MAY 15, 2011 - PlanetCountry review

Natasha Borzilova - Balancing Act
By Remo Ricaldone

(Approximate translation below)

Who remembers "Bering Strait," for several years the focus of the fans of country music in Nashville, thanks to a couple of records that also got nominated for Grammy Awards in 2002? The band is not just noteworthy for their instrumental skills (all members had solid classical training) and vocal mixture but also for being the first and only Russian band that has had success in the States, deeply tied to the American tradition.

Natasha Borzilova was a leading figure of the Bering Strait, dissolved in 2006, and after a first solo album recorded in 2008 titled "Cheap Escape", is back with a great record, far more acoustic and personal. "Balancing Act" involves extraordinary multi-instrumentalists such as Billy Panda, the sounds of such an acclaimed bassist Byron House (currently the most requested sideman) and the percussion of an old companion of adventures with the Bering Strait, Alexander Arzamastsev . "Balancing Act" is composed of ten beautiful songs written by Natasha Borzilova and a traditional Russian folk atmosphere featuring an intriguing mix of acoustic country and reminiscences on which the fresh and beautiful voice of the protagonist is the icing on the cake. "Water and Wood", "End Of September" (duet with Billy Montana), "Ghost", the crystalline "Want You To Stay", the relaxed "Paper Wings" and the aforementioned traditional "Rechka" are the most interesting moments of an album that will be a nice surprise for those who love the great female voices.