A Vivoscene Feature Review by Brian Miller

Vivoscene rating 8.0

As many of her peers will testify, Gina Zavalis is one fearsome singer, but it wasn’t until recently when she began her own songwriting chores that she has truly come into her own. Her self-titled EP has recently been released, and the five songs contained therein are as dynamic and as powerful as anything we’ve heard all year. She lists Sarah Brightman and Barbra Streisand among her influences, and Gina’s off-Broadway stage experience reveals itself in every note: crystal-clear intonation, wonderful expression, and an ability to raise the house that matches just about anyone else you care to name.

That said, Gina Zavalis has something else going for her besides her three octave range: she displays the potential to be simultaneously both intimately powerful and powerfully intimate. No one’s pulled that off since Streisand, and even she didn’t write her own material. Gina’s voice is deeper and darker than Streisand’s but is capable of similar depth of expression. I happen to own the first three Streisand albums on vinyl and had to bring them out and audition them after listening to Zavalis. Both performers are show-stoppers, though their material is much different. And don’t forget Streisand turned her talents to pop music many a time. Most Broadway or stage singers sound awkward when immersed in a pop song, and Streisand was one of the notable exceptions. So is Zavalis. Take our word for it: she could be the next great American voice.

Gina hails from New York and has worked in theatre and various musical genres, but she is currently working on her solo music career with producer Doug Beiden, who has worked with artists Jennifer Paige, Michael Sweet (Stryper), Mandisa and with numerous television shows, such as Secret Millionaire (ABC), Flying Wild Alaska (Discovery), Million Dollar Money Drop( FOX), and Celebrity Wife Swap. Zavalis is also collaborating with LA composer/orchestrator/conductor Bob Barrett, who orchestrates projects for Disney, has scored numerous films, and arranged for Diana Ross, Pat Benatar, Bill Medley, Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, Maureen McGovern and more.

The standout track on this EP is the leadoff single “In Your Eyes”, an immaculately grand production piece that pulls out all the stops with its shimmering piano and brilliantly over-dubbed chorus. The second track “Reach For Me” achieves that singular combination of power and intimacy I spoke of earlier. The fourth track, “I’m Waiting” is also beautifully written and the lyrics are especially telling:

“I’m not content to linger here
To fade away or disappear”

With her voice, there is no chance of that. As long, that is, as she keeps finding the right material, be it her own, or even re-creations from some of the early Streisand catalogue (“Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home” for instance, or even “People”). As evidenced on this EP, whenever she feels strongly connected to the song, she will deliver an ardent and thrilling interpretation.

You can audition the entire Gina Zavalis five-song recording at her website (just click on “launch Gina’s audio player) or find the entire EP at iTunes here.