If you've ever wondered what happened to the gutsy folk singers who used to roam the earth with their instrument and protest, check out Gina Forsyth. In the tradition of Guthrie, Dylan and Prine she is writing and singing, not just fiddling while America burns.
"Promised Land" is an album no folk music lover should pass up. Well-written tunes, crisp production and instrumentation framing a message of reminiscences from a performer who does it as well as it can be done.
Promised Land: For her sophomore release, this is a melodious and well-written cd. It's a pleasure to listen to a release where the artist actually took time to put out honest, well-written and heartfelt music (eg. “11 Days”, “Just For Tonight”), and not waste the listener's time with fluff or filler.
Gina Forsyth's album, Promised Land, released locally in December and nationally in February has been hitting the top of the charts. A notable achievement, the title song from the CD reached #1 on the Folk DJ list for January and the CD ended the month at #3.
Promised Land, her solo sophomore effort is loaded with thought-provoking content and incisive humor, the song's real message revealed in layers. Along the way, facets of Forsyth's personality are unveiled, such as her exemplary Cajun musicianship on "Belle," a tricky 5/4 ballad from the Lomax Archive that's richly rendered here on voice and acoustic guitar.
Multi-instrumentalist Gina Forsyth brings passion and panache to her latest release, Promised Land (Waterbug Records), a 14-tune effort brimming with spot-on acoustic musicianship and austere, poetic storytelling that highlight Forsyth's keen ear for the American folk songbook.
"Promised Land" from Gina Forsyth explodes on the market...Besides thoughtful lyrics, "Promised Land" has touches of the Cajun (Gina does live in New Orleans, after all), and fine musicianship from Gina, herself on guitar and fiddle, and a cadre of her friends on bass, guitar percussion, banjo, and accordion.
Gina Forsyth/Promised Land: A solid old school folkie with a double shot of Malvina Reynolds in her soul, this well traveled throughout the South singer/songwriter masters the trick of sounding and feeling old school without falling into the fantasy. And she's pretty much singing about what's going on now.
“Superb.” Rich Warren, host, The Midnight Special on WFMT (Chicago, IL)
“This is powerful, thoughtful music full of insights and great stories. The subtle combinations of voice, guitar and fiddle sets this album apart from the mass of other music that crosses my desk.” Steve Clarke, host, Acoustic Planet on CHES Radio Erin, Ontario (Canada)
“Gina’s latest CD is a wonderful, smart, often funny, beautifully played and sung collection of songs.” Neti Vaan, violinist, New Orleans, LA
“I got your CD Saturday. What a masterpiece! It captures you exactly as you are with no pretense. The songs are great, the production levels are just right, and the recording is excellent. Thank you for sending it to me. I cherish it. The CD just makes me feel good listening to it.” Bob Gramann, guitar builder and presenter of the Fredericksburg, VA Songwriter Showcase
