Multi-instrumentalist Gina Forsyth brings passion and panache to her latest release, Promised Land, 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.
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012
MILK AND HONEY
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. The longtime fiddle player for New Orleans-based Cajun accordionist Bruce Daigrepont and a frequent guest on other musicians' records, Forsyth steps up to the mic in the middle on Promised Land, singing and playing both acoustic guitar and fiddle with masterful command while leading a stable of seasoned musicians - Jim Markway (double bass), Chris Polachek (electric bass), Mike Barras (percussion), Jonno Frishberg (accordion) and Mike West (banjo) - on a rich, rewarding journey from the bayous of Cajun Country to the Baptist churches of Appalachia and back again. The idioms on this very fine record are varied yet nuanced, but they're united by Forsyth's passionate, deft delivery. The record is available for $15 at Waterbug.com. Learn more about the artist and her upcoming gigs at her website, GinaForsyth.com. - Walter Pierce