Darrell Archer

Southern Gospel Piano - Joyful Gospel

The word gospel means “good news,” so it is no surprise that many songs of faith are uplifting, rhythmic and exuberant. Such is the case with the fresh piano settings of the 9 well-known gospel songs in this collection. These country-style arrangements enable the pianist to offer upbeat music that sets hands to clapping and feet tapping.These creative settings are best suited to the intermediate to advanced player as a few of them feature syncopation, meter and key changes, and the left-hand, alternating bass note/chord pattern popularized by ragtime pianists. Suggested chords with all the right inversions and harmonies are provided should a backup guitarist and bassist wish to join you.Many moods—including commitment, assurance, devotion, dedication, praise, thankfulness, adoration, peace, and inspiration—are expressed through the medium of what is commonly referred to as southern gospel music. A natural outgrowth of these heartfelt emotions is the joy that is so evident in many of the tunes found in this collection, including: “Glory to His Name”, “Come and Dine”, “The Lily of the Valley”, “At Calvary”, and “Unclouded Day”— all songs with uplifting purpose, bright tempos and catchy melodies that will engage musicians as much as their audiences.