LAURIE Z.: Heart of the Holidays

Laurie Z.

Heart of the Holidays

© 2001 Lauriebean Music, BMI (738091240424)

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This Holiday album from Laurie Z. features Laurie's trademark musical stylings combined with Jack Palance's narration of The Night Before Christmas. This is Classic and new Holiday music in unique arrangements and in keeping with the season and times.

notes

~~An upbeat Christmas release to make your celebration special!~~

Review by Carol Swanson
www.ChristmasReviews.com

"Heart of the Holidays" is a showcase for the very talented Laurie Z, 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 he brings 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.

"This album is a heartfelt reminder of the enduring joy of the season and of the human spirit, and has an uplifting energy enjoyable year-round. ON THE TOP 10 RELEASES LIST by Kathy Parsons: "There isn't a weak track on this CD, and the sense of fun and joy is a breath of fresh air. I give it a wholehearted recommendation!"

"Playful touches are included, like special guest, actor Jack Palance singing "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus", and a snippet of Adam Sandler's "Chanukah Song" featured into the grand finale. Listeners will walk away humming the indelible melodies of the original songs composed for this album by Laurie Z., including "Heart of the Holidays" and "Warmth from Within", written for the beautiful album cover oil painting by renowned artist Jesse Anderson.

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  • Amazing music and “heart.”
    author: Sheryl Roush

    Browsing the internet, I came across this unique and touching CD that goes along with the theme of my Heart of the Holidays book - and BY THE SAME NAME! So of course, it got MY attention. I listened to title theme song track and then a few more songs, loved it, and bought it! Such talent, and clearly such HEART!

  • Warm and wonderful!
    author: Kathy Parsons

    Laurie Z.’s long-awaited new album is a delightful mixed bag of holiday goodies. The collection includes Jack Palance singing “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” and reading “The Night Before Christmas”, two Laurie Z. originals, two Chanukah songs, and warmly upbeat arrangements of familiar Christmas tunes. Palance’s vocals on “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” make it the Christmas novelty hit of the year. If this track doesn’t bring a grin to your face, you are definitely in the “Scrooge” category! Palance hasn’t sung for a recording in thirty years, so this is a sweet treat. Laurie’s husband, Michael Carter, also returned to the microphone after thirty years to lend his wonderful voice to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and an incredible medley of John Lennon’s “Imagine” and “Happy Christmas”, which includes a children’s choir. This track was recorded only a few days before the 9/11 attack, and the words, “a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, let’s hope it’s a good one, without any fear" take on such poignancy. “What Child is This?” is given a Latin rhythm that really works to modernize this ancient melody. “Carol of the Bells” is one of my favorite holiday songs, and I love Laurie’s upbeat arrangement. “Sivivon” is the only really dark piece, but it is gorgeous and deeply felt. Dan Fogelberg’s “Same Old Lang Syne Medley” is just as touching as an instrumental as it was as a vocal. There isn’t a weak track on this CD, and the sense of fun and joy is a breath of fresh air. I start teaching Christmas music to my piano students in late October, and have reviewed a large number of Christmas CDs this year, and by early December, I’m usually sick to death of Christmas music. Here it is only a week before Christmas, and I’m still thoroughly enjoying “Heart of the Holidays”. I give it a wholehearted recommendation! Laurie Z. is donating 10% of all proceeds from this CD to the Center for Cancer and Blood Disease Research at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles.

  • Right Now is a Great Time to Listen to Laurie Z. Music!!!
    author: G.M. Grena

    Spring, summer, autumn, or winter--any time of the year you want to feel uplifted, this is the collection of songs for you! Laurie Z.'s rendition of the classic, Carol of the Bells, is a celebration of the soul! As her fingers harmoniously dance across her keyboards, you can't help but feel part of something spiritually spectacular! Likewise, when she plays Sivivon, it gives you the musical sensation of being embraced by someone who truly loves you. Finally, a musical artist has produced a collection of holiday songs suitable for traditional year-end celebrations as well as any other special occasion throughout the year!

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