Staff Picks: November 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 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.
Sam's Pick
Colorblind, Counting Crows
Counting Crows' third studio album This Desert Life turned 25 this month, which is a something of a rude awakening for me! The Crows were my favorite band as a teenager and I have vivid memories of taking a group of university friends with me to see them live shortly after the album was released. Piano ballad "Colorblind" quickly became the best-known song from the album after it was used in the film Cruel Intentions, and, like many Counting Crows songs, features some stunning lyrical work by Adam Duritz.
Jill's Pick
A Bar Song (Tipsy), Shaboozey
Shaboozey helps me keep the good vibes rolling when things are going sideways. "I can't worry about my problems/I can't take them when I'm gone" is a great reminder, and I'm a real sucker for a fiddle. Like many country greats, it's got a simple chord progression, making it playable even by extremely amateur guitarists (like myself) - and it's a great pick for practicing your double shot order for your next night out.
Amy's Pick
The Bells Of Notre Dame (with Out There), Alan Menken & Stephen Schwartz (arr. Aaron Dale)
When you think of a barbershop quartet, you likely envision boater hats, striped vests, and tunes from the 1920s. You're not wrong, but modern day barbershop has expanded the genre and taken musicality to new heights! One of the most dynamic and thrilling live performances by a men's barbershop quartet is from world champion quartet Ringmasters, singing arranger Aaron Dale's incredible Notre Dame Medley. This masterful combination of songs from Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a journey all on its own, presented here by highly skilled singers to an enraptured audience. A cappella heaven!
Annie's Pick
Bruyères, Claude Debussy
Debussy's "Bruyères Prelude" is near the top of my list of pieces to study next. It has the signature Debussy sound, built off of intervals of 4ths and 5ths, and I really enjoy the overall mood of the piece. It begins with a simple melody in the right hand and gradually builds to the main theme, which is full of a sense of hope (and even shares the opening notes of the Star Wars theme!).
Becca's Pick
Human Nature, Michael Jackson
Written by Steve Porcaro (of Toto) and John Bettis (who wrote hits for The Carpenters and the Pointer Sisters), "Human Nature" was original intended to be recorded by Toto, but was instead picked up by producer Quincy Jones as a perfect track to include on Michael Jackson's Thriller album. This is one of my favorite Michael Jackson songs to play on piano, with the beautiful chord progressions and hauntingly beautiful lyrics.
Jacklyn's Pick
Thankful, Josh Groban
It's almost that time of the year! I've already been listening to so many holiday songs to get into the spirit, and for this month I want to pick "Thankful" by Josh Groban. It has been an eventful year personally, to say the least. And while it seemed like a slow year, it also felt like it was a breeze like no time has passed. This song gives me the warm and fuzzy feeling and reminds me of all the good things and positive people that led me to where I am now. "There's so much to be thankful for" and I'm definitely thankful for this life.
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