The Elton John Collection (Piano Solo)

The best piano solo book that I own. Very good arrangements.

The best Elton John I have ever come across (and I have looked at a lot). A very detailed and interesting left hand with a definite rock and roll rhythm. Lots of interesting fills in both hands. Great for anyone who loves genuine rock music at its best. You really...

feel like you are playing just the way EJ himself would be.

The arrangements are very good overall. In a few places, the voicing is too dense and doesn't quite capture Elton's gospel sound, but it's easy enough to push the LH down an octave for that extra heft. Expression marks are fairly sparse -- you need to take cues...

from the excellent rhythmic writing. I also have the Elton John Keyboard Book (exact transcriptions), so I throw in a few authentic voicings and riffs from that volume.

Since Reg is a pianist, I expected some daunting rhythm and was not disappointed. I am enjoying the syncopated rock beats although at times the two hands are definitely doing two different patterns. I don't like that the publisher puts in many "filler", lesser-known songs I've never...

heard. They tend to do it in all books. The publisher, Hal Leonard, appears to have a monopoly.

The book represents a good selection. I and getting back into piano after a couple of decades off and found the songs rather difficult. The arrangements are also "embellished" with extra notes that add to the difficulty, but I think they will be very beautiful once I master them.