Emma Sidney

Emma Sidney comes from Melbourne, one of the world’s most active jazz cities. A dedicated vocalist since her teens, she has performed classical, opera, musical theatre and jazz works since 1988, including stage and television appearances. She completed a Diploma in Jazz and Popular Performance in 2000 and from 1999 has worked full time in music: leading bands, teaching jazz and technique privately, and organising local and overseas engagements.

While she has performed jazz around Melbourne since 1995, success with pianist Todd Sidney in Tokyo in 2001 opened further travel that year and led to her first CD (MCD 211). Residencies, festivals and events were the mainstay of her work between 1998 and 2001, including entertainment at The Novatel, The Rialto and other high-calibre venues. In 2001 she and Todd were featured six nights a week as the Top Lounge act at one of the View Hotels in Asakusa, Tokyo. In 1999–2000 she held a residency at The Rising Sun Hotel in South Melbourne, and for eighteen months her duo played at Borders in South Yarra. In 2000 she also drew strong notices at the Merimbula and Wagga Wagga jazz festivals.

Her passion for jazz singing took hold on the festival circuit from 1995. At Inverloch, Wagga Wagga, Merimbula and Halls Gap she led bands including Sophisticated Ladies, Mmm Jazz and Lush Vibe. She values festivals for their spontaneity: musicians meet, choose tunes by consensus, and leave room for the unexpected. Years of playing with many partners have given her a clear sense of style and a calm presence on the bandstand. She prefers to work as part of the group, aiming for shared musical and emotional ground so that something new can emerge.

Her international influences include Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Diana Krall, Kurt Elling, Nat King Cole, Barbra Morrison and Aretha Franklin. Among Australian performers she cites Michelle Nicole, Nichaud Fitzgibbon, Bob Sedergreen and Vince Jones.

Artist's website: www.emmasidney.com