Staff Picks: April 2022
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. In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month, our April picks feature some of our favorite jazz titles. Check them out 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.
Becca's Pick
It's All Right (from Soul), Jon Batiste
Originally recorded by The Impressions, "It's All Right" was covered by Jon Batiste for the 2020 Disney Pixar movie Soul—featured in the end credits. The film went on to win an Oscar for Best Original Score among several other awards.
Dan's Pick
Autumn Leaves, Joseph Kosma
This jazz standard, originally composed in 1945 by Joseph Kosma with French lyrics by Jacques Prévert, has accumulated more than a thousand commercial recordings in its lifetime. Johnny Mercer's English version may be familiar to most with popularized versions by Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Miles Davis, Doris Day, and many others. It's an excellent jazz piece with plenty of arrangements for vocalists, instrumentalists, and ensembles.
Laura's Pick
In the Mood, Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
"In the Mood" encapsulates what makes big band-era jazz so fun and entertaining! The standard recorded by American bandleader Glenn Miller has stood the test of time, being featured in many great movies and TV shows over the years.
Sam's Pick
Hey Laura, Gregory Porter
Boasting one of the smoothest baritone voices around, Gregory Porter has been making waves in the jazz world since 2010. My personal favorite is "Hey Laura" – a soulful piano-driven ballad that I could listen to over and over, taken from his Grammy-winning 2014 album Liquid Spirit.
Annie's Pick
Satin Doll, Duke Ellington
Written in 1953 by Duke Ellington, "Satin Doll" started as just an instrumental arrangement. Lyrics were later added by Johnny Mercer, which prompted vocalists to create their own recordings – most notably Ella Fitzgerald. I love the bassline used in this particular arrangement by Brent Edstrom. We have a couple of other piano solo arrangements available, which each offer a unique perspective on this jazz standard.
Chris' Pick
Misty, Erroll Garner
In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month, my staff pick this month is "Misty" – one of the most popular jazz standards of all time. If you don't know this tune, I promise you'll enjoy adding this to your repertoire!
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