The silence has been lengthening since GINA VILLALOBOS' critically-acclaimed sophomore album 'Miles Away' in 2006, so it's good to have her back in the fray, even if her re-emergence comes via an unlikely source: a cover of Steve Winwood's Blind Faith classic 'Can't Find My Way Home'.
It's one of those 'not likely on paper' scenarios, though, for while the idea of a feisty, Americana-tinged singer/ songwriter covering a late '60s 'supergroup' staple might seem a little quixotic, the reality soon makes those frown lines melt away, with Gina going straight for the song's trembling emotional jugular and – courtesy of a sparse, gravitas-fuelled arrangement – soon making you sorry you ever doubted her line of thinking. The song has one of those killer, descending chord progressions which can't fail to lacerate your heart, while a gently looming orchestral thrum supports Gina's spidery acoustic guitar framework and leaves plenty of room for the gravelly magic of her voice. It's a case of less is more and it works like a dream.
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So it's not “Americana” in any easily recognisable form, but that's irrelevant. It's one great singer/ songwriter investing emotive brilliance of her own making into already great source material. And making it count. Besides, it ain't gonna be on her forthcoming third album, so I'd suggest you get downloading while it's easily available.
(http://www.ginavillalobos.com)
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