Carol: A Christmas Journey

About the Artist
"Zola Van, pianist/composer creates inspiring, beautiful music described by reviewers as lush, evocative, compelling; intuitive with strong melodies expertly played. Zola's music possesses a breezy accessibility and is absolutely gorgeous!


Zola Van, pianist and composer, brings a unique blend to her listeners: the beauty of her original piano solos and that of scenic Southern Illinois, where she resides. Her music has made music lovers out of outdoorsmen and has inspired people to get out and see the actual spots that have inspired her musical creations. Her music is also gaining national attention for its beauty and worthiness alone. Zola has been called an "Ambassador for her area" bringing attention and recognition to the beauty of Southern Illinois through her music.

Zola has many intensely loyal fans who have expressed devotion and admiration of her music and creativity. It has been said repeatedly of her music, "All they have to do is listen once, and they are hooked!".

Her first CD, River to River Trail: The Hike, has elicited an enthusiastic response from the public, tourism officials, trail societies, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and the National Forest Service. The March/April 2001 issue of American Hiker contains a full-page article about Zola, the CD, and how it originated. Outdoor Illinois, a publication of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, State of Illinois, will feature her in the August, 2001, issue. No other musician has ever enjoyed these two distinctions. She also began her own Really Big Shoes Publishing Co. to release her own albums.

WDBX Radio in Carbondale, IL aired a two hour program titled "In Search of Trail Magic" on Jerry Nelms’ Music from Beyond the Lakes based upon Zola’s CD. Radio stations across the country are using Zola’s music in their programming and receiving favorable comments from their listeners.

The Southern Illinoisan sponsored and promoted her CD release concert at the Herrin Civic Center. Ken Seeber of the Southern Illinoisan hailed her "A Walking Inspiration. Celebrate the Shawnee with Pianist Zola Van." Five Southern Illinois newspapers have printed articles about Zola and her music.

Zola has a music degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and throughout high school she studied piano privately with the Music Department Chairman. She has taught music privately and in public schools. Having played since childhood, she has always heard and written music. A strong family background in the arts and love of nature has nurtured her appreciation of both.

Zola’s music touches people, makes them feel something of what she felt when inspired by the beauty and the history of Southern Illinois. An admirer says, "What I cannot do with the many inflections of voice, Zola can do with a piano key." Listen yourselves! It is Zola’s wish that through her music, you may stand in the forest with her, no matter where you may be.



Product Description
"With Carol: A Christmas Journey, pianist, Zola Van once again ranked as the #1 New Age Radio Airplay artist on NAR's (New Age Reporter) Top 100 Radio Airplay CD report for December 2003. Her previous release, Paint the Forest Winter, also ranked as the #1 New Age CD on NAV's (New Age Voice) Top 100 Radio Airplay Report. Both CD's have garnered Van some impressive reviews in the industry along with 5-star reviews from top Amazon.com reviewers. Carol: A Christmas Journey recieved Top Pick at ChristmasReviews.com along with an impressive 5-star review by site-owner Richard Banks.

Carol: A Christmas Journey features lesser-known carols, along with some that are well-known and loved. Timeless in its message and beauty, Carol is a journey across hundreds of years into the hearts and minds of the people who created the carols and whose message still touches us today.

Carol: A Christmas Journey,Zola Van,The Orchard,Christmas / Chanukkah,New Age / Meditation,Pop,Xmas Vocal

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Average customer rating: Carols of Christmas Past from Solo Piano Publications Really Big Shoes Mystical Christmas Journey A smooth ride to the holidays with this recording!

Carol: A Christmas Journey Manufacturer: Really Big Shoes ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Paint the Forest Winter ASIN: B0000C9ZA8 Release Date: 2003-09-03

Tracks:

1. A Virgin Most Pure
2. Coventry Carol: the Holy Innocents
3. Children's Song of the Nativity
4. Carol of the Birds
5. The Wexford Carol
6. Huron Carol
7. The Boar's Head Carol
8. Joyeaux Noel
9. Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella
10. The Dutch Carol
11. Ding Dong Merrily on High
12. Poverty
13. Silent Night

Customer Reviews:

Carols of Christmas Past.......2003-12-24

If you're tired of Christmas songs after hearing so many of the same ones over and over and are ready for something new here is the solution.
Zola Van's beautiful melodies give the Christmas spirit a new dimension. Carols from past centuries, seemingly lost in time, are brought to the present and surely must sound more beautiful than ever before.
These selectins are calming and soothing to the nerves. Highlights here are "Huron Carol", "The Boar's Head Carol" and "The Dutch Carol". But every song is played with remarkable excellence. For those longing to hear something more familiar, the timeless carol "Silent Night" completes this magnificent set of piano solos.

from Solo Piano Publications.......2003-11-08

When I slipped "Carol: A Christmas Journey" into my CD player, I expected to hear a collection of the usual Christmas pieces and carols with Zola Van's inspired solo piano interpretation. She had told me that this album was going to be different, and different it is! What sets "Carol" apart from other collections is the darkness and moodiness of the album. At first, it seemed almost bleak, but the more I listen, the more I hear the hope and anticipation in the music. Most of the carols are extremely old, going as far back as the twelfth century, and come from various European countries and traditions (one is Indian/Canadian). Van really did her homework on this album, researching the origins of the music as she collected the songs, and writing a short history of each piece in the liner notes. With all of the Christmas music I listen to and teach, I was amazed that I was familiar with only a small number of the carols, and because the collection is so unusual, I would think it would be easy to listen to it year-round without feeling silly about playing a Christmas album in, say, April while you're preparing your taxes!

The three familiar carols are "Coventry Carol," "Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella," and "Silent Night," all played lovingly true to the originals, but with fresh interpretations. "A Virgin Most Pure," is a hauntingly beautiful carol that tells of the prophecy and of three journeys to Bethlehem. Van's use of heavy chords in the deep bass of the piano accentuates the mystery and darkness of many of the pieces, this one included. "Children's Song of the Nativity" is a bit lighter, full of innocence and questions about traveling to Bethlehem - how far is it? what will we do when we get there? - a very sweet vignette. My favorite track is probably the darkest one of all, "Huron Carol". The words come from Huron droning, and were set to an Indian/Canadian tune by a Jesuit missionary who taught the Huron and Wendot in a wilderness outpost in Quebec. Van does an exquisite job with this piece - to the point that you can almost feel the chilling winds blowing through it. "The Boar's Head Carol" is a bit lighter and more festive. "The Dutch Carol" comes from about 1599, and is delicate, melancholy,and very beautiful. "Ding Dong Merrily on High" is probably the most upbeat piece - a dance that servants and peasants would perform for their employers' entertainment.

A very unusual collection of holiday music, "Carol" is certainly an antidote for too much Santa Claus. It makes you realize how far back our holiday traditions go, and the vastly different ways in which Christ's birth has been celebrated over the centuries. Historically, this is a fascinating collection - I learned so much from the liner notes. Musically, it is a spiritual and introspective journey to hear these haunting melodies played with such care and emotion. Zola Van has done an outstanding job with this album. Just be aware that this is not a happy-go-lucky album of "Jingle Bells" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."

Really Big Shoes.......2003-11-01

What I liked most was the powerful, suspenseful style of play, swirling with emotion, her embellishing style radiating a natural grandeur. I also liked the way her arrangements seemed to get to the heart of these Christmas melodies without being too precious. Her realization seemed to be much more about integrating Christmas into her musical vision than about trying to be a part of the sweet, tinkling chorus we'll be hearing soon enough. And it should be noted that she applied her style to a relatively unusual selection of carols, so there were significant segments where I could enjoy Christmas music without it being something I've heard over and over.

I found her treatments to be both relaxing and moving. And mind you, this--with the stereo on the fritz and my boombox at Lost Pines with my wife on a training mission--was first heard on the tinkly little computer speakers. I soon had to graduate it to the DVD player in the den to get the full surround, but its power is evident whatever the volume or acoustics.

I like this one a lot.

--Richard Banks, Christmasreviews.com

Mystical Christmas Journey.......2003-10-19

"I am a simple traveler. I am transported adrift a gentle, melodic seduction across hundreds of years to this place. Here in a shroud of feudal protection is common man, with reasoning and conduct conforming to his day, desperately seeking beauty, purity, and gentleness in an otherwise brutal world. Beyond dark stone walls of medieval thought, the allure of the beautiful virgin and the child-king's humble birth is the cherished focus of desire and intrigue." ~Zola Van

I first heard Zola Van's radiant music on a CD titled "The HeartAid Project." Her music captures hope, wonder, kindness and beauty. The fluidity of the fragile notes are balanced by the strength and depth of the message. Crisp, delicate and heart-felt notes mingle with images of Christmas memories and dreams.

There are lesser-known carols you might be hearing for the first time and a few beloved favorites that have survived in the hearts and minds of people across the centuries.

1. A Virgin Most Pure - Poignant and delicate rendition of an Old English carol.

2. Coventry Carol: the Holy Innocents - A 16th Century English carol with familiar strains and has grief and love intertwined.

3. Children's Song of the Nativity - A piece filled with questions and expectation. "How far is it to Bethlehem? Not very far. Shall we find the stable room lit by a star?" Zola plays this piece with precision and deep understanding. It is pure and beautiful.

4. Carol of the Birds is from Bas-Quercy, France. The peasants of the time told legends of enchanted animals who could speak on Christmas Eve. I can see birds swooping and soaring and following the "noel star."

5. The Wexford Carol is an Irish Carol known as the "Enniscorthy Carol."

6. Huron Carol is an Indian/Canadian tune - One of my favorites because it almost foretells sadness. Zola shows the full force of her interpretation as she alternates between spectacular lightness of hand and rich intensity. Zola has truly captured a moment in time with exquisite detail.

7. The Boar's Head Carol - A piece to take your breath away. The notes almost seem to be floating through the air like an invigorating breeze.

8. Joyeaux Noel - A French Carol sung at New Year's in the 1400s. Zola captures mystery and magic. You will recognize this sweet dream of new beginnings and hope for the future. This piece might delve into your memory and remind you of your most beautiful Christmas memories. I love how Zola tantalizes the listener with tiny raindrop notes and then just sends a downpour of notes to refresh your spirit.

9. Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella - A 15th Century French Provincial Carol with a playful twist. In the depth of night I can see little torches swirling in circles as Jeanette playfully dances instead of hurrying with the torches. There is a touch of humor here. It is as if time stops and this song could play forever.

10. The Dutch Carol - The beauty here is a solitary angel flying high above the earth. In the stillness of the night you can here "How sweet is love." The most comforting carol on this CD. It wraps you in warmth and you almost feel protected from all harm. Zola's playing dissolves all stress, this is a piece you could easily fall asleep to. As beautiful as a lullaby with a depth of caring that speaks of love and sweet dreams.

11. Ding Dong Merrily on High - A lighthearted piece. The emphasis here seems to be a joyous celebration.

12. Poverty - Spectacular depth and understanding. Zola shows her sensitivity in this interpretation. I hear a message so subtle it almost begs not to be explained but only to be felt with the heart. Perhaps this piece mostly evokes a sense of awe. We gaze at the tiny gift sleeping in the straw and are amazed at how a small child could be the hope of the world.

13. Silent Night - Instantly recognizable and a combination of all we love at Christmas Time. Zola plays this carol with an intricate beauty befitting this captivating story of heavenly peace.

Truly, I've never heard a collection of piano solos so delicate in magical beauty. Zola Van's music will quickly capture your heart. The universal messages of hope, peace and love have been captured in her interpretations of each carol. I highly recommend "Carol: A Christmas Journey" for the Holiday Season or anytime when you need a musical escape. It is timeless in its appeal and is a much needed escape from the harried pace of the holiday season or everyday life.

You may also enjoy "Paint the Forest Winter," and "River to River Trail: The Hike."

~TheRebeccaReview.com

A smooth ride to the holidays with this recording!.......2003-10-14

I have had the pleasure and priviledge of listening and reviewing Zola Van's 2 previuos releases. I am proud to say the the third release is just a entertaining as the other 2. Zola Van's talent seems with out limits in this release.

There are 13 tracks, totaling over 50 minutes of some of the best piano music out there today. The complete collection of Christamas music has you listening to all time favorites like Silent Night, which is my personal faovrite on this album.

You have some lesser known releases such as Carol of the Birds and the Wexford Carol. Even though the music is lsated for the holiday season, and it would make a perfect holiday gift, this cd could and should be listened to almost any timeof the year.

Having been given the rare oppurtunity to hear music that not only calms the situation but also relaxes you at the same is one of life simple pleasures. This recording is gentle in sound but large in volume as the music will resonante for more that just the Winter season.

Zola Van has given the listener a true gift of the holiday spirit - excellent job!

Average customer rating:

Plum Pudding Manufacturer: Asv Living Era ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Barber | Barber, Samuel | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Byrd, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Cornelius, Peter | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Reger, Max | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Reger, Max | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music ASIN: B0000CEONL Release Date: 2003-11-11

Tracks:

1. Wassail Song
2. December
3. O Magnum Mysterium
4. This Day Christmas Was Born
5. God's Speech
6. Lullay, Lulla
7. Jolly Wat The Shepherd
8. I Sing Of A Maiden
9. Virgin Mary's Slumber-Song
10. The Three Kings
11. The Journey Of The Magi
12. Twelfth Night
13. Christmas In Seville
14. Virgen Sancta
15. Esta Noche
16. Memories Of Christmas
17. The Holly And The Ivy
18. Christmas Decorations
19. Deck The Hall
20. The Twelve Days Of Christmas
21. The Twelve Days Of Christmas
22. Christmas Truce
23. Singing In The Streets
24. Silent Night

Average customer rating:

Hearing: 32 Songs of Ned Rorem Manufacturer: Premier Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B000009KB7 Release Date: 1995-01-19

Average customer rating:

Journey Home Manufacturer: Mah Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music ASIN: B0000AM6LV Release Date: 2003-08-05

Tracks:

1. What Child Is This
2. Coventry Carol
3. Go Tell It On The Mountain
4. Journey Home
5. Joy To The World
6. O' Come All Ye Faithful
7. O' Holy Night
8. Silent Night
9. The First Noel
10. Angels We Have Heard On High

Average customer rating: Wonderful, tasteful Christmas music. Christmas Memories and Dreams

Carol: A Christmas Journey Zola Van Manufacturer: The Orchard ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music ASIN: B0002VESSC Release Date: 2004-08-24

Tracks:

1. A Virgin Most Pure
2. Coventry Carol: the Holy Innocents
3. Children's Song of the Nativity
4. Carol of the Birds
5. The Wexford Carol
6. Huron Carol
7. The Boar's Head Carol
8. Joyeaux Noel
9. Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella
10. The Dutch Carol
11. Ding, Dong Merrily on High
12. Poverty
13. Silent Night

Album Description

"With Carol: A Christmas Journey, pianist, Zola Van once again ranked as the #1 New Age Radio Airplay artist on NAR's (New Age Reporter) Top 100 Radio Airplay CD report for December 2003. Her previous release, Paint the Forest Winter, also ranked as the #1 New Age CD on NAV's (New Age Voice) Top 100 Radio Airplay Report. Both CD's have garnered Van some impressive reviews in the industry along with 5-star reviews from top Amazon.com reviewers. Carol: A Christmas Journey recieved Top Pick at ChristmasReviews.com along with an impressive 5-star review by site-owner Richard Banks.

Carol: A Christmas Journey features lesser-known carols, along with some that are well-known and loved. Timeless in its message and beauty, Carol is a journey across hundreds of years into the hearts and minds of the people who created the carols and whose message still touches us today.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful, tasteful Christmas music........2007-01-12

This CD of traditional carols played by Zola Van is a refreshing respite from the blitz of tacky, cynical and commercialized Christmas music. Both familiar and rarely heard carols are played with tremendous simplicity and expression. Some listeners may find a few of the selections rather sad and solemn, but these carols convey the mystery and wonder of Christmas. My only complaint, and it is a small one, is that the piano sounds a bit tinny at times, as if the sound engineer was trying for a harp-like effect. In any case, this is a well-done collection of carols that will be enjoyed for years.

Christmas Memories and Dreams.......2006-08-13

"I am a simple traveler. I am transported adrift a gentle, melodic seduction across hundreds of years to this place. Here in a shroud of feudal protection is common man, with reasoning and conduct conforming to his day, desperately seeking beauty, purity, and gentleness in an otherwise brutal world. Beyond dark stone walls of medieval thought, the allure of the beautiful virgin and the child-king's humble birth is the cherished focus of desire and intrigue." ~Zola Van

I first heard Zola Van's radiant music on a CD titled "The HeartAid Project." Her music captures hope, wonder, kindness and beauty. The fluidity of the fragile notes are balanced by the strength and depth of the message. Crisp, delicate and heart-felt notes mingle with images of Christmas memories and dreams.

There are lesser-known carols you might be hearing for the first time and a few beloved favorites that have survived in the hearts and minds of people across the centuries.

1. A Virgin Most Pure - Poignant and delicate rendition of an Old English carol.

2. Coventry Carol: the Holy Innocents - A 16th Century English carol with familiar strains and has grief and love intertwined.

3. Children's Song of the Nativity - A piece filled with questions and expectation. "How far is it to Bethlehem? Not very far. Shall we find the stable room lit by a star?" Zola plays this piece with precision and deep understanding. It is pure and beautiful.

4. Carol of the Birds is from Bas-Quercy, France. The peasants of the time told legends of enchanted animals who could speak on Christmas Eve. I can see birds swooping and soaring and following the "noel star."

5. The Wexford Carol is an Irish Carol known as the "Enniscorthy Carol."

6. Huron Carol is an Indian/Canadian tune - One of my favorites because it almost foretells sadness. Zola shows the full force of her interpretation as she alternates between spectacular lightness of hand and rich intensity. Zola has truly captured a moment in time with exquisite detail.

7. The Boar's Head Carol - A piece to take your breath away. The notes almost seem to be floating through the air like an invigorating breeze.

8. Joyeaux Noel - A French Carol sung at New Year's in the 1400s. Zola captures mystery and magic. You will recognize this sweet dream of new beginnings and hope for the future. This piece might delve into your memory and remind you of your most beautiful Christmas memories. I love how Zola tantalizes the listener with tiny raindrop notes and then just sends a downpour of notes to refresh your spirit.

9. Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella - A 15th Century French Provincial Carol with a playful twist. In the depth of night I can see little torches swirling in circles as Jeanette playfully dances instead of hurrying with the torches. There is a touch of humor here. It is as if time stops and this song could play forever.

10. The Dutch Carol - The beauty here is a solitary angel flying high above the earth. In the stillness of the night you can here "How sweet is love." The most comforting carol on this CD. It wraps you in warmth and you almost feel protected from all harm. Zola's playing dissolves all stress, this is a piece you could easily fall asleep to. As beautiful as a lullaby with a depth of caring that speaks of love and sweet dreams.

11. Ding Dong Merrily on High - A lighthearted piece. The emphasis here seems to be a joyous celebration.

12. Poverty - Spectacular depth and understanding. Zola shows her sensitivity in this interpretation. I hear a message so subtle it almost begs not to be explained but only to be felt with the heart. Perhaps this piece mostly evokes a sense of awe. We gaze at the tiny gift sleeping in the straw and are amazed at how a small child could be the hope of the world.

13. Silent Night - Instantly recognizable and a combination of all we love at Christmas Time. Zola plays this carol with an intricate beauty befitting this captivating story of heavenly peace.

Truly, I've never heard a collection of piano solos so delicate in magical beauty. Zola Van's music will quickly capture your heart. The universal messages of hope, peace and love have been captured in her interpretations of each carol. I highly recommend "Carol: A Christmas Journey" for the Holiday Season or anytime when you need a musical escape. It is timeless in its appeal and is a much needed escape from the harried pace of the holiday season or everyday life.

You may also enjoy "Paint the Forest Winter," and "River to River Trail: The Hike."

~TheRebeccaReview.com

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