Pure Poverty

Pure Poverty

Track Listings
1. Shakiyla
2. Easy Star
3. Self-Styled Wisdom
4. Hot Damn I'm Great
5. Strictly Mash'ion
6. Nation's Anthem
7. Each One Teach One
8. Rappin' Black
9. Just Servin' Justice
10. Freedom or Death
11. Methods of Droppin' Mental
12. Pure Poverty
13. I'm Comin' Again

Carol: A Christmas Journey
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Carols of Christmas Past
  • from Solo Piano Publications
  • Really Big Shoes
  • Mystical Christmas Journey
  • A smooth ride to the holidays with this recording!
 Carol: A Christmas Journey

Manufacturer: Really Big Shoes
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
NoelsNoels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
GeneralGeneral | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Paint the Forest Winter

ASIN: B0000C9ZA8
Release Date: 2003-09-03

Tracks:

  1. A Virgin Most Pure
  2. Coventry Carol: the Holy Innocents
  3. Children's Song of the Nativity
  4. Carol of the Birds
  5. The Wexford Carol
  6. Huron Carol
  7. The Boar's Head Carol
  8. Joyeaux Noel
  9. Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella
  10. The Dutch Carol
  11. Ding Dong Merrily on High
  12. Poverty
  13. Silent Night

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Carols of Christmas Past.......2003-12-24

If you're tired of Christmas songs after hearing so many of the same ones over and over and are ready for something new here is the solution.
Zola Van's beautiful melodies give the Christmas spirit a new dimension. Carols from past centuries, seemingly lost in time, are brought to the present and surely must sound more beautiful than ever before.
These selectins are calming and soothing to the nerves. Highlights here are "Huron Carol", "The Boar's Head Carol" and "The Dutch Carol". But every song is played with remarkable excellence. For those longing to hear something more familiar, the timeless carol "Silent Night" completes this magnificent set of piano solos.

5 out of 5 stars from Solo Piano Publications.......2003-11-08

When I slipped "Carol: A Christmas Journey" into my CD player, I expected to hear a collection of the usual Christmas pieces and carols with Zola Van's inspired solo piano interpretation. She had told me that this album was going to be different, and different it is! What sets "Carol" apart from other collections is the darkness and moodiness of the album. At first, it seemed almost bleak, but the more I listen, the more I hear the hope and anticipation in the music. Most of the carols are extremely old, going as far back as the twelfth century, and come from various European countries and traditions (one is Indian/Canadian). Van really did her homework on this album, researching the origins of the music as she collected the songs, and writing a short history of each piece in the liner notes. With all of the Christmas music I listen to and teach, I was amazed that I was familiar with only a small number of the carols, and because the collection is so unusual, I would think it would be easy to listen to it year-round without feeling silly about playing a Christmas album in, say, April while you're preparing your taxes!

The three familiar carols are "Coventry Carol," "Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella," and "Silent Night," all played lovingly true to the originals, but with fresh interpretations. "A Virgin Most Pure," is a hauntingly beautiful carol that tells of the prophecy and of three journeys to Bethlehem. Van's use of heavy chords in the deep bass of the piano accentuates the mystery and darkness of many of the pieces, this one included. "Children's Song of the Nativity" is a bit lighter, full of innocence and questions about traveling to Bethlehem - how far is it? what will we do when we get there? - a very sweet vignette. My favorite track is probably the darkest one of all, "Huron Carol". The words come from Huron droning, and were set to an Indian/Canadian tune by a Jesuit missionary who taught the Huron and Wendot in a wilderness outpost in Quebec. Van does an exquisite job with this piece - to the point that you can almost feel the chilling winds blowing through it. "The Boar's Head Carol" is a bit lighter and more festive. "The Dutch Carol" comes from about 1599, and is delicate, melancholy,and very beautiful. "Ding Dong Merrily on High" is probably the most upbeat piece - a dance that servants and peasants would perform for their employers' entertainment.

A very unusual collection of holiday music, "Carol" is certainly an antidote for too much Santa Claus. It makes you realize how far back our holiday traditions go, and the vastly different ways in which Christ's birth has been celebrated over the centuries. Historically, this is a fascinating collection - I learned so much from the liner notes. Musically, it is a spiritual and introspective journey to hear these haunting melodies played with such care and emotion. Zola Van has done an outstanding job with this album. Just be aware that this is not a happy-go-lucky album of "Jingle Bells" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."

5 out of 5 stars Really Big Shoes.......2003-11-01

What I liked most was the powerful, suspenseful style of play, swirling with emotion, her embellishing style radiating a natural grandeur. I also liked the way her arrangements seemed to get to the heart of these Christmas melodies without being too precious. Her realization seemed to be much more about integrating Christmas into her musical vision than about trying to be a part of the sweet, tinkling chorus we'll be hearing soon enough. And it should be noted that she applied her style to a relatively unusual selection of carols, so there were significant segments where I could enjoy Christmas music without it being something I've heard over and over.

I found her treatments to be both relaxing and moving. And mind you, this--with the stereo on the fritz and my boombox at Lost Pines with my wife on a training mission--was first heard on the tinkly little computer speakers. I soon had to graduate it to the DVD player in the den to get the full surround, but its power is evident whatever the volume or acoustics.

I like this one a lot.

--Richard Banks, Christmasreviews.com

5 out of 5 stars Mystical Christmas Journey.......2003-10-19

"I am a simple traveler. I am transported adrift a gentle, melodic seduction across hundreds of years to this place. Here in a shroud of feudal protection is common man, with reasoning and conduct conforming to his day, desperately seeking beauty, purity, and gentleness in an otherwise brutal world. Beyond dark stone walls of medieval thought, the allure of the beautiful virgin and the child-king's humble birth is the cherished focus of desire and intrigue." ~Zola Van

I first heard Zola Van's radiant music on a CD titled "The HeartAid Project." Her music captures hope, wonder, kindness and beauty. The fluidity of the fragile notes are balanced by the strength and depth of the message. Crisp, delicate and heart-felt notes mingle with images of Christmas memories and dreams.

There are lesser-known carols you might be hearing for the first time and a few beloved favorites that have survived in the hearts and minds of people across the centuries.

1. A Virgin Most Pure - Poignant and delicate rendition of an Old English carol.

2. Coventry Carol: the Holy Innocents - A 16th Century English carol with familiar strains and has grief and love intertwined.

3. Children's Song of the Nativity - A piece filled with questions and expectation. "How far is it to Bethlehem? Not very far. Shall we find the stable room lit by a star?" Zola plays this piece with precision and deep understanding. It is pure and beautiful.

4. Carol of the Birds is from Bas-Quercy, France. The peasants of the time told legends of enchanted animals who could speak on Christmas Eve. I can see birds swooping and soaring and following the "noel star."

5. The Wexford Carol is an Irish Carol known as the "Enniscorthy Carol."

6. Huron Carol is an Indian/Canadian tune - One of my favorites because it almost foretells sadness. Zola shows the full force of her interpretation as she alternates between spectacular lightness of hand and rich intensity. Zola has truly captured a moment in time with exquisite detail.

7. The Boar's Head Carol - A piece to take your breath away. The notes almost seem to be floating through the air like an invigorating breeze.

8. Joyeaux Noel - A French Carol sung at New Year's in the 1400s. Zola captures mystery and magic. You will recognize this sweet dream of new beginnings and hope for the future. This piece might delve into your memory and remind you of your most beautiful Christmas memories. I love how Zola tantalizes the listener with tiny raindrop notes and then just sends a downpour of notes to refresh your spirit.

9. Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella - A 15th Century French Provincial Carol with a playful twist. In the depth of night I can see little torches swirling in circles as Jeanette playfully dances instead of hurrying with the torches. There is a touch of humor here. It is as if time stops and this song could play forever.

10. The Dutch Carol - The beauty here is a solitary angel flying high above the earth. In the stillness of the night you can here "How sweet is love." The most comforting carol on this CD. It wraps you in warmth and you almost feel protected from all harm. Zola's playing dissolves all stress, this is a piece you could easily fall asleep to. As beautiful as a lullaby with a depth of caring that speaks of love and sweet dreams.

11. Ding Dong Merrily on High - A lighthearted piece. The emphasis here seems to be a joyous celebration.

12. Poverty - Spectacular depth and understanding. Zola shows her sensitivity in this interpretation. I hear a message so subtle it almost begs not to be explained but only to be felt with the heart. Perhaps this piece mostly evokes a sense of awe. We gaze at the tiny gift sleeping in the straw and are amazed at how a small child could be the hope of the world.

13. Silent Night - Instantly recognizable and a combination of all we love at Christmas Time. Zola plays this carol with an intricate beauty befitting this captivating story of heavenly peace.

Truly, I've never heard a collection of piano solos so delicate in magical beauty. Zola Van's music will quickly capture your heart. The universal messages of hope, peace and love have been captured in her interpretations of each carol. I highly recommend "Carol: A Christmas Journey" for the Holiday Season or anytime when you need a musical escape. It is timeless in its appeal and is a much needed escape from the harried pace of the holiday season or everyday life.

You may also enjoy "Paint the Forest Winter," and "River to River Trail: The Hike."

~TheRebeccaReview.com

5 out of 5 stars A smooth ride to the holidays with this recording!.......2003-10-14

I have had the pleasure and priviledge of listening and reviewing Zola Van's 2 previuos releases. I am proud to say the the third release is just a entertaining as the other 2. Zola Van's talent seems with out limits in this release.

There are 13 tracks, totaling over 50 minutes of some of the best piano music out there today. The complete collection of Christamas music has you listening to all time favorites like Silent Night, which is my personal faovrite on this album.

You have some lesser known releases such as Carol of the Birds and the Wexford Carol. Even though the music is lsated for the holiday season, and it would make a perfect holiday gift, this cd could and should be listened to almost any timeof the year.

Having been given the rare oppurtunity to hear music that not only calms the situation but also relaxes you at the same is one of life simple pleasures. This recording is gentle in sound but large in volume as the music will resonante for more that just the Winter season.

Zola Van has given the listener a true gift of the holiday spirit - excellent job!
Parlour Flattery
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Parlour Flattery
    Moedog Darling
    Manufacturer: Poverty Level Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000CAKW8S
    Release Date: 2005-04-26

    Tracks:

    1. Spin Dancer
    2. Backroom
    3. My Shelter
    4. Girls, Put on Your Makeup
    5. Poor Sweet You
    6. Hollywood
    7. Slender Isms
    8. Air in This Town
    9. At the Hem of My Dress
    10. Sink Now
    11. Drive
    12. I'm on to You
    13. Boy's Urgency
    14. Red Light
    The Cat
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		The Cat
      Tony Maserati
      Manufacturer: Poverty Records
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B000CAF6IE
      Release Date: 2005-10-11

      Tracks:

      1. Look out Miss James
      2. Four Tired Car
      3. Only a Fool Like Me
      4. I Can't Wait
      5. Hot Rodders Dream
      6. But I'm Not
      7. Too Hot to Handle
      8. All I Can Do Is Cry
      9. Servant of Love
      10. Keepin' All My Lovin'
      11. Girl of My Best Friend
      12. Only a Fool Like Me
      13. Cat
      14. Tom the Boogie Woogie Tom Cat
      15. Twelve Year Old Boy
      16. Goodbye Baby
      17. Long Blonde Hair
      18. 200 Miles
      19. Let's Rock Tonite
      Pure Poverty
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • ANOTHER GEM FROM PRT
      • 4 1/2 Stars
      • the album speaks for itself
      • An amalgamation of pride, funk, and genius
      • My favorite Rap CD
      		 Pure Poverty
      Poor Righteous Teachers
      Manufacturer: Profile
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
      East CoastEast Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
      Pop RapPop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
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      ASIN: B000000CGA
      Release Date: 1991-07-01

      Tracks:

      1. Shakiyla (JRH)
      2. Easy Star
      3. Self-Styled Wisdom
      4. Hot Damn I'm Great
      5. Strictly Mash'ion
      6. The Nation's Anthem
      7. Each On Teach One
      8. Rappin' Black
      9. Just Servin' Justice
      10. Freedom Or Death
      11. Methods Of Droppin' Mental
      12. Pure Poverty
      13. I'm Comin' Again

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars ANOTHER GEM FROM PRT.......2007-01-25

      it seems like with every album, PRT got more aggressive and deeper. it's like with this one, they took our hand and pulled us further in. for me, it's EASY STAR. the toasting on that is lovely along with wise intelligent's flow and father shaheed's cut's and scratches. like i said before, anything from PRT is worth getting.

      4 out of 5 stars 4 1/2 Stars.......2006-07-05

      Straight up:

      Tony D produced a gem while Wise Intelligent dropped some ill lyrics. All 13 tracks are def head bobbing material, check out the 30 sec samples, all the songs are dope with a good sound and feel. Wise's rasta style of rapping similar to KRS-One's style fits perfectly with Tony D's work on the boards. Wise's rhymes are well constructed and chalked full of knowledge. This album is worth the out-of-print cost. All the songs have a great sound and each in their own right are work of a genius.

      Stand up Jerz!

      5 out of 5 stars the album speaks for itself.......2006-06-11

      this follow-up is nothing but tight! Wise Intelligent, Culture Freedom and Father Shaheed r 3 of Jersey's finest! 2 top-flowing mc's and a awesome d.j., what more u need? i been a PRT fan since they dropped that first single, "Rock Dis Funky Joint". i copped it soon as it hit the music stores. i got their tapes and as soon as cds came out, i got them on cd as well. on this album, "Shakyla" is hottest cut on that album, that piano sample they used is str8! "wake up from those sadden dreams, makin' that she sure is mine. take those earrings and those silly chains, they r simply just a waste of time, the queen is mine". that hook is awesome!

      5 out of 5 stars An amalgamation of pride, funk, and genius.......1999-08-28

      Pure Poverty, along with PE's Fear of a Black Planet and X Clan's Exodus, literally saved my life. This trio elevated the rap game to the point where rappers wanted to get black instead of get paid. Strictly Mash'ion is a perfect song with one of the best hooks ever. And when you hear Comin' Again, you realize that Wise Intelligent is easily one of the top five rappers ever. He and Culture Freedom, Father Shaheed, and Tony D demonstrate that Five Percenters love themselves and truth--actual facts--is the best ear candy around.

      5 out of 5 stars My favorite Rap CD.......1999-04-21

      I could easily be one of the members of the band writing this review but I'm not. Suffice it to say this is the best rap I know of. I'm here because I gave away the CD as a present and want to buy a new one. Basically this is rap that has all of the ingenuity you want from adept rappers but without the attitude and the gratuitous use of expletives. I mean Tribe Called Quest is capable and everything but it's not on this kind of tip. Yet while PRT is righteous it isn't boring the way, for instance, Arrested Development is kinda boring. It doesn't take things all the way to the granola level. I think Spearhead did the Arrested Development sort of thing right but it's not exactly rap either. PRT is rap.

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