This is the current list of songs that I would like to arrange for us. (Just for fun, in case anyone's interested). In fact I nearly always change my mind at the last minute, so there's no guarantee that any of these tunes will ever make it onto paper, but then again............., they might! After clicking on a link, use the 'back' button to return to the website. -Great tunes anyway.
The Cuckoo (Trad. English) A tricky melody, but a beautiful simple arrangement by the Somerset Sister that I think we will probably copy exactly.
Patience (Take That) After Joe Blench did a famously enjoyable Guest Tutor session, his excellent arrangement of 'Patience' was immediately declared official repertoire by popular request. I personally prefer Joe's version to the original!
Alleluia Psallat (English 13th Century, Composer unknown) One of the 'Worcester Fragments', -ancient bits of manuscript long lost & recovered incomplete centuries later. This one's going to be tricky, but lots of energy can carry it off.
Jabubla Jesu (South Africa) Fairly well known praise song. We lack material from South Africa, & this one has the advantage of being fairly easy.
Sh-Boom (The Crew cuts) Simply the happiest, cheesiest & cutest bit of doo-wop ever. I can't wait!
Si Ya Hamba (South Africa) As for Jabula Jesu, but I think I prefer this one.....
Darlin' (The Beach Boys) Great band, great tune. We've probably got enough 'pop' things on the list for now, but one day....
Steal Away (American Spiritual. Arr. Sir Michael Tippett) Well known, gorgeous, quite difficult!
Puisque Je t'aime, Pars (Laurence Revey) An unusual arrangement by an artist I've never otherwise heard of.
Mr Sandman (The Chordettes) Quality accurate singing. Probably won't do this one
Dani su bez broya (Esma Redzepova) Wonderful song which I have already arranged for choir. -The trouble is it requires a horribly tricky solo...........
Pure Religion (Trad American) This will make a lovely earthy spiritual. African-American songs have been fairly well represented up to now, or I would have done this one already!
Lullaby of birdland (The Blue Stars) Very stylish recording. Difficult, but not impossible to reproduce.....
Izeithembiso Zenkosi (Ladysmith Black Mambazo) A lovely sound. Would sound very different with mixed voices though.
Run On (Moby/Trad. American) Yet another fine old spiritual. Probably won't do this one.
Les Feuilles Mortes (Yves Montand) I've already got an arrangement of this one, but it's rather difficult......
Dos Gardenias (from Buena Vista Social Club) Absolutely beautiful song. Haven't thought how to arrange it as yet.
A Natural Women (Aretha Franklin) When I'm a romantic mood I always want to arrange this one.... perhaps soon....
One Voice (Barry Manilow) This was a recent request from a park voices member..... -I'm thinking about it.....!
Jovano Jovanke (Les Kamans/Trad Balkans) Lovely old tune with all the wild beauty we expect from the Balkans.
