Sicily Is Rockin’-Various Artists

johnaalex
Sep 25
4 min read

Released September 2025

Record Label: Heytone Records, available on a limited edition 12’ vinyl LP through their Facebook page (please message)

Recorded and mixed by: Luciano De Franco at Frankensound Studio Catania (except for tracks.A3,.A6,B4,B7.)

Produced by: Massimo Rocca and Stenio Dl Stefano

Reviewed by- Terry Mead. 25 /09/2025

Each song featured in this compilation was composed by the bands, offering a genuine 100% Made in Sicily Rockin' Sound. There are 14 tracks from 8 different bands.

Album Review:

So, starting of with Al and the Dirty Shakers Young Al grew up on bread and traditional Rockabilly. His trio? A wild and uncompromising sound that hits hard.

The Dirty Shakers:

Alessandro Sicorello - Guitar | Emilio Perconti -Double Bass | Peppe Falzone – Drums.

They have two tracks “Dirty Shakers” an early sixties surf beat instrumental and “Lovers Moon” a out and out Rockabilly number with plenty of slap.

Next up are Dale Rock and the Volcanos one of the longest-running Rockabilly bands in Italy. Their raw and unmistakable sound is ready to erupt... just like Mount Etna!

Massimo Rocca - Vocals and Acoustic Guitar Vince Mannino - Electric Guitar | Alessandro Sicorello - Double Bass | Giovanni Ziino – Drums.

Their two tracks are “One More Chance” with its bouncy driving beat and “Two Tone Shoes” has a more deep bopping beat that sounds out Massimo on vocals.

Marco J and the Jaywalkers follow a mid-century Rhythm 'n' Blues style, played by Marco, his guitar and a small explosive orchestra. "Pure Dynamite!"

They give us “You’re So Nice” which has a superb intro before hitting a pure R&B beat on us and “The Best That I Can” with its traits of a ska beat and slight echo on the vocals.

Robbie Dee aka Roberta Pipitone is primarily a double bassist and vocalist, but also a multi-instrumentalist who recorded every instrumental part through overdubbing.

The result? A genuine Rockin' Sound. WOW!

Robbie gives us “Love Or Trouble” and “Sweety Bee” both with a unique sound that’s straight out of the vaults produced all by herself.

Vince and the Moon Boppers head our way next, Vince's Rockabilly has been on the Sicilian scene since the early 80s, His band is always on the road across the continent playing his pure and authentic Music.

Vince Mannino - Guitar and Vocals | Elena Marconi- Acoustic Guitar | Lorenzo Scandurra - Bass | Giovanni Ziino – Drums.

“Summer Love” has the air of the season about it with a heap of a rockin’ beat while “The Won I Love” follows that will sure have you bopping to its uncanny deep south fifties sound.

Halfchicken ( love the group’s name wondered if Colonel Sanders was their manager ?)

From the capital city, a fresh Rhythm 'n' Blues with an early Rock 'n' Roll vibe.

Once the music starts, you won't be able to stop dancing!

Luca Mazzola - Guitar | Alberto Petrigno - Double Bass | Melo Clemente - Piano | Vincenzo Salerno - Sax | Giovanni Ziino – Drums.

“The Moon and Me” is a neat little number with plenty of vibe and a tempo to hit the dance floor with as is “Killing Time” which has the big beat sound with a mix of R&B.

Louisiana Reed, among the bands here, they're the southernmost on the island. Their sound? A fiery mix of Rockabilly and Jump Blues.

Santi Ciarcià - Vocals | Lorenzo Cavallo - Guitar | Peppe Gallaro - Double Bass | Nuccio Pisana – Drums.

Their one track “Pretty Baby” not to be confused with the Eddie Fisher song of the same title is lively piece with some neat guitar work throughout.

So, our last artist Jaguar and the Savanas with their instrumental surf is the perfect soundtrack for riding a board along the islands coast. Watch out: the perfect wave is coming!

Massimo Pafumi - Guitar | Gloria Pafumi - Guitar

Elia Milazzo - Bass | Luigi Perticone – Drums.

“Ride Against The Wind” with its traits of Pipeline whips up the waves to a frenzy , distinctive surf instrumental.

So, to summarise from the heart of Mafia land 14 great rockin’ tracks for you to feast on hurry the vinyl is on a limited edition. Recommendation without a doubt.

Links to Social Media :

https://www.facebook.com/people/Sicily-is-Rockin/61578292525419/

Track List:

SIDE A

1.Dirty Shakers (A.Sicrello)  Al and the Dirty Shakers  2:23

2.One More Chance (M.Rocca)  Dale Rocka and the Volcanoes  2:13

3.You're So Nice (M.Gioè) Marco J and the Jaywalkers  3:28

4.Love or Trouble (R.Pipitone)  Robbie Dee  2:24

5.Summer Love (V.Mannino) Vince and the Moon Boppers 2:39

6.The Moon and Me (L.Mazzola, G.Ziino)  Halfchicken  2:23

7.Two Tone Shoes (M.Rocca) Dale Rocka and the Volcanoes 2:30

SIDE B