Our Review
"Heart of the Holidays" is a showcase for the very talented Laurie Z, an acclaimed keyboardist and composer (and arranger on many cuts). Although the principal focus is on the artist's amazing keyboard abilities, the disc reflects a much broader range of materials.
Of the 14 tracks, 11 are instrumentals, and two of these are Laurie Z originals ("Heart of the Holidays" and "Warmth from Within"). The new songs are lovely pieces that fit naturally among the well-known classics. The musical style is a mix of pop, classical, and new age, with more than a dash of synthesizer action.
This CD has much to offer, and it has a delightful sense of humor. Actor Jack Palance sings on "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" and, although singing is far from his strongest talent, he does bring a poignant and playful perspective to the song. Palance's narration of "The Night Before Christmas" is right on the money and closes the disc.
"Heart of the Holidays" has many fine moments. Laurie Z's original creations (the title track and her "Warmth from Within") immediately feel like old friends. The "Imagine/Happy Xmas" homage to songwriter John Lennon has winning vocals (Michael Carter, Guy Tanner and The Heart Choir), and Carter also contributes his silken voice to a wonderful "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." The "Deck the Halls/Angels We Have Heard on High" medley is exceptional.
In the holiday spirit, Laurie Z is contributing 10% of all proceeds from this CD to the Center for Cancer & Blood Disease Research at Children's Hospital, Los Angeles. Such generosity demonstrates what is true, what is good, and what is the "Heart of the Holidays."
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2004)
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From the liner notes:
The Musicians:
Piano/keyboard: Laurie Z; Vocals: Jack Palance, Michael Carter, Guy Tanner; Sax: Alan Palmer; Drums: Albe Bonacci; The Heart Choir: Laura Hunter, Tenley Tanner, Sidney Roles, Mykkal Gibb, Lauren Stanley & Madeline Kleinman
From the website:
Laurie is a classically trained musician, studying since the age of 4, performing live since the age of 5, and composing since the age of 16. She has extended her education and experience well beyond the bounds of classical music, with influences as diverse as Mozart, Beethoven, Elton John, Bruce Hornsby, and Alan Parsons. Laurie is known for the memorable melodies in her compositions. "There has to be something that you remember when you turn the radio off," she explains. And there is!
Laurie Z.
Heart of the Holidays
Artist link
Label: Zebra Productions
Length: 48 minutes
Genre: New Age
Release: 2001
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| Joy to the World |
| O Come, O Come, Emmanuel |
| Let It Snow |
| Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer |
| Joy to the World |
| What Child Is This? |
| O Little Town of Bethlehem |
| Medley of the Bells |
| Angels We Have Heard on High |
| O Come, All Ye Faithful |
| Drumming Medley (3 cuts) |
| O Holy Night |
| Jingle Bells |
| Sleigh Ride |
| Here Comes Santa Claus |
| O Tannenbaum |
| I Wonder As I Wander |
| Silent Night |
| We Wish You a Merry Christmas |