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By MELISSA WISEMAN
Staff Writer

Gina French is a singer/songwriter based in Utah. People have described her as ‘volcanic’ and ‘an angelic instrument.’ She has spent years building on her career, both through bands and as a solo act. Her biography says it the best: “It has taken her time (often while life intervened) to nurture and cultivate her natural gifts through a patient and gradual growing process which has brought her to where she is today.”

Gina French released her first album, Sacred Ground, in 1997. This album is described as “a solo acoustic album filled with deceptively complex and colourful multi-layered songs which weave tapestries of visionary poetic images of surprising scope and depth”. Many of the critics agreed that it was a great debut. The disc comes packed with songs such as This Place, The Final Chapter, and Regret’s Last Chance, all of which use clever tactics to draw in an audience. The music remains rather mellow, allowing for peacefulness. I really enjoyed the use of instruments on the cd, which aided the feeling of the songs.

French released her second album, Of Rapture, seven years after her debut album. It is said that this album is greatly different from her first release, and may have even surprised her listeners. I find that when listening to music, my imagination runs wild.

While listening to the soft, cooling beat of the music I pictured a small, smoky pub-style environment where there is a spotlight centered on our subject, and the music echoing throughout the room, setting a peaceful atmosphere. Of Rapture brings songs such as Break The Silence, Midnight Tracks and the title track. Each song is written with the abundance of emotion, and leaves a unique feeling on the audience as they listen. This album allowed her to explore more of an electric sound.

These albums left a peaceful feeling as I listened to them, blocking out all the noise and nonsense around me. I was left to seep into my own little world. I can see Ms. French in a long lasting career if she continues to play her cards right.