Album Notes

When soulful grooves and smooth, sexy Spanish lyrics combine it has
an irresistible effect on the ear. This is indeed the case when you hit play
and journey through Si Me Quieres/If You Love Me, the highly-anticipated
recording from Gemma Genazzano. This beautiful woman beckons the
listener to journey with her through songs of love, sensuality, and
romance. As her seductive vocals float with ease over the band one
cannot help but feel that Gemma Genazzano is very comfortable
exploring her passions. Her band plays soulfully with her, grooving
intensely and steady as she sings her lyrics so sweetly as though we are
lying right there beside her. Just check out the first track, “Enamorada,”
in case you need convincing.
Background vocals soar, strings intoxicate and horns accentuate while
making you feel as though you’ve been transported back to a ‘70s Black
movie soundtrack. The beauty of Gemma’s recording is that the music
and her voice sound completely natural together. This is due in part to
producer Marlon Saunders, whose work has been rooted in the soul
scene since his days with jazz/soul group Jazzhole. Saunders, whose
own recordings, Enter My Mind and A Groove So Deep:The Live Sessions
have had critical acclaim has also been on the scene touring and
recording as a vocalist with such artists as Sting, Bobby McFerrin,
Shania Twain, Nine Inch Nails and even an appearance in the recent
Disney film, Enchanted. Clearly, Gemma is in good hands!
Gemma Genazzano, who lives between Barcelona and New York, has
been captivating audiences with her irresistible rhythms, exotic melodies,
and sensual lyrics from the festivals of Europe to New York’s Blue Note
and Madison Square Garden. She is the daughter of late Italian actor,
Oswaldo Genazzano and the granddaughter of the Italian
actress Gemma Genazzano who worked with the legendary
Federico Fellini.
At an early age, Gemma was drawn to jazz and gospel
music and loved the classic American films she saw on
television. She would sit for hours listening and dreaming
of some day performing on stage for huge audiences.
While studying piano at the Liceu Conservatory, Gemma
was constantly searching for new sounds and ways to
express her music. Gemma left her classical studies
behind and began singing jazz and performing at clubs
and festivals throughout Spain. Gemma later earned a
scholarship to study at the prestigious Berklee College of
Music in Boston, Massachusetts where she first met
Marlon Saunders.
After moving to New York, she reconnected with Saunders
and began writing with him and guitarist/songwriter Greg
Dayton. Searching for a unique sound for this fiery artist,
Saunders spent more than nine months writing and creating
tracks with Gemma and Greg that would later become
Si Me Quieres/If You Love Me.
So, relax with a glass of wine, light a candle, get cozy with
that special someone and let Gemma Genazzano sweep
you away into a world where romance is always in the
song.