Bitter Blues
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
The guitarist and singer Domenic Cicala is surrounded by a large cast of musicians for these diverse and sincere songs.
“One Horse Town (Mother’s Day)” starts the listen with Cicala’s smooth voice alongside Lynne Hanson’s harmony vocals and Eric Selby’s fluid drums for the melodic climate, and “Baby Come Back” follows with a breezy demeanor that welcomes Carol Ann’s steel pan and Tom Corradino’s playful accordion.
Halfway through, “Hangin’ Tree” makes great use of Arif Durrani’s well timed organ for the hint of mystery, while “Just To Walk That Little Girl Home” is an intimate moment via Ben Holmes’ cautious drums and Tony Denikos’ cozy harmony vocals.
“Whisper” and “Shores Of Sorrow” exit the listen, where the former benefits much from Michelle Hannan, Eryn Michel and Megan Leigh’s harmonies that suit Cicala’s expressive pipes, and the latter focuses much on piano, which is paired with the eloquent singing for the mature finish.
An eclectic body of work that pulls from jazz, pop, country and Americana, Cicala pens songs that we can relate to, and where influences like Woody Guthrie, Elvis and Hank Williams will be appreciated.
Travels well with: Heather Little- By Now; Scott Sean White- Even Better On The Bad Days