In the summer of 2008, after a concert in Mel Lastman Square Gilmaro was approached by Michael Vuscan (ex Jais, Blazzaj), a well-known producer from Toronto; Vuscan had proposed to Gilmaro the idea to begin a solo career. As a result, a pop-rock album titled, “Secret” with Britt pop influences was developed. Opening for Gabriel Cotabita and "Compact" at "Toronto Centre for the Arts" has been a great opportunity for Gilmaro to promote and pre-release his new Canadian album. For the first time, an opening act was called back on the stage for an encore. In November of 2008, the artist opened the stage for Ducu Bertzi and Nicu Alifantis in a sold-out event and the whole audience sang along with Gilmaro his carols from his second album, "Christmas Songs - Colinde" which was released in December.
" Pana aproape de miezul noptii, sute de compatrioti au cantat, scandat, fredonat, strigat, fotografiat, aprins brichetele, luminat cu celularele, dansat si mai ales au aplaudat continuu un adevarat maraton artistic romanesc.
Va multumim!Consacratul Gabriel Cotabita, Compact- trupa de legenda a muzicii romanesti precum si surpriza serii, talentatul roman canadian Gilmaro au adus aproape feeling-ul Costinestiului vacantelor noastre de vara, ne-au indemnat sa cantam cu ei , scotocind prin memorie, piesele-reper ale anilor tineri petrecuti in Romania."
July 22, 2008-ziarul "Acasa"
"There are moments of greatness in your album..."
December 24, 2008, Jerry Grossi/Canada
"Concertul „Un alt inceput” a fost deschis de Gilmaro, un cantaret si autor de muzica roman stabilit in Canada. Va spun sincer ca nu-l cunosteam, dar ne-am gandit ca ar fi bine sa oferim oportunitatea de a deschide unui artist local. Gilmar ne-a fost recomandat de Michael „Sasi” Vuscan, directorul Toronto School of Music and Arts. Prinsi in vartejul treburilor organizatorice, nu am avut ragazul sa-l intalnim. Am ascultat doar cateva melodii primite prin email si am zis da. Primele acorduri ale cantecelor lui Gilmar ne-au confirmat ca am facut o alegere inspirata: stilul lui dinamic si entuziasmul sau s-au propagat asupra publicului aproape instantaneu. Mai rar ca un act in deschidere sa fie chemat la bis. Gilmar a fost."
6 August 2008 - ziarul "Acasa" Bogdan Ionescu
"Piesele sunt placute auzului, versurile dezvaluie secvente din experienta personala, parcursul destinului tau din ultimii 5 ani si chiar mai mult ("Gilmaro goes To ...ronto", nu-i asa?), inconjurat de dragostea celor dragi tie. Este de remarcat atmosfera echilibrata, care imi aminteste vag de U2, melodicitatea nostalgica, vocea pregnanta, virila, cu un fundament baritonal, care imi sugereaza un vulcan potent - plin de magma care da sa ejaculeze - insa tinut in friu, sub controlul frazei muzicale ca prioritate estetica; vorba aia: secretele le spui in soapta, nu?! . Albumul suna beton, comercial, vandabil in contextul pietii muzicale actuale."
July30,2008-Gabriel Lungoci-singer/songwriter, Germany
Gilmaro opened the act for Nicu Alifantis and Ducu Bertzi in the famous Toronto George Weston Hall of Toronto Centre for the Arts.
The release party was scheduled at the "Balkan" venue in Toronto. Full house, love, emotions, autographs, and a lot of pictures.