NOTE: This paperback book is NOT spiral-bound.
Review by Kathy Parsons of Mainlypiano.com
Impressions in Black and White is the companion to Jeff Bjorck's 2005 CD by the same name. All eleven pieces from the album are included, with note-for-note transcriptions by Rebecca Oswald that I proofed. As is his custom, Bjorck included his arrangements of two classic hymns and the other nine piano solos are original compositions. None of the pieces are overly difficult, but most are not easy, either. I would say that they range from upper intermediate to early-advanced, but with some practice, most pianists should be able to master these pieces without much problem. There are only a few reaches of more than an octave and none of the pieces are in difficult keys. Expression, metronome settings and pedal suggestions are included as per Bjorck's recording. The sheet music for many of these pieces was released as individual downloads over the past several years, but this is the first time the full collection has been available as a book - a more economical option. Rebecca Oswald always does an outstanding job of making transcriptions as close to the recordings as possible, and this book is no exception. The notation is clear and easy to read, making this collection a pleasure to play. My own favorites are Jeff's arrangement of "Be Still My Soul" and his "Walking with Tevye" and "Return to Catskill Meadow." The e-book (PDF downloads) is available from www.purepiano.com. Recommended!
The song titles, the keys they are in, and the number of pages are as follows:
All I See Is Air - Key of C (0 sharps or flats) - 7 pages
Be Still My Soul - Key of F (1 flat)/ D (2 sharps) - 7 pages
Campfire Remembrance - Key of F (1 flat) - 6 pages
Feather's Flight - Key of F - 4 pages
Day By Day - Key of F/ G (1 sharp)/ C (0) - 7 pages
First Carnival - Key of G (1 sharp) - 7 pages
La Sonrisa Del Sol - Key of F / C / Eb (3 flats) / C minor (3 flats) - 7 pages
Return to Catskill Meadow - Key of G - 4 pages
Sun Shower - Key of F / G - 6 pages
Swans - Key of Bb (2 flats) - 5 pages
Walking With Tevye - Key of Bb/G minor (2 flats) - 6 pages
About the Author: As an artist, Jeff Bjorck believes music in its purest form is sometimes the closest thing to art. Not surprisingly, his solo acoustic piano compositions paint a gallery of musical images suitable for framing. These original works interweave delicacy with intensity, combine musical notes with the space between them, and create moving pictures that move the emotions. Dr. Bjorck is somewhat of an expert on emotions. As a clinical psychologist, researcher, and professor at Fuller Seminary's Graduate School of Psychology, his multifaceted vocation typifies his ongoing passion for a Renaissance man's approach to life.
Jeff's nontraditional method of composition has remained basically the same during the past forty-five years. He sits at the piano, plays spontaneously from the heart, and stops to develop any musical themes that surprise him. He confesses, "Sometimes I feel like a third party, listening to the whole process as an interested observer!"
To Jeff, nature embodies God's ultimate artistic creativity and is frequently the subject of his portraits. Born to two artists, he began creating music at ten years old. He remarks, "My faith and relationship with Jesus Christ provide vision and give my life its meaning. My creativity merely imitates the Creator."
He describes his compositions as "quiet music to calm the heart in a noisy world." Listeners apparently agree. His music has provided reassuring focus for mothers in delivery, peaceful rest when insomnia comes knocking, and elegant ambiance at intimate wedding receptions and dinner parties. Jeff's music has also provided calming care to thousands of hospitalized children across the country. A CD containing eight of his most relaxing compositions was included in 75,000 Guideposts for Kids Comfort Kits distributed by Guideposts Outreach. He remarks, "It is my hope that I can bring all my listeners emotional music with a classical feel that lifts them from the rat race and gently sets them down in a restful place, as far away from everyday chaos as possible."
Jeff currently has six CDs available, all produced on his independent Pure Piano Music label (BMI). When not working or enjoying time with his wife, Sharon, Jeff occasionally likes scaring their two cats with his clarinet renditions of '30s and '40s big band tunes. He also loves to seek creative inspiration for new music by hang gliding high above the mountains of Southern California.
