Genevieve first heard the song on Nick Drake’s Five Leaves Left in her early teens, and it became one of her sonic sanctuaries.
When Gigi was 15, she experienced unfathomable loss. Her 17-year-old step-sibling and beloved friend Emily passed away. Emily was a teenage punk poetess who, as an older sister, influenced her very positively. But Emily grappled with intense existential crises, and darkness eventually consumed her. She died of an intentional overdose of Halcion, a medication that is no longer prescribed as an antidepressant.
That year was the most challenging year of Gigi’s young life. Consumed by crippling grief and her own existential questions, going to school and musical creativity were beyond her grasp. She spent most of her time listening to music alone in her bedroom. Nick Drake was a refuge, and it wasn’t until years later that Gigi discovered he had passed away so similarly from an overdose of his anti-depressant medication.
“I now sing "River Man" for you at the intersection of heartache and relief. An elegy to the lost loves of our lives - my dear sibling and best friend Emily, and all the untimely separations we experience. 'Oh, how they come and go.' Nick sang of life's transience. Indeed.”
Gigi’s interpretation features Eric St-Laurent on guitar, George Koller on bass, Ben Wittman on drums, and Rob Christian on sax. As jazz musicians, every time they play is unique, and this is what they laid down one lovely day live off the floor at Canterbury Studios in Toronto with Jeremy Darby on the console. The song was mixed and mastered by saxophonist and co-producer Rob Christian, who also joins Gigi on her vocalise.
In her upcoming project, Gigi pays homage to the transformative spirit of 1969, inspired by discussions with her mentor and dear friend, David Clayton-Thomas. This project promises to capture the zeitgeist of an era when musicians were warriors for social justice and peace.
Genevieve “Gigi” Marentette is a fixture in the Toronto music community. She was born in Leamington, Ontario, known affectionately as Tomato Town. Her father is a farmer, and her mother is a musician and social activist. As a child, Genevieve bounced around the north and south of Ontario - living communally and creatively. That upbringing helped nurture her free-spirited soul - full of saudade - and also her love of community - full of duende. Genevieve spent her formative teen years in Detroit, where her family roots go back 265 years. She credits her unique artistry to her mom, @lindagirard and Detroit's rich musical history. After completing a college jazz diploma in Toronto, she travelled and performed extensively in Asia and Europe. Genevieve, or Gigi as her peeps call her, calls Toronto her home. Gigi has worked with Marc Houle, Theo Parrish, Recloose, David Clayton-Thomas, Jane Siberry and others.
With a voice that transcends genres and a stage presence that enchants audiences worldwide, Gigi Marentette's artistry is authentic and passionate. Her journey continues to unfold, and her interpretations of timeless classics, like Nick Drake's "River Man," carry the weight of experience and the joy of creative liberation. Gigi's music is a testament to the eternal power of the human spirit, forever yearning for connection through melody and emotion.
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