Gina Leslie is a new artist on the scene in New Orleans—at least to these ears. But her thoughtful, well-crafted lyrics and sly blend of country sensibilities and jazzy chords, combined with her ethereal vocals, make her an artist to look out for. Of course, you may have already seen her performing with more established musicians such as Esther Rose or Sam Doores of the Deslondes. 

Leslie grew up in Colorado and No, You’re Crying is her debut recording. At a mere 22 minutes, it’s an EP, but it’s so well-crafted that listeners are left wanting more. The record was recorded amid the pandemic and what was clearly a tough romantic breakup. Whether planned or not, the EP dropped less than a week before Valentine’s Day.

The first single, “Little Company,” brings the loneliness of the pandemic down to the seemingly simple image of finding company in a mosquito. “Another one down / Another year older / Mosquito flies over and sits on my shoulder / But I don’t mind / I just let him be / It’s been so long I could use a little company.” But as the song progresses it becomes so much more.

“Month of Sundays” rings true for anyone working to get over a lost love. “Haven’t seen you in a month of Sundays / I keep to myself when I’m blue / Seems everywhere I go / Everyone I know / They’re all asking me about you.”

Leslie plays acoustic and electric guitars as well as banjo and some mighty fine musicians join her. They help flesh out songs that are deceptively perceptive because her voice draws you in before the lyrics fully register.

Leslie and Ric Robertson, who is also credited on bass, drums and acoustic and electric guitars, produced the EP. They have created music that doesn’t fit into any one pigeonhole—like most of the good music I know.