Staff Picks: November 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. Check out our November 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.
Dan's Pick
Thanksgiving, George Winston
Amidst the company of Enya and Diana Krall, George Winston was one of my mother's favorite artists in rotation on our 5-disc changer growing up. The lead track from his 1982 album December, "Thanksgiving" marked the transition into the holiday season and fills me with fond memories today.
Annie's Pick
Over the Rainbow, Harold Arlen (arr. Phillip Keveren)
We recently posted Phillip Keveren's collection of Three-Minute Encores for Piano Solo, which include unique takes on popular and classic songs, such as this arrangement of "Over The Rainbow", in just 2 to 3 pages. Other songs in this collection include "Hey Jude," "So Long, Farewell," "Havana," and "Perfect."
Sam's Pick
Keep the Beat (from Vivo), Lin-Manuel Miranda (arr. Mark Brymer)
Lin-Manuel Miranda seems to have the midas touch in just about everything he does, and although straight-to-Netflix animation Vivo may not have drawn the same level of attention as Encanto or Moana, my kids keep coming back to it. "Keep the Beat" is one of several gems on the soundtrack, and Mark Brymer's choral arrangement hits the spot with some rousing harmonies in the chorus.
Becca's Pick
Hold the Line, Toto
This hit song by Toto is one of my favorites to play on keys. Keyboardist David Paich came up with the triplet piano riff, and Jeff Porcaro added in the sweet drum groove to compliment the triplet feel – along with strong vocals and a glorious guitar solo. This song was released 44 years ago (in 1978) but is still one of the greatest keyboard songs to play today – at least if you ask me!
Mark's Pick
Tom Sawyer, Rush
Of all the songs that excited me about learning to play percussion, Rush's "Tom Sawyer" was the official starting point of the journey to commit to the art seriously. Hearing this song initiated years of effort and attempted emulation, giving me much dexterity as well as a high standard for myself. To me, Neal Peart is who taught me to play.
Chris' Pick
That's Christmas to Me, Pentatonix
As the holiday season approaches, my staff pick this month is the Pentatonix hit "That's Christmas to Me." Choral arrangements from 2-Part to SATB, along with optional accompaniment and rehearsal tracks, make this Christmas favorite accessible to choirs of all levels.
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