Staff Picks: May 2024
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 May 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
Rey's Theme, John Williams (arr. Phillip Keveren)
This past weekend I was able to go to an all-John Williams pops concert — a perfect way to celebrate Star Wars Day! One of my favorite pieces on the program was "Rey's Theme" from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Phillip Keveren has a great arrangement available for piano solo. If you're not a pianist, we have arrangements for many other instruments here.
Sam's Pick
Blinded By Your Grace, Part 2, Stormzy (arr. Benny Lee)
My daughter is currently rehearsing with her school choir for their summer concert, and one of the songs they're singing is Stormzy's 2017 hit, "Blinded By Your Grace." I've always had a soft spot for gospel singing, and the Kingdom Choir's version of this song (on which Benny Lee's arrangement is based) is my current go-to when I need something to brighten my mood.
Becca's Pick
Don't Let the Old Man In, Toby Keith
Toby Keith wrote this song in 2018, after being inspired by Clint Eastwood's comment of "I don’t let the old man in." After Keith recorded the demo, Eastwood decided to include it in the film he was working on called The Mule. Unfortunately Toby Keith passed away in early 2024 from stomach cancer, and this somber song really hits you differently now.
Jill's Pick
Take Five, Dave Brubeck
While many were celebrating May the Fourth as Star Wars Day, those in the know were cranking up the Dave Brubeck on 5/4. This sax quartet arrangement of his most famous composition is technically undemanding but still hip!
Dan's Pick
I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire, The Ink Spots
The Fallout video game series captured a new audience last month with its acclaimed TV series. While there are many things to enjoy about the post-apocalyptic franchise, the vintage mid-20th-century soundtrack really brings the world to life. One of my favorites that has been on repeat lately, with its melancholic melody and poignant lyrics, is "I Don't Want to Set the World On Fire" by The Ink Spots.
Joe's Pick
Kodachrome, Paul Simon
With it starting to get sunnier and warmer, I've been finding myself humming this real earworm of a song. Paul Simon initially wrote this tune with the lyrics "Goin' home," but then came up with the "Kodachrome", referencing the now discontinued camera film, to fit the same melody. He retooled the song into a beautiful, funky, and catchy ode to summertime colours and memory viewed through rose-tinted glasses.
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