Francesca Romana
Album: So Close To You
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 10
Website: http://francesca-fabris.wix.com/francesca-romana

This album is a definite slow burner. The music is described as Folk, Bossa and Jazz although I think it is the latter that has the most influence. I was really unsure about it on the first listen, but as I have become accustomed to her voice, I have enjoyed it more.

Francesca is a multi-talented Italian singer and author. In addition to her music she has also published books of poems and a novel. She is surrounded by some wonderful musicians on this album and the jazz sections are outstanding.

Vocally I can detect snippets of both Astrud Gilberto and Tanita Tikaram in some of her songs. This is especially apparent in the Bossa Nova influenced tracks.

This is her third studio album and was recorded in Rome in 2014. Francesca has studied music in Italy and London and has been performing since 2009.

On first listen I had a bit of difficulty understanding some of the lyrics as a result of Francesca's Italian accent. You get used to it fairly quickly though. One of the tracks is sung in Italian so I must admit to having no idea at all what it is about. All of the songs are written by Francesca and produced by her. As I said above, multi-talented! The first track on the album introduces the musicians and Francesca's voice very well and sets the mood for the rest of the album.

I think the album is musically excellent but I do have reservations about the quality of Francesca's voice. Her intonation at times wobbles slightly but the songs are good enough to overcome this.

Overall this is a very pleasant and listenable album and will please most listeners and fans of jazz in particular.y

Rory Stanbridge