ZOLA VAN

River to River Trail: The Hike

Really Big Shoes (2000)

review by Bill Binkelman

Drawing inspiration from her walks along the 176-mile long River to River Trail in Southern Illinois, pianist Zola Van's album of solo piano tunes is perfect sunny day music. Most of the songs are upbeat and joyous, filled with a combination of breezy accessibility and strong melodies. Her playing sounds like a blend of Wayne Gratz and Jim Chappell, both of whom I hold in high regard. Her accomplished technique sounds effortless (which, as I well know, the opposite is usually the case) in that nothing feels forced or contrived. The warmth and friendliness of cuts like the opener, "Steps: Battery Rock to Rock Creek," and "Angels' Dance at Garden of the Gods" is grin-inducing and the cheer of the album always seemed to spread throughout the house when I played the CD.

Not everything on River to River Trail: The Hike is uptempo, although I prefer the songs that are (since so few pianists seem to capture this vibe successfully anymore). "Broken Wing at Lusk Creek" is softly wistful and romantic and "Walk by Here: Ferne Clyffe" is introspective and a bit sad. As you may have guessed by now, the songs are all named for spots along this lengthy trail, which as someone who enjoys hiking (when I can find the time) sounds like a wonderful trek. The liner notes are extensive and clearly paint vivid images of the Trail as well as aptly illustrating Zola's love of nature and her joy in walking through this wondrous landscape.

I don't know that I can single out one or two favorite songs. And while I like the faster-tempo jaunty numbers a little more, the slower and softer ballads are just as well done. The only song I personally couldn't warm to (despite repeated playings) was the finale, "Trails Never End: Devil's Backbone," a vocal number featuring the deep and rich voice of Richard McNeill. For me, the drama of his quasi-operatic phrasing, combined with the slightly flowery (but doubtlessly sincere) lyrics, undercuts the music's impact up to this point. Since it's the last cut, it's easy to either just skip it or let it play through, if your judgment of the piece echoes my assessment. I was hoping for a less melodramatic climax to this enjoyable and heartfelt recording, since so much of what comes before this song is delightfully unpretentious. However, with that said, the last cut does not lessen my recommendation of the album. I consider River to River Trail: The Hike an excellent solo piano CD - filled with hummable and catchy hooks and also personal and reflective tone poems. Fans of the two artists I mentioned above and other similar pianists will, I'm sure, enjoy this hike through a variety of musical landscape portraits. I know I did. I can't wait to walk the real trail someday as well. Thanks for the "tour," Zola!