You Are Here

This is a sparkling solo debut album by award-winning singer/songwriter and violin and guitar wizard Gina Forsyth. Forsyth has already garnered much acclaim for her work in the past decade with Cajun musicians Bruce Daigrepont and Waylon Thibodeaux. Now she speaks for herself on this 2001 CD release. The play list reflects the many sides of Gina Forsyth. There is a nod to her adopted Cajun culture with "J'ai Fait Tout le Tour du Grand Bois." She segues just as easily into rock & roll on "Everywhere I Am," twangs it country-style on " An Old Fashioned Waltz," turns moody on "My Name is (Mud)," and gets romantic on the album's title cut, "You Are Here." Her good humor is showing on "She's Looking for a Dave," while "Somewhere at the Foot of the Mountain" really showcases her eloquent lyrical abilities. Forsyth is a great guitar player and violinist, and the listener is treated to both, as she teams up with a great supporting cast of musicians. These include Mike West, Myshkin, David Doucet, Matt Swiler, Marvin Williams, Pat Flory, Doug Belote, Jim Markway, Steve Rashid, Larry Clyman, andSteve LaFleur. Sue Demel, Nancy Walker, and Kat Eggleston join Forsyth on vocals. The group members harmonize, they sway, they boogie, they groove. All 15 tracks are worth multiple listens. With this much talent, the music is as complex as it should be, yet never sounds contrived. Like Forsyth herself, the songs are clear and unpretentious, letting the music and the meaning shine through.