For my last review, I took a deep dive into The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance — a co-authored journey with my wife, since it’s her favorite band. If you missed it, you can read that one here: The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance.
This time, I’m shifting from grandiose rock opera to something much more intimate and reflective: On a Cold Frosty Morning by Kori Linae Carothers. And yes — I know it’s still early in the season, but Christmas is just over three months away, and honestly, it’s never too soon to celebrate an album like this.
Kori’s music has a way of painting vivid images with sound — delicate yet powerful, evoking both stillness and movement. This album in particular feels like stepping outside on a quiet winter morning, where every note sparkles like frost in the light.
As with all my reviews, I’ll be sharing not just thoughts on the music itself, but the feelings, imagery, and personal reflections it stirred while listening.
Discovery & First Impressions
I’ve known Kori for several years, and we’ve even had the opportunity to collaborate on a song or two. She is an exceptionally accomplished pianist with a rare gift: the ability to translate pure emotion into melody. Every time I hear her play, I’m reminded that her music isn’t just technically beautiful — it carries honesty, warmth, and a sense of storytelling that stays with you.
With On a Cold Frosty Morning, that inspiration came immediately. From the very first listen, I was struck by how the album captures both the intimacy of a quiet winter’s day and the expansiveness of memory and imagination. The music feels like it comes from a place of stillness, yet it lingers long after the notes fade — like the memory of a moment you want to hold onto, revisiting again and again.
Track-by-Track Reflections
🌀 Some of the songs featured below are also part of the official Reviews from the Aural Realms playlists on Spotify:
For this review, though, I’ll be sharing the songs directly from Kori’s official YouTube channel. That way, you can listen along as you read and experience the music in the same way I did while reflecting on it.
1. What Child Is This?
The album begins with a beloved carol: What Child Is This? — written in 1865 by William Chatterton Dix and set to the traditional English folk tune Greensleeves in 1871. Though its roots lie in Great Britain, the piece has found its greatest resonance in the United States, becoming a cherished part of the holiday repertoire.
Kori’s arrangement opens softly, her piano phrasing delicate yet assured. As the piece develops, it almost takes on the feel of a march — though never rigid or heavy-handed, more like a graceful procession. It’s an interpretation that feels both reverent and quietly confident.
Eugene Friesen’s cello lends the track warmth and emotional weight, joined beautifully by Charlie Bisharat’s expressive violin. The ensemble creates a textured, heartfelt soundscape that elevates the carol while keeping its timeless spirit intact.
Reflecting on the piece, Kori shares: “This has been my favorite Christmas song throughout many years. I played it when I was a kid and when I went to college I was still playing it! It has gone through a metamorphosis that has a lot of Kori in it!”
It’s a stunning choice to open the album — familiar yet deeply personal, setting the stage for the reflective journey to follow.
Credits
From On A Cold Frosty Morning, released December 1, 2022
Kori Linae Carothers – arrangement/piano
Eugene Friesen – cello
Charlie Bisharat – violin
2. Joseph, Kind Joseph
Listening to the opening of this piece reminds me immediately why I love Kori’s music so much — it carries a beautiful, melancholic quality that feels both intimate and timeless.
Her piano is once again the foundation, delicate and expressive, with Eugene Friesen’s cello providing depth and resonance. The addition of Jill Haley on English horn is especially moving; its voice weaves in and out gracefully, almost conversational, as if dancing alongside the piano.
This is the kind of music I wish we had true winters in Texas for — the kind that calls for a fire in the hearth, a quiet evening, and this album playing in the background. Kori’s playing here feels effortless, her fingers dancing across the keys while the accompaniment adds rich layers of emotion.
Kori dedicated this piece to Ron and Ann Romig and the Church of Christ, grounding it not just in artistry but in community and faith. The dedication adds another layer of warmth to an already heartfelt arrangement.
Credits
From On A Cold Frosty Morning, released December 1, 2022
Kori Linae Carothers – arrangement/piano
Eugene Friesen – cello
Jill Haley – English horn
Harm. © 1980 Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Used by permission.
3. Emmanuel
Emmanuel has always been one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs, so I was especially eager to hear Kori’s interpretation. From the very first notes, I was hooked. The opening piano feels elegant in its simplicity — but listen closely, and you’ll hear just how refined and nuanced her touch is.
Tom Eaton adds a delicate layer of synth pads and subtle bass, providing a soft atmospheric backdrop that never overshadows the piano. The combination creates a sound that feels both grounded and ethereal, like frost settling on a quiet winter night.
This track is now firmly on my annual Christmas favorites list. It’s beautifully executed and, for me, stands out as the highlight of the album so far. A piece I’ll be returning to often, and one that will certainly stay in my playlists for years to come.
Kori herself notes: “I wanted this to sound very wintery and sparse — I love how it turned out!” That intention shines through perfectly.
Credits
From On A Cold Frosty Morning, released December 1, 2022
Kori Linae Carothers – arrangement/piano
Tom Eaton – keys and bass
4. Christmas in Vermont
Christmas in Vermont is one of Kori’s original compositions, and it’s an absolute delight. Built on her expressive piano lines, the piece features Eugene Friesen on cello and Charlie Bisharat on violin, with bass underpinning the ensemble. Together, they create a scene that feels like it could be lifted straight from a holiday film — picture a snowy town square alive with joy, families walking arm-in-arm, lights glowing warmly against the crisp winter night.
One of the things I love most about Kori’s writing is how the accompanying instruments never overshadow her melodies. Instead, they weave gracefully around them, enhancing without overwhelming. It’s a dance of textures that allows her elegantly crafted themes to shine.
Kori herself reflects: “I have not been to Vermont at Christmastime, but I can imagine it — can you imagine it?” Listening to this track, it’s easy to do just that.
Credits
From On A Cold Frosty Morning, released December 1, 2022
Kori Linae Carothers – piano
Eugene Friesen – cello
Charlie Bisharat – violin
5. First Snow
Another of Kori’s original compositions, First Snow was inspired by the wonder of a child’s very first encounter with snowfall. It’s easy to hear why this track resonates so strongly with listeners — it captures that mix of innocence, awe, and quiet magic perfectly.
The piece even weaves in a subtle reference to Canon in D, seamlessly transitioning in and out without ever feeling forced. Layered within are Tom Eaton’s soft, atmospheric pads, which add depth without pulling focus, and Noah Wilding’s gentle, wordless vocals, which float above like snowflakes themselves.
I especially love the downward progression that closes the piece — a musical gesture that feels like snow drifting softly toward the ground. It’s a gorgeous touch that left me replaying the track more than once. For me, this one is an easy highlight of the album, and certainly a piece I’ll be returning to often.
Credits
From On A Cold Frosty Morning, released December 1, 2022
Kori Linae Carothers – piano/arrangement
Tom Eaton – pads
Noah Wilding – voice
6. Memories of Christmas Past
At this point in the album, Kori shifts back to one of her original compositions: Memories of Christmas Past. It’s a piece that feels deeply personal, and she describes it beautifully: “I wrote this song, channeling all my memories of Christmases that have come and gone. I wanted it to have an ethereal sound to help me remember those times with my family and friends. We achieved this!”
That ethereal quality shines through from the very first notes. Kori’s piano is delicate and graceful, inviting you into her reflections, while Charlie Bisharat’s violin adds a gentle poignancy. Subtle textures from Tom Eaton on bass, keys, and shakers expand the atmosphere, and Will Ackerman’s guitar, rainstick, and Hopi drum lend a distinctly organic, almost Celtic flavor to the sound.
Listening to this, I found myself channeling my own memories of past Christmases. That sense of nostalgia and warmth makes the track feel universal — while deeply rooted in Kori’s own story, it resonates with anyone who has cherished family traditions or longed for times gone by.
Just over halfway through the album, and I’ve already marked four favorites. That alone speaks to the consistent quality and emotional pull of this release.
Credits
From On A Cold Frosty Morning, released December 1, 2022
Kori Linae Carothers – piano
Charlie Bisharat – violin
Tom Eaton – bass, keys, shakers
Will Ackerman – guitar, rainstick, Hopi drum
7. Coventry Carol
Coventry Carol is one of those pieces that immediately carries a sense of history and tradition, and Kori’s interpretation captures that beautifully. She begins with a simple, heartfelt solo piano introduction, letting the melody breathe with quiet reverence. As the second verse begins, Jill Haley joins on English horn, her playing warm and expressive, weaving seamlessly around the piano line.
Tom Eaton’s keyboards are present too, though almost imperceptibly — a soft atmospheric layer that enriches the texture without ever drawing attention to itself. The effect is subtle but deeply effective, wrapping the arrangement in a gentle glow.
Kori shares: “When I was a kid, I used to listen to all kinds of Christmas music and this song was a staple in our house. Obviously, I had to include this on the album!” That personal connection shines through in her performance — it’s reverent, intimate, and clearly made with love.
Another classic, another wonderful interpretation, and another reminder of how well Kori blends her own artistry with timeless tradition.
Credits
From On A Cold Frosty Morning, released December 1, 2022
Kori Linae Carothers – arrangement/piano
Jill Haley – English horn
Tom Eaton – keys and bass
8.Past 3 O'clock
Past 3 O’Clock is a traditional English carol dating back to the 17th century, originally associated with the watchmen who would call out the hours during the night. Over the centuries, it has been reshaped and arranged countless times — and here, Kori offers a hauntingly beautiful interpretation.
The piece opens with Noah Wilding’s ethereal voice, floating above Tom Eaton’s atmospheric pads. It sets an otherworldly tone that immediately draws you in. Soon after, Charlie Bisharat enters on violin, taking the spotlight with a delicate, expressive solo.
What unfolds is like a conversation: Kori returns at the piano just past the halfway point, answering Charlie’s phrases, while Noah’s voice drifts back in like a memory before Charlie closes again. The interplay feels like a dialogue across time — fragile, intimate, and deeply moving.
Kori reflects: “For about 27 years, our family attended South Coast Repertory’s production of ‘A Christmas Carol.’ Hal Lindon Jr. played Scrooge every year. He retired in 2019, just a few months before the pandemic. We love the memories that this song stirs in our hearts. I know it’s different from how I’ve played it in the past, but in reality, this is how it should be.”
For me, this is one of the standouts of the album. The mix is excellent, the textures are perfectly balanced, and the interplay between piano, violin, and voice is mesmerizing. I’m honestly surprised this track isn’t right up there with First Snow on Spotify — it deserves far more recognition.
Credits
From On A Cold Frosty Morning, released December 1, 2022
Kori Linae Carothers – arrangement/piano
Charlie Bisharat – violin
Tom Eaton – keys and bass
Noah Wilding – voices
9. Gésu Bambino
Composed in 1917 by Pietro Yon, Gesù Bambino (“Baby Jesus”) has become a well-loved Italian Christmas carol, later adapted into English as When Blossoms Flowered ’mid the Snows by Frederick H. Martens. For Kori, this piece holds a special, lifelong connection — and here, it’s the only track on the album performed as solo piano.
Her interpretation is both elegant and deeply personal. The melody unfolds with grace, allowing every nuance of her touch to shine. To be completely honest, I was never particularly fond of this carol before — but Kori’s version has changed that for me. She finds something fresh and heartfelt within it, and it has quickly become a favorite in this context.
Kori reflects: “I sang this song in high school and ever since then, it’s been in my brain. I whistle it all the time. Weirdly, I had to ask my sister Jenni what song it was because I could not, for the life of me, remember what the title was. Ahhh… yes, I remember now!”
It’s a simple yet striking moment in the album — just Kori, the piano, and a timeless melody that clearly means as much to her as it now does to those listening.
Credits
From On A Cold Frosty Morning, released December 1, 2022
Kori Linae Carothers – solo piano
10. Crystal Fields (Re-Imagined)
The album concludes with Crystal Fields (Re-Imagined), a piece that originally appeared on Kori’s 2009 release Trillium. At the request of her fans — who gave a resounding “yes” when asked if it should be included — she revisited and reshaped it for this project, giving it new life within the wintery context of On A Cold Frosty Morning.
This arrangement is pure magic. Kori’s piano once again anchors the piece, with Jill Haley’s English horn (though its tone at times feels oboe-like in its brightness) weaving gracefully alongside. Eugene Friesen’s cello adds depth and warmth, while subtle vocal textures add an ethereal glow. The ensemble creates a lush, expansive close to the album — one that feels both timeless and freshly imagined.
For me, this is yet another standout — one that absolutely belongs in my playlists. It’s a beautiful way to bring the journey full circle: a nod to Kori’s earlier work, but refreshed and reimagined to sit perfectly within the reflective, winter-themed arc of this release.
Credits
From On A Cold Frosty Morning, released December 1, 2022
Kori Linae Carothers – piano
Jill Haley – English horn
Eugene Friesen – cello
Originally recorded, engineered, mixed & mastered by Corin Nelsen at Imaginary Road Studios, Windham County (2009)
Re-imagined, recorded, engineered, remixed & mastered by Tom Eaton at Imaginary Road Studios, Windham County, VT (2022)
Final Thoughts
On A Cold Frosty Morning is one of those albums that invites you to slow down, breathe, and let the music paint images in your mind. It balances tradition and originality beautifully — with Kori’s heartfelt interpretations of classics like What Child Is This? and Coventry Carol sitting comfortably alongside originals such as First Snow and Christmas in Vermont. The mix of familiar carols and personal compositions gives the album both nostalgia and freshness, making it a winter journey worth taking again and again.
As I moved through the album, several tracks quickly rose to the top for me. First Snow and Past 3 O’Clock stood out as deeply moving highlights, while Emmanuel and Crystal Fields (Re-Imagined) are already making their way into my regular holiday playlists. And perhaps most surprising for me was Gesù Bambino — a piece I hadn’t connected with much before, but Kori’s solo piano interpretation completely changed that.
What shines through across all ten tracks is Kori’s gift for crafting arrangements that are elegant yet emotionally rich. She has a way of letting each supporting instrument — whether cello, violin, English horn, or voice — dance around her piano lines without ever obscuring them. The result is music that feels collaborative and layered, but always centered on her touch at the keys.
And while some might say September feels early for a Christmas album, I’d argue the opposite: music like this is timeless. It captures exactly what its title suggests — the quiet wonder of a frosty morning, where each note shimmers like frost in the early light. It’s reflective, intimate, and enduring — a collection I know I’ll return to not only during the holiday season but anytime I need a moment of peace.
Listen / Purchase
You can listen to On a Cold Frosty Morning by Kori Linae Carothers across major platforms, or support her directly:
Selections from this album are also featured in two of our official Reviews from the Aural Realms playlists on Spotify:
About The Artist
Kori and Will - 2009
Kori Linae Carothers didn’t take the easy road to her muse. Diagnosed as partially deaf at age five and told she’d never be a musician, she tuned out the doubters and tuned into her passion for sound. Inspired by everything from Star Wars to the Beatles to the pioneering releases of Windham Hill Records, she began composing at 14 and never looked back.
After a detour from college burnout, Kori reached a turning point when she began recording with Windham Hill founder Will Ackerman — a dream come true. Together they created Trillium and her acclaimed solo piano release Fire in the Rainstorm.
The path wasn’t without struggle. Worsening hearing loss, vocal cord issues, and a battle with depression might have silenced her, but resilience carried her forward. She returned to music — and to Imaginary Road Studios — to record her most personal work yet: On A Cold Frosty Morning.
Kori describes herself as an Instrumental Music Escape Artist, crafting immersive soundscapes that invite listeners to step away from the static of everyday life and into something more meaningful. Her music is a doorway to a heroic inner journey, where you — the listener — become the main character.
Blending rock, neoclassical, and cinematic electronic textures, her compositions act as emotional waypoints along that journey. Influenced by artists like George Winston, Will Ackerman, Mannheim Steamroller, and John Williams, each piece becomes more than just music — it’s a portal. A chance to pause, reflect, and rediscover yourself as the hero of your own story.
Whether you’re seeking clarity, courage, or simply a beautiful escape, Kori’s music walks beside you — every note a step further into who you’re meant to be.
Artist Interview
Every piece of music carries a story — the spark of inspiration, the long nights of shaping ideas, and the challenges that test an artist’s resolve. To give a glimpse into that journey, we asked Kori a few questions about the making of this release and where their music is headed next.
Q1. What inspired this album, and what story do you hope listeners take from it?
Q2. Can you walk us through your creative process — how the idea started and how it developed into the final album?
Q3. What was the biggest challenge you faced while making this project, and how did you overcome it?
Q4. What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects, collaborations, or goals you’d like to share?
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