Mare Winningham

If you have seen the movie Georgia and your ears survived the gravelly, off-key attack that was Jennifer Jason Leigh's performance, you probably came away thinking "Gee, that chick from St. Elmo's Fire can really sing!" That chick, AKA Mare Winningham (who plays Leigh's older sister in the movie), is actually quite the musical talent. She not only can sing, but she also writes her own songs, music and lyrics. Her first two CDs are harder to find - What Might Be and The Lonesomers. The first is folk with a jazz twist, and the second is more country-cross over.

You can, however, checkout her newest release Refuge Rock Sublime at DML. Winningham recently converted to Judaism, and this is a very personal, spiritual, and lively CD that nearly defies categorization. It's Blue Grass-Jewish-folk-country-Appalachian...let's call it Jew-Grass! Any way you listen, it's beautiful. From the reverent "What Would David Do?" to the laugh with joy "Convert Jig" ("I will be a Jew like all of you and dance the convert jig. I will be a Jew like all of you and never eat a pig.") no matter your faith, you'll be tapping your toe.

The movie Georgia (which is available through the MORE request system) was actually written for Mare and Jennifer by Jennifer's mother. Mare was Jennifer's camp counselor when they both were kids, and Jennifer came home babbling about her counselor who sang to the girls with a voice like an angel. It netted Mare an Oscar nomination. Hunting up the movie is well worth your time too!

Tim C. - Main Library