Elton John - Anthology (Piano/Vocal/Guitar Artist Songbook) [Paperback] Review

Theres always a problem with books like these. Elton John is very good Piano Player and the problem for anyone compiling a volume like this is, do they try and transcribe Eltons own accompaniment to his vocal and then print the vocal line separately, or do they just print the melody and not attempt the accompaniment. This book does both.

For example "Burn Down the Mission" has the vocal line separate and the two main staves are reserved for an approximation of Eltons accompaniment. This particular track is well done and the essence of Eltons Piano style can be seen here.

There are many other tracks where this isn't done (i.e. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road) and the melody is played straight without the distinctive fills behind the tune. Even played well these versions sound pretty average, because when the melody is incorporated Eltons Piano style goes out the window.

However to amalgamate the melody and accompaniment would result in difficult arrangements for the amateur Pianist so it is mostly avoided in this volume. This book also omits any Piano solos (such as on Bennie and the Jets). Chord symbols are provided.

It contains 50 songs the earliest being Your Song, Border Song, Take Me To The Pilot and Sixty Years On (all 1970) the latest being Ball and Chain, Blue Eyes, Empty Garden and Legal Boys all from Jump Up (1982).
There are 7 tracks from GYBR.

I would rate the difficulty level as moderate. For authentic Elton John Piano transcriptions you are best to look at the wonderful website Eltonscafe.

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Product Description:
56 songs including: Bennie and the Jets * The Bitch Is Back * Candle in the Wind * Crocodile Rock * Daniel * I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues * Rocket Man * Tiny Dancer * Your Song * and more!

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