Come On Over
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
A Washington D.C. songwriter with a penchant for twangy Americana, the 9 tracks here from Domenic Cicala are all covers by legends like Donnie Fritts, Dave Alvin, and Fred Eaglesmith, among others, and they all reside in a duet setting.
“Loving Arms” starts the listen extremely inviting and warm as Cicala’s gentle pipes are complemented by Michelle Hannan’s lovely singing amid rustic steel guitar, and “Goodbye Again” follows with breezy acoustic guitar as Cicala is joined by BettySoo’s pretty vocals on the timeless Americana setting.
In the middle, “We Had It All” benefits much from Jack O’Dell’s proficient drums as Mindy Miller’s expressive singing aids in the folk influenced climate, while “If Only You Were Mine” highlights Moe Nelson’s acoustic bass and Mark Noone’s baritone guitar, alongside Jaimie Harris and Cicala duetting with much beauty and grace.
Further down the line, “Come On Over” recruits Rachel Harrington as traditional country nods unfold with intimacy and even piano from Bill Starks, and “If I Needed You” exits the listen with Janine Wilson’s soaring contributions on the classic Townes Van Zandt tune that’s just as stirring in Cicala’s vision.
An album that took 3 years to make, you can tell much work went into the project, as each track is reimagined with much detail and care. Although he may be an obscure name outside of his immediate area, Domenic Cicala is more than worth a spin for anyone with an affinity for country, folk, Americana and rootsy sounds.
Travels well with: D.L. Marble- One Line At A Time; Andy Baker- North Country Sky