NOTE: This paperback book is NOT spiral-bound.
Review by Kathy Parsons of MainlyPiano.com
Keepsakes in the Attic is the companion sheet music book to Jeff Bjorck's 2016 solo piano album by the same name. The thirteen pieces from the album are available as individual downloads or the complete album can be downloaded as an ebook from Jeff's website (purepiano.com). None of the pieces in this collection is overly difficult, and pianists at an upper-intermediate to early-advanced playing level (and above) should have no problems mastering this music. The music was transcribed note-for-note by John Zechiel and proofed by me (Kathy Parsons) to ensure that the sheet music is as close to the recorded music as possible. The transcriptions include metronome settings, suggested pedaling, dynamics, and expression. The notation is well layed-out, spacious and easy to read. True to the theme of the album, most of the pieces are somewhat to very nostalgic and have an "old-timey" feeling to them. Some are very sentimental, some are quite classical, and some are lighter and more upbeat. Playing through the whole book makes for a very pleasant session at the piano, as there is a variety of moods and events expressed. My favorite in the collection is "Hearts Far Apart," one of Bjorck's most beautiful compositions. This excellent collection is available from www.purepiano.com. Recommended!
The song titles, the keys they are in, and the number of pages are:
Afternoon Reverie - Key of C (0 sharps or flats) - 5 pages
Returning Home - Key of G (1 sharp) - 6 pages
Mother's Hymnal - Key of Bb (2 flats) - 5 pages
Grandad's Rocker - Key of G/C - 5 pages
Unrequited - Key of G - 5 pages
Hearts Far Apart - Key of D (2 sharps) - 6 pages
Groom's First Waltz - Key of F (1 flat) - 5 pages
Midnight in Moscow - Key of D minor (1 flat) - 7 pages
Hope in the Heartache - Key of A minor (0 sharps or flats) - 8 pages
Tryggare Kan Ingen Vara - Key of C/D - 5 pages
Playing Catch With Dad - Key of F - 6 pages
Justine of County Clare - Key of Eb (3 flats)/G - 6 pages
Nana's Music Box - Key of C - 2 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.
