Christmas is not only about nicely wrapped gifts, food and family gatherings, it is also about travel. Either it is Joseph and Mary’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, or an endless line of people in today’s world waiting at the check-in counter at the airport, Christmas is about travel. This is also the theme on Jillian Goldin’s new Christmas release Through Sand and Snow. It is a 24 minute long EP with 6 beautiful tracks. The EP is both traditional and original at the same time, and yet another proof of Jillian’s incredible talent.

When her debut album Origins was released in April it took the new age music scene by storm. Jillian’s voice, her lyrics and the overall production of the album was like a breath of fresh air in a music genre where artists who debuted in the 70s and early 80s still play all the lead roles. The new age music scene desperately needs new talent, and here Jillian is our best hope. I must also mention Andrew Aversa (aka Zircon), who also contributed to the production.

The holiday EP opens with the 1 minute long Prelude. The ‘walking through snow’ sound, the eerie synth and Jillian’s ethereal voice is a nice build up to the second track: John Jacob Niles’ classic I Wonder as I Wander. A few months back Jillian posted a small clip from this song on her webpage without the voice layer. It was obvious to me that this would be a great version of the song, with a very interesting arrangement. Most versions of this song tend to be too sacral or too serious if you will. But the light and rolling drumbeat, which I guess is only a mixed sidestick sample, is marvelous. Jillian’s positive voice gives a new perspective to the usual melancholy of this popular Christmas carol.

The next track is What Child Is This, or Greensleeves. The arrangement is gentle and tasteful. Jillian’s breathing marks the rhythm, which is a nice effect. Both this track and the next, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, is traditional and could easily been included in any collection of Christmas music. It is a high quality production with a general appeal: you don’t have to like new age music to enjoy these tracks.

With Walking in the Air the EP takes a small break from religion. I am used to hear the song sung by a young boy in the animated film The Snowman, but Jillian does a great job. The bell synth gives the song a magical atmosphere, and the different layers of vocal intertwine beautifully.

Silent Night is a perfect album closer. Jillian’s version is long, dreamy and simply irresistible. It starts with a warm sounding synth pad and a distant piano in the background. The different layers of sound create a total listening experience, almost like listening to heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! The EP ends with 30 seconds of cozy log fire sounds.

The cover artwork is by Daniel Kvasznicza. It captures the atmosphere of the songs. Here you can see Jillian walking through a desert landscape of either sand or snow, it is hard to tell. But it sure is beautiful. A piece of art.

Through Sand and Snow is like a musical journey with traditional Christmas songs as the guiding star. At the end of the travel is the perfect Christmas spirit. The album could have been longer though, but it is not too short either. The only thing I am missing is a less sacral, happier song. But then again all real new age artists release several Christmas albums in their career. Hopefully Jillian Goldin is only at the very beginning of her musical journey.

// BT Fasmer

You can sample and buy the album on CDBaby.