“Blair,” Loyola philosophy major Blair Gimma’s debut CD, hits the listener with soft vocals and catchy guitar rhythms.

Gimma’s style stays constant throughout, yet the songs are not repetitive.

Each song does not flow into the other, but changes slightly, providing a variation of songs that cannot possibly bore listeners.

From the first track to the last, Gimma matches her voice with a variety of instruments.

Gimma’s guitar is the prominent instrument heard throughout the album.

A variety of other instruments, however, including trumpets and harmonicas, add their melodies to her distinct voice.

Gimma says her songwriting influences include Neil Young, The Strokes and Beck.

“I try to keep [the style of the music] broad,” she said.

“You want to be an artist that will appeal to everyone.

“I love all [styles of] music for the most part.”

The “Quarter Song” has a catchy chorus and upbeat style, while “Thanks A Lot” has similarly catchy lyrics, but a hauntingly subdued style.

“Usually I just start playing, and what emotions I’m feeling come out in the songs,” Gimma said.

A native New Orleanian, she said she began playing guitar at age 10 and realized she could sing when she was 13.

“I started playing for audiences when I was 16, at places like the Neutral Ground,” she said.

Gimma’s resume has grown since then.

She has opened for Cat Power and Bright Eyes, groups that receive national press.

Gimma has also played with World Leader Pretend, another musical group with a Loyola connection.

“The more you play,” Gimma said, “the better you get.”

“It’s a tough business. You just have to work hard.”

“Blair” marks a turning point for Gimma and her music.

It is the first time she can hand out a CD of her own, knowing it is a culmination of her creative efforts.

“It’s the first CD where I really had a steady band and real instruments,” she said.

“It really represents what I’m trying to do. I can give it to people and say, ‘This is my art.'”

Gimma is throwing a CD release party at the Howlin Wolf on Sept. 18.

It will begin at 10 p.m., with DJ 4renZic, who is Gimma’s aunt.

“She’ll spin for about an hour,” Gimma said, “and then I’ll play from my CD and [play] some new material. CDs will be on sale.”

“It’ll be a great time.”

Musician, student, and all-around cool gal Blair Gimma has just released her new CD, self-titled “Blair.’ ‘I can give it to people and say, ‘This is my art,’ said Gimma. The CD release party is scheduled for this Thursday at the Howlin Wolf. (Blair Gimma)