Hailing from Seattle, Gina French stands out as a versatile musician celebrated for her emotive and distinctive vocal style, serving as a conduit for a diverse range of sentiments intricately woven into her authentic musical signature sound.In the musical landscape of 2023, French introduced a trio of singles: “More Tomorrows,” “Seasons of Us,” and “Dream It All up Again,” each a testament to her artistic prowess. French songs are large in scope. Even the songs that I thought might be minimal turned out to be full scale compositions with a lot of complexity. Although they are complex in some ways the songs still felt approachable. French dabbles with a number of different genres and often combines them in one song.
“Dream It All up Again” unfolds gradually, weaving various genre influences into its fabric. The song’s notable characteristic lies in its metamorphosis, presenting a multifaceted piece that explores a spectrum of emotions lingering in shades of gray. French’s vocal delivery is a standout, reaching powerful heights that enhance the song’s intricacy as it steadily evolves, incorporating complex musical elements.
French’s vocals are unequivocally the star here but oh man is there a lot to dig into when it comes to the instruments. On paper you might not expect it to work but it sure does. This song could have been delivered with a four piece rock band but it goes way beyond that and the integration is seamless.
“More Tomorrows” delves into contemplations on memory and time, resonating with emotional depth as French navigates a moody musical milieu of textures and tones. The organic drums seamlessly complement the natural sounds of the guitar, creating ample space for French’s vocals to shine. This track evokes a collective singing experience, with shifts in instrumentation crafting an atmosphere that feels like an escape from darkness, culminating in the evocative repetition of “Hallelujah,” reminiscent of the legendary Leonard Cohen.
“Seasons Of Us” carries a profound blues essence, with an arrangement that seems supported by a quartet of four-string instruments, adding a significant dimension and airy elegance to the track. The way this song is delivered made me feel sinking deep into my couch and contemplating all of life’s many complexities. The vocals sound so, so good. Graceful, soft but powerful. This song felt like the definition of a slow burn to me and those orchestral flourishes are not overdone.
French goes three for three, presenting compositions that are meticulously developed and exhibit a thoughtful depth. These songs collectively reflect French’s dedication to crafting music that transcends mere sonic appeal. Each composition feels like the product of profound contemplation, showcasing a level of artistic consideration that sets her work apart. French’s ability to evoke emotions through her vocals and the intricacies of her arrangements establishes her as a notable presence in the contemporary music scene. As audiences delve into the richly developed world of these three singles, they are treated not only to a showcase of musical skill but also to an intimate journey through the nuanced emotions masterfully captured by Gina
Garth Thomas