The Keyboard In Modern Worship pt. 4: Cool Piano Songs, by Rebecca Elliott

Welcome to the fourth installment of the sojournmusic.com series on playing piano/keyboard, by Sojourn worship leader Rebecca Elliott. Rebecca is a featured singer-songwriter on our Before The Throne and Advent Songs records, and will be working on a solo CD this winter. She was featured, along with Neko Case, Okkerville River, Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, and other great artists on the recent compilation album Before The Goldrush. Rebecca is also an impressive pianist and experienced piano teacher. In this installment, she talks about her favorite “piano” songs and what you can learn from them:

Below is a list of some of my favorite songs that use piano, heavily or otherwise. Some only use it as an accent, while in others (most, actually), it’s the primary instrument. The majority of these are songs I listen to when looking for some inspiration or stylistic ideas. It’s always helpful to listen to and learn from other musicians, and these are some of the ones that have been influential for me.

Sara Groves ­- “When the Saints”, Tell Me What You Know

“When It Was Over”, Add to the Beauty

“He’s Always Been Faithful”, Conversations

Sara Groves is probably my favorite artist. “When The Saints”, from her Tell Me What You Know album, is in my top ten list of favorite songs. It’s a beautifully written reminder of all the saints who have gone before us, and I love the piano parts. It’s a good example of using the piano as part of the rhythm section, keeping the drive and motion of the song going without being overwhelming.

Tom Waits – “Take It With Me”, Mule Variations

This is my favorite song. One of the most hauntingly beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. It’s only piano and Tom Waits singing, and it’s perfect. There’s not too much ornamentation, but when there are little accents, they compliment the song and add to its meaning without removing your attention from the story being told by the lyrics.

Ben Folds – “Before Cologne/Cologne”, Way To Normal

Ben Folds is another favorite artist of mine. His ten-piano orchestral arrangement of these two songs is amazing. There are people using hammered dulcimer hammers on the piano strings, plucking the piano strings like a harp, and playing different parts on different pianos, depending on the part of the song he’s playing. I love the creativity.

Muse – “Apocalypse Please”, Absolution

The opening of this song is piano heavy, and one of my favorite song openings ever. I’ve always been a fan of the lower registers on my piano, and especially used with the intensity and emphasis as it’s played in this song. The chords pound pretty heavily here, without being too intimidating.

Nina Simone – “Don’t Explain”, Ultimate Nina Simone

Nina Simone is an amazing musician. Her version of this song has to be the saddest, most heart-rending version made so far. Her piano technique is incredible, and her ability to play such technically difficult music, keep her vocal control, and make it sound so effortless, is something I constantly aspire to.

Bernard Fanning – “Shelter for my Soul”, Ned Kelly Soundtrack

I first heard this song as the credits were rolling on the movie Ned Kelly. I don’t usually sit through movie credits, but the piano was so beautiful and simple and haunting… This has continued to be one of my favorite songs. I love how simple it is, and how perfectly it fits the lyrics. The walk-down builds are wonderful.

Bill Evans – “Spartacus Love Theme”, Conversations with Myself

This song is a recent discovery for me. Bill Evans recorded this album with the original song, plus two overdubs. It’s three pianos playing on each song, but both of the overdubs are Bill Evans reacting to himself. It makes for an incredibly fascinating listen.

Counting Crows – “On A Tuesday In Amsterdam Long Ago”, Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings

The longing in this song tugs at me every time I listen to it. Again, the piano fits so very well with the vocals and lyrics. Some of the dissonant chords seem to come out of nowhere and grab you, especially toward the end. It seems almost haphazard, and yet completely intentional. The balance between being controlled and yet so out of control is pretty impressive.

pt. 3: How To Choose A Piano Teacher
pt. 2: Timing And Tone
pt. 1: Playing With A Worship Team