Zola Van’s second CD continues the theme of telling the story of a hiking trip in Southern Illinois via eleven original piano solos and her arrangement of Vivaldi’s Largo from the Concerto in F Minor. Paint the Forest Winter, like “River to River Trail”, colorfully depicts various stops, sites, and natural wonders, and both albums were inspired by hikes through Shawnee National Forest. Van’s unique approach is gaining her much recognition from music-lovers and musicians, as well as hiking organizations,The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and The National Forest Service.

I really like Zola Van’s composing and playing styles. Her playing is strong and capable without using flash for its own sake. Her compositions are open and personal, and with her accounts of the songs and their inspiration in the liner notes, it is easy to see what she was seeing and experiencing on her hike. Most of the pieces are fluid and expressive, and some of them remind me a little of Robin Spielberg, who is one of my favorite composers. The entire CD works really well as a whole, but I’ll mention a few favorites. “Snow Dance at Sand Cave” was inspired at the largest sandstone cave in North America while the snow “gently dances like crystals in the sunlight”. Light, swirling, and very joyful, this is a beautiful way to begin the musical hike. “Winter’s Kiss at Rim Rock Trail” gives an icy chill, much as the stinging wind does, also bringing a sense of exhilaration with the thrill of being out in the elements and experiencing the whims of Mother Nature. I don’t know if it was intentional but “The Snow Day” reminds me in sections of “Linus and Lucy” from the “Peanuts” specials. This piece tells of the excitement of a “Snow Day” and not having to go to school. Who wouldn’t rather play in the snow? Van effectively captures children’s taunts during a snowball fight, and makes this piece a joy! “Trail of Tears: Kyrie at Brownfield” tells of the forced march of the Cherokee Indians in 1839 as they were being relocated. The conditions were so terrible that many of the mothers sent their children into the forest for safety, cold and alone. Many of the children as well as the elderly suffered and died, and were buried in this area in unmarked graves. The darkest and saddest of the songs in this collection, the emotions are very powerful and gracefully conveyed. “Burden Falls” is also bold and powerful in its depiction of a waterfall frozen in its path. The photo in the liner notes is almost as stunning as the song!

Paint the Forest Winter is a wonderful collection to inspire those who love the outdoors as well as those who prefer to experience it from the comfort of the couch with headphones on. Very highly recommended! It is available from amazon.com.