.........The Wicks have found that the year 2002 has brought many new avenues of expression and an amazing number of wonderful opportunities. The most exciting of which was heading into the studio to record their first full-length cd. In the spring of 2002, The Wicks, along with four of the most talented session musicians in the Chicago area converged to produce their cd, Girl Talk. The experience was an extremely creative and expansive project which transformed the acoustic duo into a duo enhanced by the fantastic talent and creative flavors of bass player, Steve Jacula, keyboard/sax man Tony Kadonakis, lead guitar player, Cyril Wochok, and drummer, Derek Feiza. The combination of these musicians, along with the original work of The Wicks, has produced a powerful and distinctly different sound for the duo, primarily known in the past as being strictly acoustic.

........"Girl Talk", which was produced at Old Plank Sonic Labs in Naperville, Illinois, hosts a wide variety of styles. With the addition of four new instruments, one might think the girls have abandoned their original sound entirely, but not so. Throughout the CD, The Wicks manage to maintain their original acoustic roots while at the same time interjecting a sound definitely influenced by good ol' rock and roll, as well as a touch of jazz, and even a tinge of gospel.

Definitely an eclectic blend that holds true to their belief in creating music without style limitations. Infectious melodies along with strong harmonies, which have always been their trademark, remain present throughout the CD. But, now fused with additional instruments, their sound takes on a stronger more powerful feeling.

........Those of you familiar with seeing the duo play live, will no doubt hear the difference and feel the growth spurt with every song. Songs such as "Maybe", written as a ballad, remains a ballad with acoustic guitar main stage, but has been transformed by the energy of the electric guitar. Just as with all the songs, however, it maintains its sensitive touch. Cool, the only song on the entire CD that abandons the acoustic entirely, opens up to a uniquely simple, creative and edgy jazz expression. While such songs as "Brother" and "Down to My Bones" begin to lean toward shades of soft gospel. Above all, "Girl Talk" is a work of the heart, with every song expressing great feeling and compassion...love lost, love found, and love hoped for. It's truly appropriately titled and passionately performed.