Gina Sicilia
"Can't Control Myself"
Swingnation Records / Vizztone Music Group
By Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro © August 2011

As I looked at the picture of Gina Sicilia on the inside of this CD jacket, I felt like I was looking at a picture of a young Maria Muldaur. Delving further into it by looking at some earlier pictures of Maria, as well as reading some of her bio, I discovered that besides resembling each other - by both being beautiful ladies of Italian descent (yes, Maria Muldaur is actually Maria D'amato), with gorgeous complexions and similar dark curly hair - they share many other similarities. Gina's from Philly and Maria's a New Yorker. They're both powerful, emotional and talented singers who have garnered Blues Music Award Nominations. Both, although rooted in the blues, can easily cross into the genre of their choice. And, while Maria is well established, Gina is well on her way to establishing herself. Now let's go hear her.

On "Can't Control Myself", her third release in four years, Gina stuck with the formula that's been successful for her in the past. That formula includes Gina singing several well written originals mixed in with a few of the classics, and backing herself up with an outstanding group of musicians. The only difference this time is that most of that group of outstanding musicians is Dave Gross. You see, on this particular disc, Dave plays: electric, acoustic and slide guitar; upright and electric bass; drums; piano; Wurlitzer; B3; percussion; accordion; toy piano: and he sings background vocals. However, since he doesn't play any horns - yet - it was necessary to use Matt Cowan on baritone & tenor sax, and Jon-Erik Kelso on trumpet for several tracks. Also, Sean Daly plays the lap steel on a track.

The opening notes coming from Matt's baritone establish the basis for the deep and powerful tone Gina uses to belt out an original titled "Addicted". I may have heard her do better, but listening to this deliverance makes it difficult remembering when.

As with six of the ten tracks, once you've listened you'd think I was crazy for calling "Crazy 'Bout You Baby" a duet. However, that's what it is - all Gina and Dave. Gina doing what she does best - singing her heart out, and Dave doing his thing on several instruments including killer guitar highlights.

Gina needs to know if she'll be asked to dance "Before The Night Is Through" but on the other hand, with the similar sounding beat, she could easily be wondering if someone will be "saving the last dance for her"? Speaking of dancing, this one will have you doing it. Dave and Matt do an amazing job creating a romantic sound similar to what you'd hear coming from a native band at an Island cabana.

Once again, it's all Gina and Dave. However, is spite of Dave's efforts, Gina could have knocked this one out of the box solo. She's so perfect on "A Place In The Sun", it would have been an amazing A capella song.

Gina's easily at discs best on "As Long As You're Here". By itself, it's an incredibly beautiful song. Then having Gina sing it like she does - with intense emotion, using many vocal changes and achieving amazing levels of range, the song takes on "song of the year" qualities.

There's a line in "Wish The Clock Would Stop" that goes like this......"I went to check the clock today, it seems my time has passed......" No way, Gina! These ears and eyes disagree. On another very good original track, Dave's got the rhythm cooking and making his only appearance, Jon-Erik's killing it on trumpet. Gina? What do you think? She's nailing another one.

Other tracks on "Can't Control Myself" include: "Members Only", "Can't Control Myself", "Gimme A Simple Song", and "Once In A While".

I can honestly say, that having heard all of her discs and having seen several of her live performances, that what I just listened to is Gina Sicilia at her best to date. I can only wonder.....and look forward to finding out as well...how much better this young lady is going to be as her voice and career peak.

Of course, www.ginasicilia.com is where you should be heading right now. After that, you know the drill...buy the disc and tell Gina the Blewzzman sent ya.