Here is something different for the peacedoggie site; REBECCA ZAPEN is an accomplished classical violinist with a university degree in music. She has played violin with many symphony orchestras but has also developed a love for old school jazz. Her diversity does not end there. As well as having a sweet, angelic voice, she also has a go at playing guitar, mandolin, ukulele, glockenspiel, magnus chord organ and the melodica. I am sure there are many other instruments in there as well. Rebecca has collaborated with a number of blues, folk, swing, lounge, and indie rock bands. She has been playing the violin since the age of 3 and was humming violin concertos at the age of 2. So yes, I do believe I could say she is a talented musician to the point of being gifted!

"Japanese Bathhouse" is Zapen’s second solo album and it contains a diverse range of songs from jazz, to folk-county to cabaret and back again. On the whole, the album is quite happy and does have a bit of a 1940’s feel (or is it 1930s?). The opening track, "We Didn't Bother" is a great snoozy folk storyteller. Her vocal style is smooth and slow with a very effective tempo that easily put me under her spell. The title track is a tune about being naked in a Japanese bathhouse, and is played in a quirky cabaret style that adds a little humor to the album. There are a number of tunes which does remind me of SUZANNE VEGA, especially “Some Things Take Time” and the most rock-oriented song on the album “I am Fine”.

I do expect that many people visiting the Peacedogman website will be quite set with their genres of metal, punk and rock. Sadly some people have trouble looking beyond their set musical genre of choice. If that is you, this release will probably be quite difficult to appreciate; there is very little rock to be found. However, folks that are prepared to look outside of their own square shall find some pleasant, relaxing and well-crafted music from REBECCA ZAPEN. It's not some sort of horrible NORAH JONES rip-off, and diversity is the key to complete musical fulfillment, so give it a go.

- Saltry

OFFICIAL SITE: www.zapen.com

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