Album Notes

Close your eyes and let the music sweep you away. From first note to last, Rachel Zamsteen takes you on a soulful musical journey. A multitalented musician and songwriter who is not afraid to stray from the norm, Rachel zigzags her way across a landscape that is equal parts jazz, blues, folk and, of course, rock. Don't be fooled by her innocent smile – she has combined the sensibilities of many artists her senior and written well beyond her 21 years. On her debut album Bouquet, Rachel Zamsteen brings a musical depth far beyond that of her pop counterparts.



At a young age, Rachel was surrounded by a bounty of influence. Her grandfather was an accomplished jazz musician, sustaining a living playing and teaching in the Hartford, CT area. By age 2, Rachel was sneaking down into her Grandfather's teaching studio to listen in on the lessons, just as her mother had done before her. Schooled in the styles of Mozart, Beethoven, Charlie Parker and others, she learned the freedom to explore beyond 4/4 time signatures and translates for us, her own blend of sweet melodies juxtaposed by odd phrasings and sometime dissonant resolutions, never losing sight of undeniable hooks and sonically pleasing chord structures.



Although the gods of jazz and classical laid a solid foundation for Rachel, one cannot deny the influence of Nirvana on millions of teens the world over. Just like the Beatles, Elvis, Hendrix and Janis before him, Kurt Cobain thrashed into the hearts of every human within earshot of a radio or TV set. It was that influence that encouraged Rachel to talk her Dad into buying her a guitar at age 15. On Bouquet you may not hear punk rock anthems or feedback-laden tracks with thunderous drums of doom, but you will feel the power and influence of Nirvana within her emotional words and delivery.




Rachel's music is making waves beyond the local music scene. Bouquet is the beginning of the journey and with her calendar filling up with dates from NY to Stockholm, her live performance will be the undeniable highlight for audiences everywhere. Rachel Zamsteen is ready to go. Enjoy.