Review / Comments ::

I discovered Zola Van's music back in February 2003, through some tracks she had made available at Amazon.com. After reading about how she drew her inspiration from the forests and rivers of Southern Illinois, and playing the first track, I was totally enthralled. You too will be held captive to the beauty of the deep forest wearing a pristine coat of snow, as Zola's journeys are captured in music. So, grab a cup of coffee, and put your feet up for an armchair journey through the forests of Southern Illinois.

Favorite Tracks Include:

• (2) "Chamnesstown School Trail at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge." How many of us have heard the stories in our childhood about our parents or grandparents walking 5 miles or more one way to attend a one room school house? Zola takes us back through time to attend a small country school.
• (3) "Winter's Kiss at Rim Rock Trail," as light and beautiful as the designs Jack Frost paints upon the windows or snow reflecting the sunrise like diamonds on newly fallen snow.
• (6) "The Snow Day," a day off from school will delight any child between the ages of 5 and 18. This track is full of joy and it's easy to picture a group of children sledding, playing hide and seek and other outdoor games in the fresh deep snow.
• (8) "Trail of Tears: Kyrie at Brownfield," Zola's empathetic response to a sad historic tale of Cherokee mothers sending their children away into the forest in hopes they might survive the Trail of Tears. Heart-wrenching, yet inspiring, Zola's loving tribute assures the listener that those who died along the way, will not be forgotten.

Rating ::

Related Web Links ::

Official Site:  http://www.zolavan.com/

Available At ::

eMusic US (MP3 Download, DRM-Free)
CD Baby US (CD)
Amazon.com US (CD)

Album Copyright Information ::

© 2001 / 2004 Zola Van

Review Date ::

Reviewed: October 2007
Last Updated: 01/01/2008
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