Gemma Ray

Gemma Ray

Gemma Ray is an English singer-songwriter from Basildon, United Kingdom, who grew up in Essex. Born in 1980, she records from 2002 onwards and works in styles associated with soul, blues, pop, country-rock, rockabilly, and noir-influenced songwriting.

Music

Her songs are often described through references to vintage pop, 1950s and 1960s sounds, and dark, cinematic moods. She plays guitar and sings in a style that combines melodic writing with a brooding atmosphere. Her work includes straight pop songs as well as material with blues, soul, and country-rock elements.

Releases and performances

Island Fire is listed as her latest album in the input. Other material mentioned includes Lights Out Zoltar!, which contains songs such as If You Want To Rock And Roll. She also performs covers, including Gallon Drunk's Put a Bolt On The Door and Etta James's I'd Rather Go Blind. A live set at Islington's Union Chapel is noted for its solo format and for pairing older material with new songs.

Critical response

Her music is described as unusual, hard to categorise, and strongly shaped by retro song structures. Commentators compare her to artists such as Nina Simone, Loretta Lynn, PJ Harvey, Mary Weiss of the Shangri-Las, Amy Winehouse, Isobel Campbell, and Norah Jones, while also noting a more noir and Hitchcock-like quality in her work. Jimmy Page is quoted as being impressed by her songwriting, vocals, and musicianship.