DEUX VISIONS (LP)

23-year-old French-American singer-songwriter Francesca Blanchard has been hailed by Vermont weekly Seven Days as a profound, mature talent who displays guile and artistic sensitivity that would be the envy of many tunesmiths twice her age. With artfully crafted, intimate songs, sung in French and English, Blanchard has begun to reach a wide audience with recent inclusions on three Putumayo collections as well as opening slots for Joan Armatrading, Suzanne Vega, Caravan Palace and others. Pouring her heart into delicate melodies written for the acoustic guitar, deux visions was produced by Chris Velan (Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars), mixed by acclaimed Montreal producer Jean Massicotte (Lhasa, Patrick Watson, Arthur H, Jorane) and mastered at the prestigious Metropolis Studios in London. The album reflects Francesca's travels, both physical and emotional, with influences ranging from Norah Jones and Carla Bruni to Eva Cassidy and Francoise Hardy.