Staff Picks: January 2023
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 January 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.
Annie's Pick
Falsos Folkore, Luis Ponce de León
We recently posted piano arrangements from the 2018 piano album, Falsos Folklores by Luis Ponce de León. The title track, "Falsos Folkores" is a beautiful piece, made to sound like an older folk tune. I love how the rhythmic top line melody stands out in the right hand with the constant flow of eight notes in 12/8. Don't worry, it's easier to play than it sounds!
Bill's Pick
Feeling Good, Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newley
From the moment the fat and brassy intro to this classic tune glamorously slinks into the room, you know you're in for a piece boiling over with attitude. Famously covered by a variety of artists including Nina Simone, Michael Bublé, and even the rock band, Muse, "Feeling Good" is a sultry anthem for positivity and new beginnings, and it's become my personal theme song for 2023. "It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me … and I'm feeling good!"
Sam's Pick
The Fabelmans, John Williams
Released at the end of last year, Steven Spielberg's deeply personal film The Fabelmans just won best drama at the Golden Globe Awards. And the inimitable John Williams is the man behind the movie's poignant and understated score. Its main theme, written for piano, is a real treat to play, without being too difficult to learn.
Julia's Pick
If I Ain't Got You, Alicia Keys
Alicia is my idol, she's got the voice on angel, a beautiful style of writing, and her songs are so soulful and satisfying to play. This song in particular is one I use to warm up when playing piano and singing, and I have for years. The score creates a literal hand exercise, and the vocals go from low to high with a scaled ease. This is my jam!
Dan's Pick
I Could Have Danced All Night (from My Fair Lady), Lerner & Loewe
My wife and I had the opportunity to see Lerner and Loewe's My Fair Lady at our local theater last week. It was a delightful performance and I've had the chorus to "I Could Have Danced All Night" ringing in my head ever since!
Becca's Pick
The Final Countdown, Europe
This song's iconic keyboard riff was written by Europe's lead vocalist Joey Tempest. Released in 1986, the song has been a staple at all kinds of sporting events, as well as for high school and college bands. This particular Keyboard Transcription arrangement includes both the Synth and Organ parts.
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