-Boy-like beats alongside the country-like guitar playing.
"Dance Down My Street" is introduced with fluent guitar-picking and sweet harmonies alongside Sidoti’s vocals. Later, the strumming of an acoustic-guitar joins the melody and then the song ends with a beautiful solo of acoustic-guitar. The next track, "Camden Bridge", entails a beautiful combination of Sidtoi’s vocals and simultaneous guitar-playing which turns out to be more of an upbeat rock tune – a track I can picture being played at a chilled out time during a blues/rocks festival.
"Easy" is a track that makes one want to get up and dance as it has an affluent characteristic of blues and rock, especially with the added piano. "Beholden" is definitely a folk ballad, lighthearted yet emotive. It is such a relaxing song to listen to and is suitable to play on a quiet Sunday afternoon.
"Pumpkin's Presence" is an enjoyable tune to listen to due to its upbeat funky melody and the narration of Sidoti’s vocals. The song title itself is already intriguing which gets the listener wondering what it’s all about.
The album eases out with the song “Leaving Song” – too appropriate of a song title to end the album. This tune makes the listener feel a sense of melancholy due to its slow–paced tempo and droopy tone of voice. You're almost left feeling saddened that you have come to the end of the album!
Bright City Light Fool is definitely a keeper for folks/blues lovers, one worthy of addition to any music library.
Review Score: 7.5/10 - The AU Review

The theme of the evening at The Front on Saturday night was clearly that of family. Francesca Sidoti had filled half the room with members of her ‘big Greek family’. Guest door girl for the night was Mrs Sidoti, Francesca’s mum.

Canberra resident John Lollback opened the evening with a set of country-pop originals clearly written about what he knew, from walking to the pub to being 24 years old. Lollback is more commonly known in these parts as the singer of Canberra power-pop outfit The Ashburys.

Beers were consumed and the crowd grew in anticipation of Sidoti’s set. ?Touring with new album, Bright City Light Fool, Sidoti brought to life the loungeroom-esque venue; though due to recent renovations The Front looks like they’ve added a dining room as well. Less couches, more tables and chairs. Sidoti sings like she speaks, with ease and such flow, although admitting to using dad-like jokes in her stage banter. Locals haven’t seen someone so happy to be performing here since Rafe Morris; the two musicians share a contagious grin with guitar in hand, behind a microphone. ?

Sidoti has such a presence on stage that can’t be seen or heard on her recording. Live, she sings so humbly and everything she does is raw. Her album doesn’t do her justice, it seems far too polished. Sidoti is an amazing songwriter, all of her tunes hold such witty lyrics and catchy, sing-a-long choruses. This is most recognisable in a song inspired by her grandmother, who once worked in a fish and chip shop called, Deep Fried Petrified.
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Two haunting covers were thrown into Sidoti’s well-rounded set. The first, Bob Dylan’s, You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go, followed up by Death Cab for Cutie’s, I’ll Follow You into the Dark. Sidoti admits that she isn’t the stereotypical Death Cab fan and that she long resisted them because she can’t afford copious amounts of eyeliner.

Residing in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, Sidoti tours the country four days a week and works in a local cafe two days. She takes inspiration from her surroundings and turns it into her passion. Luckily for any Canberra residents who missed this intimate shindig you can experience the next best thing when Sidoti returns for the National Folk Festival, 21-25 April. - Faster Louder