Anna Scionti (pronounced Shontee) is a singer-songwriter, guitarist and bottleneck slide player who mixes it up on cigar box guitar, resonator, lap steel, acoustic and electric guitar.
Having recently lost her brother to cancer, Scionti has spent the last 2 years writing and producing her third album. The album is a reflection on returning to her home town in regional Victoria and time with family leading up to and following the death of her brother.
Sparrow and the Fox is a dedication to Anna’s beloved brother, in which the talented singer, songwriter delves deep into the memory bank and presents a heartfelt tribute. While staying true to her her blues & roots background, on Sparrow and the Fox Anna also treads new territory, employing some different compositional angles and exploring sonic layers she hadn’t previously visited. It’s the sound of an artist confronting grief, developing her craft further and delivering it all from a place of love and respect. The title track, specifically penned about her brother’s fight with cancer is particularly poignant.
Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips caught up with singer-songwriter, guitarist Anna Scionti to discuss the creation of her new album Sparrow and the Fox.
MORE ABOUT ANNA SCIONTI
Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society’s (MBAS) Blues Performer of the Year in 2023, Scionti represented MBAS at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN, USA in January 2024 and made it through to the Semifinals. Scionti has followed this up by releasing two new singles, ‘Faker’ and ‘Sing with The Birds’, and this her third studio album ‘Sparrow And The Fox’ released on 12 July 2024.
The music Scionti makes is her own style steeped in blues, roots, contemporary folk, and alt-rock. While absorbing influences from her favourite artists, Scionti walks her own creative path. Driving guitars and honeysoaked, gravel-infused vocals draw you deep in to her world of emotionally charged, rhythmic tunes.
Having shared the stage with some of Australia’s finest blues and roots and players, Scionti is a regular on the Blues Train and has performed at festivals including Echuca Winter Blues Festival (VIC), Port Fairy Folk Festival (VIC), Gympie Music Muster (QLD), Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival (VIC), Thredbo Blues Festival (NSW), National Folk Festival (ACT), Blues On Broadbeach (QLD), St Kilda Blues Festival (VIC), Mitchel Creek Rock ’N’ Blues Festival(QLD), and more …
Scionti’s other releases include: 2020 Album ‘Junkbox Racket’, 2019 album ‘Orphan Diary’ and her 2017 selftitled EP. ‘Orphan Diary’ debuted at No.4 on the Australian Blues & Roots Airplay Charts, spent seven months in the top 20, and was a nominee for ‘Best Blues Album’ at the 2019 Music Victoria Awards. Scionti was also nominated for ‘Best Blues Act’ at the 2021 Music Victoria Awards.
ALBUM DETAILS
Recorded and mixed at Rangmaster Melbourne, Australia by David Carr
Double Bass and Violin recorded at Raymond Island Studio by Peter Howell
Backing vocals in Unhappy Girl by Janine Maunder recorded at J-Bird Studio
Harmonica recorded by Anna Scionti
Mastered at Crystal Mastering by Joseph Carra
Produced by Anna Scionti
Album cover illustration by Chelsea Murrell @chelmurrell
ANNA SCIONTI – Vocals, Acoustic Guitars, Avocet Cigar Box Guitar, Harmonica, Tambourine, Resonator & Lap Steel
DAVID CARR – ‘Chough’ Cigar Box Guitar Bass Track 3
WILLIAM HUTTON – Bodhran Drum Track 5
EMILY LAWLER – Violin Track 7
JANINE MAUNDER – Backing Vocals track 7
PETER HOWELL – Double Bass Track 7, Track 10
Available for download on AMRAP Sparrow and The Fox https://amrap.org.au/release/anna-scionti-sparrow-and-the-fox
LISTEN HERE: BANDCAMP : https://annascionti.bandcamp.com/music
Anna Scionti | FAKER | Official Video : https://youtu.be/K4dyq8F–4I?si=U5J2C4GBwa3yWPui
SING WITH THE BIRDS the second single release from Sparrow and the Fox – a song dedicated to anyone who has lost someone they have loved and had to carry the heavy load of grief as they continue on life’s journey.
Anna Scionti | SING WITH THE BIRDS – Official Video: https://youtu.be/IB7GS-VZxU4?si=bQoJM-D71Ifu-67A
WEBSITE: https://www.annascionti.com
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/annasciontimusic
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/annasciontimusic
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/guitarbluesgirl
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@annasciontimusic
BANDCAMP : https://annascionti.bandcamp.com/music
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4jgYnXcns5KPqcATAg78Hs?si=IWogNyZOTlaWBCABhzkpRw