Spirituals with a Velvet Touch: 10 Elegant Settings of Inspirational Solos (Sacred Performer Collections)

I absolutely love any Christian piano music arranged by Tom Fettke. His "Velvet Touch" series is just that, sounding like velvet with only a little practice. Not a music major and with few years of early-in-life lessons, I have been playing organ and piano at churches for more than a half century. Most advanced-level piano arrangements take me a long time to master, if ever; not Tom Fettke's! It is not that they are easy, just that they flow in a very beautiful way that is all his own, and has become mine as well. I have found that most intricate arrangement of spirituals are harder than hymn or even praise-and-worship pieces. This book has proved the exception, which doesn't surprise me. I can immediately use a few of the spirituals at evening services, with others to follow with a bit of additional practice. I believe I own all of Tom Fettke's church piano books, and do so hope he intends to keep producing them, though with increased frequency. Waiting for each new volume to be published is like awaiting dessert: experiencing a measure of impatience, but knowing there will eventually be real delight.

Heart-felt pieces with interesting and expressive arrangements.

My introduction to his music was inspiring and I wanted more of it! From the first I've appreciated his talent for music and the ability to convey not only the melodic notes on the page but the warmth of which he writes. I want to explore, enjoy, and play everything he writes!

Everything

Versatile arrangements the accomplished musician can sight read at a moment’s’s notice.

I always love Tom Fettke arrangements. I'm not the best pianist but after some practice, I can play these for church. I especially like how easy he makes it to transition to new keys within the piece.

These songs are beautifully arranged and sound much more difficult to play than they actually are. I would rate this book of hymns Intermediate.

If you love playing hymns you will love this book. The arrangements are easy to follow and not difficult for the intermediate pianist.