Vocalist/songwriter/pianist Rachel Borovik Releases First Album, "Untangled"

If you stroll by Wally's on Massachusetts Avenue and hear original music coming out of the doorway instead of “Giant Steps," you might be lucky enough to hear the jazzy-cool stylings of Rachel Borovik. Borovik, who released her debut record last month at this world-renowned jazz club, is part '50s lounge singer and part R&B radio starlet, with some neo-soul to wash it down. Untangled, Rachel Borovik's first full-length offering to the world, is a strong album. On the surface it harkens back to the female songstresses of the '90s like Linda Perry, Joan Osborne, or even early Sheryl Crow with feel-good hooks and poise. But when you listen a little closer, a modern jazz nouveau edge is revealed, not unlike Corinne Bailey Rae or Alicia Keys.

The beef of the instrumentation comes from Tom Kain's tasteful keys, Rhodes, and organ playing. He leaves space, embellishes the dynamic with subtle textures, and knows when to let it all hang out. Mark Hadley's guitar playing follows suit. His picking and strumming are always in service of the songs, but he lets it rip when necessary, adding a nasty solo to “Unsatisfied." Meanwhile, bassist Bryan Percivall and drummer Ricardo White lay down grooves that would make both Norah Jones and Prince quite pleased. Riding on top of the solid instrumentals, Rachel's voice is the face of the sound. She's not afraid to lay down some old school scatting, such as in the opening bars of “Middle Ground."

The album's standout track is “How To Be A Woman." The vocals shine as the age-old story of Adam and Eve is funked out and re-harmonized to the ear's delight. Untangled came to life at Flying Dutchman Studio. The production has a touch of edgy R&B flavor, which comes as no surprise, as it was produced by Owen Ross of Re-Up. Mixed by Berklee faculty Rich Mendelson and mastered by former Berklee professor Tom Carr, the sound has a radio-ready sheen that is crucial for a young artist starting out. “My plans for future are to be able to support myself doing what I love most: connecting with others through music," Borovik says. “I am open to wherever being able to do that takes me."

At 20 years old, Rachel Borovik is taking her music very seriously; you should too. For more on Rachel Borovik and her upcoming shows, visit her on MySpace. The album is available on .