GINA SCIPIONE
Destino (self-released)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Gina Scipione's self produced debut offers six songs of striking emotional depth, bringing to mind the music of predecessors like Janis Ian and Laura Nyro. But where Ian's compositions are folk-influenced and Nyro had a knack for pure pop, Scipione's songs reveal an understated but discernible jazz influence. It comes through in the phrasing of her piano lines and her ability to phrase a vocal performance in a way that can fit a long line into a short passage or stretch a word to fill the space required. The songs themselves reveal an artist with willingness to share much of herself with the audience, and in the process provide the listener with the ability to find points of connection on an almost visceral level. While she has a fine voice (though she'd benefit from exploiting her lower register more) and is a gifted pianist, the power of her songs draw you past the superficial beauty of the music, compelling you to pay attention in a way few young songwriters can. It's a promising start, and I'm looking forward to a full length release in the near future.

Track List:

My Request * Independence Day * Winter * Silence * Moment Of Truth * Take Me To Freedom

[Pick this up at CDBaby.]

© 2003 - Shaun Dale