Staff Picks: July 2020
Our Sheet Music Direct team plays, strums and sings just as much as you do! We're a team of musicians who love music of various styles and, when we're not busy with all things Sheet Music Direct, play at home, church, and gigs. Each month, we're sharing some of the favorite songs we're currently playing and why we think you'll love them too. Check out our latest staff picks below or head over to our Staff Picks page which we update regularly with the latest picks.
Find something you love? Let us know in the comments, or share it with the rest of the Sheet Music Direct community over on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Sam's Pick
It's Quiet Uptown (from Hamilton), Lin-Manuel Miranda
With the recent arrival of Hamilton on Disney+, I've been re-learning some of my favorite songs from the musical. One of the most satisfying to play and sing is the heart-wrenching ballad "It's Quiet Uptown." The opening piano motif, the emotive lyrics, and the simple but effective chord progression combine to create one of the most powerful numbers in the show.
Dan's Pick
Memories, Maroon 5
The lead single on Maroon 5's upcoming album, "Memories" is a mellow, sentimental song about loss. Its familiar harmonic sequence and melody (based on Pachelbel's Canon in D) make it a great song to play for a wide variety of musicians, including brass, woodwind, and string players thanks to our new Solo Instrumental arrangements.
Annie's Pick
Wonderful (from Wicked), Stephen Schwartz
Stephen Schwartz's Wicked is at the top of my bucket list for shows I'd like to see live. This Piano, Vocal & Guitar arrangement of "Wonderful" is really fun to play, with the 'Slow Ragtime' and 'Soft-shoe' sections, and musical humor throughout.
Becca's Pick
Separate Ways (Worlds Apart), Journey
Written by Jonathan Cain and Steve Perry, this is one of my favorite Journey songs – and winner of best music video ever! Being in a cover band, I've discovered that Keyboard Transcriptions are sometimes a hidden treasure, and rightfully so! We are performing this song in my cover band for the first time this weekend, and I couldn't be more excited to perform this gem!
Will's Pick
You Love Us, Manic Street Preachers
Drawn from their debut double album Generation Terrorists, this remains a staple of the Manic Street Preachers' live shows and it's easy to see why. Violently literate punk swagger with oodles of zeitgeist and intent that could melt steel beams. Strong candidate for greatest Welsh band ever. Essential.
Chris' Pick
Desperado, Eagles
In celebration of Eagles drummer and vocalist Don Henley's July birthday, my pick this month is "Desperado." Considered one of the top 500 greatest songs of all time, this country-rock ballad is one of the Eagles most famous songs. As piano is featured from beginning to end, this is a song every pianist should have in their repertoire:
From the newest releases to award-winning bestsellers and everything in between, Sheet Music Direct is your home for premium sheet music, all available to download and print instantly from any device.
Enjoy unlimited online sheet music, plus 50% off prints with PASS. Get started now with 30 days free.
Leave a Comment