reviews — you are here

by Paul E. Comeau

Gina Forsyth has two very distinct musical personas. Some people know her as the fiddler in the Bruce Daigrepont Cajun Band. In that role her playing is sometimes passionate, and at other times sufficiently fiery to whip up the crowd into a frenzy. Her award-winning work as a singer/songwriter is another facet of her talent, one that is bound to be quite a revelation to those who know her only as a fiddler. On You Are Here, her debut CD as a solo artist (discounting her Cajun fiddling duo album with Waylon Thibodeaux), Forsyth not only reveals herself to be an impressive songwriter but her voice has a rich, soulful quality not unlike Tracy Chapman's in timbre. Forsyth and Andrew Calhoun are responsible for the production, which draws from a pool of talent that includes such musicians as David Doucet, Don Stiernberg, and Steve Lafleur. Forsyth accompanies herself on guitar and also makes use of her violin on three tracks.

The first track (also the title song) and "Everywhere I Am," the follow-up track, have engaging melodies that are instantly appealing. "She's Looking for a Dave," is just as witty as the The Kids in the Hall's tribute to Daves. "Don't Move Back," an amusing song about a contemptible mother, was written by Mike West, who also plays on the track. The album ends with a gorgeous yet simple church hymn called "Prayer" which has exquisitely good harmonies. You Are Here* is the Waterbug label's fiftieth release but also the label's first production in quite some time. It's a strong comeback for the label and an equally impressive beginning for its featured artist.