Rachelle van Zanten - It's Christmas in These Parts, Pt. 1 (2018)

"It's Christmas in These Parts - 1" takes you on a memorable musical journey of signature RvZ thick guitar grooves, carefully crafted lyrics, and olympic level Joby Baker bass & drums. Richard Moody’s stunning strings, Tobin Frank’s dancing accordion, Mark Thibeault’s notable pedal steele, & a host of cool harmonies from singers around BC (including a children’s choir) create this musical collage. The album opens with “Christmas Is Coming”, composed for school-aged children, capturing the escalating excitement the countdown brings. Van Zanten’s cover of Mark Perry’s “David & Louie” puts a warm light on a night of homelessness on Christmas eve. “Peace For the Children” carries us further into the true meaning of giving love during what can be a very hard time of year for some. Listeners will feel the vibe of a small hall with the swaying waltz of the title track “It’s Christmas In These Parts” and then go on a cinematic journey through wintery scenes of “Merry Christmas Rose”. Every community has a Rose. Finally, you’ll rock into Christmas with the groove of “Mary Don’t Ya Know”, featuring van Zanten’s slide guitar prowess & Baker’s solid & tasteful sense of rhythm.