3 1/2 Stars:
When I think of Gina Gershon, I think of her lesbian roles in movies like “Bound” and “Showgirls.” She's sort of an Indie darling and gives off a total "not to be effed with" vibe. Imagine my surprise when I listened to her album titled "In Search of Cleo" and it wasn't your usual actress-gets-a-music-deal sound.
From the very first track I was surprised at Gina's voice. Listening through the entire album I didn't feel like I could put the CD into one category. Blues, Jazz, Classic Country all seem to make an appearance on the album. For sure there's an old school feel to her music. Not seeming too serious and written with ease the songs are different from a lot of what's "now" these days. It's easy to see she has been inspired by some of the classics - Patsy Cline, Miles Davis, Sinatra, maybe even a little Stevie Nicks.
"In Search of Cleo" is a 10 track disk that spans a few music genres. The first track "Watch Over Me" seemed the most classic country to me. It made me think of Patsy Cline. I was surprised by that but even more surprised when the rest of the songs didn't necessarily follow suit.
Another track on the album, titled “Marie,” had a more Jazz feel than anything else. Filled with heavy sounding bass riffs it gives you the feeling you're listening to it in a smoky club somewhere. I'd be interested to know if Gina actually wrote this song from real life experiences with a woman named Marie. The lyrics tell a story of a relationship between a nanny and the kid she takes care of. Probably not the catchiest tune but certainly not anything you'd expect either.
While Gina Gershon is probably most recently known for recurring roles on shows like “Rescue Me” and “Ugly Betty”, and also on her Broadway show, “Bye Bye Birdie,” she's working hard at a career in music too. On Gershon's website she says "I always did what I wanted" even if it was not what her managers felt she should. If she sticks to that same M.O., and why would she stop now, it looks like she'll keep making music that has no borders for some time to come.
BYLINE:
Bry Schulz is a writer, photographer, and mother who really hates squash. Not necessarily the game but definitely the vegetable. Email Bry at bry@zoiksonline.com.
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