by Frank Gualtier -- 09/22/2006, 09/23/2006
In the past few days I've had a chance to preview the EPK and video for 'This Gun' from Rachel Zamsteen's upcoming debut release 'Bouquet' that's currently slated to drop this October 10th, 2006.When you buy her CD 'Bouquet' you'll get the whole package -- music, EPK, and video.
In the EPK Rachel discusses a bit about herself, the story behind some of her songs, her thoughts on her creative process and some general Zamsteen philosophy.
You'll also get to see video snippets from songs such as 'This Gun', 'Bouquet', and 'Drought' and footage of photo shoots. She's a classic beauty.
I'm particularly fond of the footage of her playing guitar. Being a guitarist myself I suppose that makes perfect sense but this will appeal to everyone as it's always impressive to see the technicals at work in someone we usually only hear.
As well in both the EPK and the video we get to her play keyboard. What can I say -- just plain neat.
This is a fantastic addition to the CD.
Runtime for the EPK is about 5:41.
In the video for 'This Gun' is especially nice in that we get to see Rachel move about in some of the bizarre ways that jazz tends to get people moving. I love it and would pay the price of 'Bouquet' just for this video alone. That's partly because I found myself moving about in bizzare ways on hearing the song -- nice to see the effect at the origin.
It doesn't visually follow any storyline strictly but rather takes story and thematic considerations and splices them together in a sort of visual art that takes you back and forth between both of them and a jazzed up performance.
Best of all -- seeing Rachel sing and play to the camera. She's very expressive. Often sexy and at times just playful.
For those who want the goods up front the video will be on both Rachel's website and her myspace profile in a couple of weeks.
The video runtime is about 4:11.
The music makes me want to go see her perform. The addition of the visual media with the music both satisfies and intensifies that desire. Yes I meant to say that. And you'll see just how true it is when you get your hands on a copy.
Finally -- a couple of ways you can draw more attention to Rachel Zamsteen:
1.) Post links to the review I wrote recently for 'Bouquet' in your blog. You're welcome to post the content as well but the backlinking does something kind of magic behind the feed scenes. Each person that does this will increase the effect more than onefold -- so spread it around. I don't want to eleborate and give up all my tricks -- but I will provide the code:
2.) Leave comments here and in my review of Bouquet. I moderate these comments and it can take me awhile to get to them -- but comments cause another kind of behind the scenes magic and that happens automagically and immediately regardless of how long it takes me to okay them so that they show up.
Links for Rachel Zamsteen:
The LP contains ten tracks of original music, the video for the song 'This Gun', and a multimedia EPK with interview. As well I believe there may be live concert footage. This is going to be hot hot hot and heavy -- I fully expect concrete to break when it drops!
I expounded on the jazz aspects of 'Bouquet' because that's what drew me to this music and to Rachel. 
