RACHEL ZYLSTRA
Most of It Is True
The music: Grand Rapids singer-songwriter and pianist Rachel Zylstra, who returns from New York to play a Feb. 17 show at Calvin College, delivers melodic, keyboard-based renditions of discerning, smart acoustic pop on this album recorded in Midland, Grand Rapids and Vineyard Haven, Mass.
RACHEL ZYLSTRA
Most of It Is True
Rachel Zylstra's full-length debut is pretty special. Her songs strike me as being clever and well written.
Opener "Lost" sees her playing the piano with some skill.
"The Prince" describes longing for the wrong sort of a person in smart terms. The backing is just piano, but it's more than enough.
"Go Around" has Zylstra's soulful vocal taking charge. Here, she resembles a young Laura Nyro.
"Into this Town" is a more orchestrated song that works well. This is a strong debut by a gifted singer.