Only once in a great while an artist comes along with the power to cause jaws to drop in awe—ladies and and gentleman, meet Philadelphia's own musical own dynamo Gina Sicilia
Exposed to music early on by her music-loving family, Gina began singing at the age of 3 and wrote her first song at the tender age of 12. Upon hearing blues legend Bobby Bland for the first time at the age of 14, she became instantly enthralled by the raw emotion and power of blues & soul. After spending her teenage years polishing her vocal and songwriting skills, Gina began singing in clubs around the Philadelphia area, and has since branched out worldwide.
As an artist who has been performing on the blues circuit for only a few short years, it is obvious to see that Gina's star is rising, and it is rising fast.
In December 2007, only five months after the release of her critically acclaimed debut album, "Allow Me To Confess", Gina signed with the prestigious Piedmont Talent booking agency, which represents such legendary acts as Johnny Winter and James Cotton. That same month, Gina's impressive talent was recognized by the Blues Foundation, earning her a 2008 Blues Music Awards nomination for "Best New Artist Debut".
Now 23, this soulful, passionate vocalist and songwriter has just completed her sophomore CD. Entitled "Hey Sugar", this musical masterpiece proves Sicilia to be not only a stunning vocalist but an extraordinarily gifted, unique songwriter, capable of writing soulfully and effectively in a multitude of genres. The record is a reflection of Gina's diverse musical talent and tastes, as well as her undeniable and continuous growth as a vocalist and songwriter.
The album consists of thirteen soul-stirring tracks, nine of which were written entirely by Gina herself
"Hey Sugar" was produced by 2007 Blues Music Awards Nominee Dave Gross, who also lends his own innovative guitar playing to the mix. Backed by a cast of some of the finest players in the business, including young harmonica master Dennis Gruenling and acclaimed pianist David Maxwell, Gina's powerful vocal delivery, range, and conviction command the attention of listeners throughout the entire album.
With "Hey Sugar", Gina continues to develop a competence that belies her age.
She is an artist in high-demand, and continues to receive rave reviews from critics and music fans alike.
More than just a throwback to the great blues & soul vocalists of the 50's & 60's, Gina uniquely separates herself from the pack of current vocalists with a style that is distinctive, magnetic, and anything but cliché.
Now an internationally touring artist, Gina's ability to evolve as a vocalist and songwriter is boundless. This is only the beginning for Gina Sicilia, as she will undoubtedly continue to make her mark among the new generation of musical artists.
"Gina Sicilia may be the best blues singer on the music scene today" –JazzReview.com
"Gina Sicilia's voice posessess such depth and breadth that she may indeed one day be mentioned alongside the giants in the blues idiom." –Music City Blues
"...dramatically different from any of her peers. Her voice is robust and earthy...Gina Sicilia has a solid first album and star potential."–Blues Wax
"...Gina is fast becoming a master at her craft. As I listened to each song over and over again I kept telling myself, “This girl is going to make it big!” ....The album is full of emotion. Gina’s voice exudes so much emotion and pain. Her powerful instrument can is controlled from soft utterances up to blasting out lyrics with the best of them. She is a superb talent that is getting even better with experience.... If you love female blues vocals done right, this is a CD you must add to your collection! - Steve Jones, Crossroads Blues Society
Gina Sicilia's young, talented voice has the ability to melt your heart with the turn of a phrase...
Sicilia's signature is weaving back and forth between genres with both her songwriting skills and
powerful alto voice that can croon you to a swoon or be as sassy as it wants to be...after hearing
Sicilia live and on CD these past two years, expectations continue to rise for this young star.
...This album is no sophomore slouch and stands up easily against last year's Allow Me To Confess because of its
maturity in songwriting and continued skill and craft in vocal phrasing and overall quality." -Ben Cox, IllinoisBlues.com
"...the 23 year old is more sure footed than her big sisters of a generation ago, dazzling even harder on her new, second release. Assuming even more control of her musical direction, Sicilia is in the pocket throughout, playing the music through fresh ears and delighting mightily across the disc. A solid winner contemporary blues fans will simply love." - MidwestRecord.com
Love your music!! You were one of my first MySpace friends... if you ever need a keyboard player or sax player on the West Coast, let me know! If you have a chance, let me know what you think of my tunes.
Ciao Gina ,thank you for the add and the friendship. you are very good, I like your stupendous music a lot,and stupendous voice. you are fantastic ..really. you are a myth for me;-) talk to you soon, and all of my best wishes to always listen to your good music. all the best.. from italy neal
Hey Gina just heard one of your songs on Sirius. I remembered that you had added me a while back on here. Its good to see that your on tour and have a new cd out. I'm still mixing sound down here in Austin. I'm working for Miller Pro Audio. You can check out our website Millerproaudio.com. Let me know if your doing a Texas swing anytime soon. If you don't have a engineer yet let me know. Hope the road is treating you well.
Ciao,Gina ,Thank you for the add and the friendship. you are very good, I like your stupendous music a lot,and stupendous voice. you are fantastic ..really. talk to you soon, and all of my best wishes to always listen to your good music. all the best.. from italy neal
Precious luve! Passing by, and I want to tell you that your photo is so awesome that fulfills your profile in an outstanding manner. Don't forget you are the best! derrusax.
Had a Great time @ Earls yesterday, thanks for coming our way. You have the most beautiful vocals! And the Band is Perfect! Enjoy all of your music, look forward to hearing the new CD. Please come back to FL again soon. Love & Peace, Your Fan & Friend, Tina
Ciao Gina , Thank you for the add and the friendship. you are very good, I like your music and the splendid voice. talk to you soon, and all of my best wishes to always listen to your good music. all the best.. from italy neal