Torch Songs

I saw this book in the home of a pianist. My friend, another pianist, thought this collection of music, and the arrangements was fantastic. He especially enjoys the "Cry Me A River" arrangement (allegedly difficult to find). I bought a copy for my friend, and he was ecstatic. I also bought a copy for my wife, a sometime pianist. She also enjoys the music.

I am usually very disappointed with a lot of music books but this one was just great. Apart from including songs that I couldn't find anywhere else (Guess who I saw today? and Mad About the Boy) I found the keys perfect. Although I am a soprano and can easily reach high B, far too many songs these days are published in high key which just doesn't suit the style at all. I have been told that most songs today are written in the male tenor range, I don't know how true this is. I like to sing torch and jazz in my lower register and this book allows for that. I also bought The Best Jazz Standards Ever and am very happy with that too. On another point I really like being able to view the list of contents and excerpt pages before ordering. One small complaint is your shipping costs to Australia - the shipping actually cost me more than both books!

This book has all those favorites from the great smokey voiced singers like Anita O'Day, June Christy, and Chris Connor to jazz immortals like Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald. Hard to find gems such as the little known classic Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most and the beautiful and haunting Summertime. It truly is a must have for anyone who loves the great american standards.