Press & Reviews

REVIEW // Up Close & Personal
Acoustic Guitar Magazine February - Ron Forbes-Roberts

“This double CD showcases two sides of Genfan’s musical persona: her jaw dropping Fingerstyle guitar work and her rock and rhythm-and-blues vocals.  On the 11 original instrumentals on the first disc, Genfan uses percussive bass-string slaps, harmonic clusters, and two-handed tapping techniques a la Michael Hedges and Don Ross. But her compositions have their own distinct blend of funk and filigree, well illustrated in tunes such as “Atomic Reshuffle” and “Kali Dreams”, where she effortlessly shifts between propulsive polyrhythmic vamps and intricate, shimmering arpeggios.  The sparse, reflective “In a Mood” is a beautiful duet with low-whistle player Ian Melrose, and on “Si”, Genfan morphs a Cletic-sounding melody into a jazzy groove built around an extended chord progression.  On the second disc, various musicians back Genfan’s supple, expressive vocals on originals and covers, including and understated but rocking version of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On”.  Some of Genfan’s originals, such as “Love Thing”, have a slick, MOR feel that may not be to everyone’s taste, but the grittier R&B inflected songs, like “Ain’t Got Love” and “So What’s It To Ya”, are infectious.  Her instrumental prowess plays a less prominent role in this material, but together, both discs illustrate the multi-faceted talents of this stunning guitarist.”

REVIEW // Up Close & Personal
Harmonic Touch Records - Kirk Albrecht

“It dazzles, it pulses, it grooves, it weeps, it sings. There's not much that Vicki Genfan's new tour de force doesn't do aurally. "Up Close & Personal" is a double CD with two lives: disc one is all instrumental, while the second disc weds her marvelous chops with vocals. Genfan is carving a niche in the acoustic music world which few can fill, and "Up Close & Personal" is a terrific showcase for her burgeoning talents. The tunes are a mix of solo guitar, sparse fillers, and full band efforts, all performed in an eclectic cornucopia of open tunings. On the instrumental side, the particles accelerate on the opening cut "Atomic Reshuffle" as Genfan taps, slaps, bends, and beats out a danceamagific tune. Other head turners include "New Grass" (which was originally recorded on her debut CD "Outside the Box"), and the funky "Kali Dreams". While others make noise with tapping stylings, Genfan understands the power of melody and instead makes music. "Let It Rain" is a brooding bog mystified by Ian Melrose's low whistle, while "Catch Me" rifles along aided by Genfan's chanting of Sanskrit Mantras. Disc two contains Genfan originals, and covers of some well known pop tunes (The Beatles' "Norwegian Wood" and "What's Going On" made famous by the late Marvin Gaye). Her chops are more restrained here, giving way to her smoky vocals, and she shows solid pop sensibilities (she should find good airplay with many of these songs). "Norwegian Wood" is slowed and stripped down to just Genfan's tapping guitar and expressive voice. There's a lovely duet with Gil Goldstein on piano on "When You Are Winter,” and Ian Melrose screams on dobro on "Si.” If the music isn't enough, there are bonus videos on each disc showing how some of the songs were recorded. This is a great CD.”

Bochum Newspaper

“For most of the audience the discovery of the evening was Vicki Genfan, who
was the first act and therefore unfortunately had the job of breaking the ice. This
woman from New Jersey has the the makings of a superstar – she has equally
convincing stage presence as a singer-songwriter and as a fascinating guitarist.
Her inspired playing with open tunings has less to do with conventional
fingerpicking than with “slapping” and “tapping,” i.e. rhythmically hitting the
strings and guitar body. You just felt like shouting “that sounds good to us,
Vicki!”, because her playing was so unique and so unusually captivating, as in
e.g. her jazzy adaptation of the Beatles classic ‘Norwegian Wood.’”