Gina Sicilia - Bring It On Home : A Tribute To Sam Cooke
Many thanks to Blue Elan Records for sending me a copy of this incredible CD. As a HUGE Sam Cooke fan since the 1960's , I couldn't wait to hear these tracks , performed so remarkably well by the wondrous voice of Gina Sicilia and her incomparable bandmates..
Gina Sicilia - "Bring It On Home:A Tribute to Sam Cooke" - Produced by Fred Mollin
Blue Elan Records - blueelan.com / Gina Sicilia - ginasicilia.com
Sam Cooke - His smooth,tenor voice,pioneering role in soul music, and significant contributions to both the music industry and the Civil Rights Movement ; blending gospel,blues, and pop to create a unique sound all his own ; becoming known as the "King of Soul" ; a businessman who established his own record label and publishing company , a rare feat for a Black artist at the time; Sam Cooke, whose song "A Change Is Gonna Come" became an anthem for the Civil Rights movement ; writing many of his hit songs,showcasing his songwriting talent alongside his recognizable and captivating vocal abilities; Sam Cooke who had 30 U.S. top 40 hits between 1957 and 1964 , demonstrating his popularity and versatility - Sam Cooke .
Sam Cooke - Whose life at just 33-years-of-age ended tragically at the three-dollar-a-night Hacienda Motel in Los Angeles on the night of December 11,1964 , shot and killed by Bertha Franklin , the hotel manager , in what was ruled a case of justifiable homicide . Yes, Sam Cooke , whose life was taken under mysterious circumstances after hooking up with Elisa Boyer , whose altercation with Sam led to the circumstances surrounding his untimely and tragic death . The "King of Soul", whose final moments had him shot and questionably horribly beaten, lying bloody and naked, save for a sports coat and a single shoe , propped up against the door of the motel manager's office , his identity not revealed until many hours later.
Back Story - Gina Sicilia - "Bring it On Home : A Tribute to Sam Cooke" -
Produced by Fred Mollin , a mix of Sam's popular hits and lesser-known tracks , showcasing the fascinating scope,range,and versatility of his musical genius . Gina has stated that these recordings are a tribute to both Sam's artistry and his pioneering spirit .
"What an honor it is to have this opportunity to pay tribute to a true creative,musical,historical and one-of-a-kind industry legend, my hero, the great Sam Cooke. Though I'm certain I will only ever fall short in my attempts at doing him justice for such brilliance can only be imitated,never duplicated. I cherish every moment I hear his music and experience the soul and passion with which he created them . Thank you to Fred Molin for the brilliance and fervor you brought to each session and for
helping me see this project through.....To Sam Cooke for traveling the path that you did so bravely and with such elegance.I made this to honor your legacy, and such an incredible one it is"
Dedicated as well to "every absurdly talented musician and engineer involved in the making of this album that is so very significant to me" and to her husband,Jeff,for his " constant love and Support" , these sessions originally began in 2023 . Gina started working on Sam Cooke songs in 2023 , intending to release a five-song EP with producer Fred Mollin on deck . Intending to seek "crowd funding" to complete the project Gina was approached by Kirk Pasich of Blue Elan Records , who agreed to finance the sessions , agreeing for Blue Elan to release the final product upon completion . So at the tail end of 2023 Fred and Gina finished the album, then sat on it for a year since Gina was busy with her food business . Gina's Italian Cuisine , homemade in Nashville,Tennessee , was launched in March,2021 , and slowly , but steadily, began to grow and expand . After the pandemic Gina's friends took their lives and careers back , hitting the road , while Gina found herself at farmer's markets selling pasta and sauce, missing the shows . She had to learn how to balance the food business and her music , soon finding that the time was right to release the new album and promote the songs .
Fred Mollin has called Gina "a force to be reckoned with" and it is her irrepressible energy , extraordinary passion , and remarkable voice that brings the music of Sam Cooke to fans throughout the globe . She has that soulfulness , that spirit , that energy , that unique sound that resonates with a wide audience . Much like Sam Cooke himself , Gina brings to listeners everywhere a captivating and intimate listening experience filled with emotional performances wrapped around a heartfelt quality . Gina and Sam elevate material to new heights , adding so much of themselves to each and every song , connecting with audiences who are drawn to their sincerity and honesty . Gina and Sam have always wanted to sing to all groups of people , breaking down the barriers of race,age,religion, and social status . Conveying genuine emotion and soulfulness, Gina has taken the music of the iconic Sam Cooke and delivered a terrific homage to Sam Cooke , sharing with us all a mighty joyful experience .
Especially important here are two songs that defined Sam Cooke's role as a spokesperson for the Civil Rights Movement and racial equality ( activities that had Sam on the infamous FBI/J. Edgar Hoover radar) - Bob Dylan's "Blowing In The Wind" , featured during his last live appearances , and the classic anthem that still reverberates today,60 years later , "A Change Is Gonna Come".
"Bring it On Home:A Tribute To Sam Cooke" is absolutely amazing , mesmerizing , and totally irresistable . Sam Cooke is certainly singing along and having the time of his life, "Twistin' the Night Away" , having as much fun listening to these sessions as we are .
Applause for these OUTSTANDING musicians and vocalists who contributed so much to these exciting , magical sessions:
Pat Coll - Keyboards / Kerry Marx- Electric and Acoustic Guitar / Larry Paxton - Bass / Tommy Harden - Drums and Percussion / Fred Mollina - Electric Guitar,Synth ,Percussion,Background Vocals / Pat Bergeson - Harmonica / Jim Hoke-Horns / Maureen Murphy - Background Vocals / Amanda Broadway-Background Vocals / Troy Johnson - Background Vocals
_____________________________________________________
Review Written By - John Muller - Blue Notes and Conversations
