Staff Pick
“Quirky Favourites!”
This looks to be yet another ordinary Christmas carol book but if you know anything about Gary Schocker, you won't be surprised to find that it's not that at all. It's true that all the blockbuster tunes are here but not necessarily as you might know them. He has changed some of the time signatures - 'The First Noel' and 'We Wish You' are both in 6/8 which really lends a swing to these solid tunes. 'O Little Town' is almost a variation without the original melody, and he constantly twists the harmonies which is especially effective in Jingle Bells. The effect of all this is to add another dimension to these perennial favourites - this quirky little book is a gem!
Difficulty guide: 5-7
Difficulty level, roughly compared to ABRSM exam grades. 0 is total beginner, 9 is advanced (beyond grade 8).