Gina's Photos & Musical Influences

Click on any pictures to see them in more detail.
More photos to be added, please stop by again!

I like all types of music from the classics such as Tony Bennett, Patsy Cline and Elvis to Pat Metheny, The Moody Blues, Justin Hayward and Neil Diamond to name but a few.

When I was 15 years old, my drama/speech teacher introduced our class to the Moody Blues' "Seventh Sojourn" album during an "interpret the songs" exercise. The songs "You and Me" and "New Horizons" sung by lead singer Justin Hayward were chosen for interpretation. I was captivated by the lyrics delivered with such feeling and passion. Their work was some of the most melodic I had heard up to that time. Impressed with the Band's songwriting, I later covered several of Justin Hayward's songs on my albums. "Driftwood" was covered twice. The first time in a contemporary country style and later it was presented in a Latin jazz format on the "Lavender Blue" album. It was truly an experience to finally meet Mr. Hayward years later since first hearing "Seventh Sojourn" in the classroom. I can honestly say I was not disappointed and that to this day I'm still a Moody Blues fan having seen them in concert over the years as well as attending a few Justin Hayward solo shows.

I always enjoy seeing Tony Bennett. His painting of a song allows the listener to live the picture through his voice. Other artists I believe that had this same gift were Frank Sinatra, Patsy Cline and Elvis. Whatever they sang, they meant it; they were unique. Neil Diamond's writing and phrasing are both powerful and moving. I particularly embrace these performers as through the years they became true masters of their art form.

The Moody Blues

Dallas 1993, John Lodge	Dallas 1993, Ray Thomas and Graeme Edge'.
Caesar's Tahoe	Caesar's LV 1996 by D. Bly
Las Vegas 1995	Las Vegas 1995
Justin Hayward

11 yr. old Gina with Ray Stevens ('Ahab the Arab' & 'Everything Is Beautiful') at the CMA Pro/Am Celebrity Golf Tournament in Nashville. Yes, at the time Ray Stevens was my hero.