Ruth Gerson Mercury Lounge April 5, 2005 Written by Caroline Smith Photographed by Evan Sung
	Ruth Gerson

It was the kind of show that would have done incredibly well outdoors. I imagined Ruth barefoot and sipping on a lime-kissed Corona in between song breaks. This was attributed to the glorious weather that day and seeing many frozen New York faces finally crack into smiles. In many ways, Ruth Gerson was a prelude to spring.

In the small dark room of the Mercury Lounge, Ruth and her colorful band nonchalantly took the stage and warmed up their instruments. Watching them, I felt as if they had all just come from a grass-stained picnic in the park; they were that chill. And to no surprise, Gerson was suave, confident and open to her listeners.

Winston

Often compared to Sheryl Crow (and probably sick of hearing it), Gerson’s sound was a palette of folk, rock, and blues. She has established herself as a European sensation and I believe that many young New Yorkers concur that she is an expressive and defiant singer/songwriter.

It was not only the music but the aesthetics of the group that had an effect on me. The often times husky, “ruth”less vocals and diversity of the band lit up the dark space. Gerson compared her drummer to Animal from the Muppets, with his tangled hair circling his head. The Napoleon Dynamite-esque pianist was memorable with his head of curls and quiet demeanor.

There was nothing unnatural about this show. It didn’t offer big surprises nor did it disappoint. I looked around and saw feet swaying and wondered when mine started doing the same thing. Gerson’s final ballad was sincere and swayed us right out the door, greeting that same beautiful day. Thanks, Ruth.

See Ruth Gerson on April 16th at the Bowery Ballroom.
www.RuthGerson.com for upcoming shows in May.

Mercury Lounge |217 E. Houston St.