Touched by Jazz: Gospel Favorites for Piano [Paperback] Review

I consider myself to be a late-intermediate pianist.I can't memorize to save my life, but I pride myself in my sight reading ability.With other piano jazz books that I have purchased, I have been able to sit down and read through the book with few hiccups.However, this book is definitely the most challenging I have in my collection.I am not rating it as a three simply because I can't play it as well as I would like to, but because even when I do take the time and effort to get all the notes, I don't likethe arrangements.Some of they are simply beautiful, and then some are less so.

I would recommend this book to an advanced accompanist.The hymns that Paxton arranges in this book are difficult to find elsewhere as piano solos, so if you're looking for good old favorites and can devote the time to learning them, get this book.

However, if you are interested in getting some easier jazz piano pieces for performing in church, I would highly recommend the Phillip Kevern series.

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Product Description:
Touched by the warm, lush harmonies of the jazz idiom, these ten gospel gems are given an endearing new sparkle by the deft compositional hand of David Paxton. Improvisatory in nature, fresh in spirit, and imbued with many "oh, that's nice" moments, these tastefully crafted settings are a joy to play and hear.

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Popular Performer Christmas- Advanced Piano [Paperback] Review

I own twochristmas songbooks arranged by Jan Sanborn and both are FABULOUS! Wonderfully, artistic and creative arrangements of some of the best christmas songs of all time.

This book is perfect for the Professinal or Advanced pianist. I particularly love Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (HYMLC), Sleigh Ride, and Winter Wonderland.

HYMLC: beautiful arpeggios with the melody thrown in the top give it that wonderful forward motion sensation building up to the high points, wonderful use of varying harmonies and non-chordal tones.

Sleigh Ride: nearly perfect for piano solo, very tangible and well written. My only complaint is not having the "jazzy" section, like in the real thing. Basicall Jan just flatted a couple notes but you don't really get the syncopated rhythm that makes that part of the real deal so fun and enjoyable. I do like what Jan did with the "there's a birthday party at the home of Farmer Grey" part.

Winter Wonderland: lovely! very fun and not "over-written"!

Overall, another must have for the professional or advanced pianist.

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Product Description:
Arranged For Advanced Piano. Rich textures, sophisticated harmonies and inventive rhythms make these arrangements ideal for hobbyists, advancing students, professional musicians or any Popular Performer. Titles include: The Christmas Waltz * Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas * I ll Be Home for Christmas * It s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year * Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! * Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town * Sleigh Ride * Winter Wonderland

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