‘Women Talk’ was released December 2023. Time really flies because I meant to get this out a long time ago and summer is almost here (it’s here now). Looking at the credits of the songs makes me so happy because most of the names were a part of the whole album. And seeing Gina’s name throughout the album was great too. It’s rare to see artist names throughout an album these days. So that familiar feeling is nice. Making this hold more weight in my opinion. 

I would love to do more of these. Like always, I will mention my bias. I have had the pleasure of taking a few courses with Gina. Very helpful, especially as an artist. I was able to listen to so many types of songs that I would have never thought of performing. And I was able to grow confidence to want to take singing more seriously. So, I truly appreciate that.

Now, as always, I will be honest with my review and listen thoroughly. I cannot wait to dive into this. This is the first time I’m doing a genre like this. One song I always go back to on Spotify is ‘[Ah, the Apple Trees] When the World Was Young’ that Gina did. Her tone has changed a lot since then. It’s really impressive and I think it added even more color to her style of music (in my opinion). Like mentioned in her bio of YouTube: Gina Saputo is a recognized jazz vocalist, actress, composer/arranger, author, and clinician. Impressive resume. And spirit is unbeatable. Update: Congratulations to Gina and Joe and the whole family! I meant to send this out beforehand. They have been very busy with life and touring, and it’s been everything. I am so, so proud. If you can’t tell I’m fangirling.

Another update: If you missed the previous opportunity to see her live, now is your chance! One is coming up July 14th, you don’t want to miss it. More information on her Instagram. She has this charisma when performing that you don’t want to miss out on. And you can hear it in the music as well- which we will be going into shortly.

Anyways…to the album review! As always, I will do: Organization, Sound, and personal preferences. 

1. Mean to Me

I remember listening to her on Spotify when I took her course because I love listening to my creative teacher’s work. I am obsessed with her vocal tone. I feel like the recording itself felt vintage. And I think it’s the tone and the whole process. It felt like a hidden treasure. That cry riff down was amazing. I felt like she was playing and having so much fun with the melodies. All the emotions are added. I just like the sassy attitude with her singing. I love the piano solo. Joe Bagg is killing it! I’m backtracking a bit, but the lead into the “mean to me” at the beginning is so iconic.

We I love her tone so much. It’s very warm. I’m not good with genres, but it sounds like Jazz/Bossa Nova. I like the ending because it makes the song replayable. I love when songs are like that. And when I replayed it, it felt like a perfect loop. It’s addicting y’all. I don’t know what to tell you.

2. Do Nothin’ Til You Hear from Me

It was seamlessly moving to the next song. Amazing. It felt like I was at a concert when the setlist moves on flawlessly. I love it. The first and second one’s theme can play all year. And honestly all of them can, but I see myself playing these a lot. Again, the instrumental is amazing.

I love when music has an instrumental break. I feel like a lot of music have them because they need it or because they feel like it’s tradition. This one is the exact opposite. It feels like this was very planned out. And with that intentionality and tastefulness it really elevated the feeling of the song. The “doooooooo nothing” was so good. It was the crescendo. It gave power (along with the lyrics). And she delivers the notes of the song is so playful. And it makes you happy. What do we mean by seeing someone else…Gina? Gina?! And the “you never will” is so good. I love the sassy tone this song has. It’s a secret that won’t be addressed. I love the technique, but she knows what she’s doing already.

3. A Felicidade

Okay for a second, I was confused. What are the clicking sounds at the beginning? I was really confused, and I thought my oven was on. Is it a metronome? Either way, I went back a lot and I think it really painted the vibe of the song. I got more and more elements added as I listened. It was truly a listening experience.

I think this is a cover of a Bossa Nova song. I apologize for my lack of knowledge in this department. This one is a different tone. I think I heard this one first on youtube when I was streaming (I am on spotify now). I need to search up what this means…

But for now, I just really like the mysterious sensational vibe it has. The percussion, the keys, the vocals. All of the layers are there. And as she sings especially at the 2 minute mark everything is doing it’s own thing. And comes back together. There’s some empty space sometimes for us to marinate in the vibes of the song. It has great timing. I love the different volume changes with the crescendo. I don’t know the meaning yet, but it’s nice. I got chills. I love the feel of this song. Because of the vibe of it, I probably would have put this song last if I were to organize this album. Or second to last (in this case a song after this). 

4. On the Street Where You Live

This one has breathing at the beginning and is a really cool layer. I love different layers to songs; it makes it harder to dissect. IS anyone the same? This one is also a cover. I love this song. And I like the jazzy rendition. I’m biased to jazz, okay? It’s one of my favorite genres.

After 30 seconds ,the color comes in. In specifics, 31 seconds in. I love it. When it comes to covers, they are hard when you know the song. I really like this one though because she made it her own. When you convert the song into something that is your sound and when you do it well, it makes the song wonderful. And then you can have more than one favorite artist on it.

Starting off the verse it was immediately strong. I love the rawness too. More specifically, when you can hear where the artist is breathing. The “lilac” was really cool too. I really want to know how to deliver the phrases like this. I think it takes time and confidence in what you do. The several stories high was amazing. I wonder if she does it in one recording and does she plan her different dynamics. It was in the details. 

5. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)

The song has a video for it and it’s really toasty.

This song is a Christmas song that has to be a staple song. As you seen I added the song on the previous post. This song is very amazing. This felt like the more laid-back version of the song. I feel like it’s very fitting for when you’re opening the gifts at night. And exchanging gifts by the fireplace. It gives the toastiness of Christmas. I love the “sleigh” on the 3:04.

For technique, I love it. I’m not too well versed in this, but she has so much control in her voice. I love the warmth. I felt this song’s vowels were very open. And the pacing of the song was slow and steady. It works very well for the chill vibe that it has.

Rankings:

Ranking these things is always so hard. Especially when the songs are so strong, it’s difficult. #1 has been lingering in my head for months so I know that one. it’s hard to compare them. But I think that I made my decision. 

1. Mean to Me
2. A Felicidade 
3. Do Nothin’ Til You Hear from Me
4. On the Street Where You Live
5. The Christmas Song

FINAL THOUGHTS: 

So, in my opinion, I think that any jazz lover will love this. Just music lovers in general. Or anyone who loves to see artist really live in the music. If you are a music enthusiast, I think this style Gina delivers in is a fun one to check out. It’s a no brainer to check this album out.

There is a pretty good variety (style wise) on this album as well. And I think it flows pretty well. As stated in her Instagram her “new EP is available on Spotify and everywhere else you stream now!” Show lots of love and support and tell her we sent you over! I didn’t say much on here, as I think listening was important first. And it’s hard to describe other genres. Ultimately, I think you can tell, I think it’s definitely worth the listen!

So, what are your thoughts on the album? What’s your favorite song? Let us know in the comments below. For now, take care of yourselves, listen to some great music, and we’ll see you in the next post!

Written and illustrated by: A.P.