Randy Newman -- Anthology: Piano/Vocal

The packaging was fine not damaged but the book inside was damaged. The cover is ripped and the binding. It was pulled off the shelf in this condition.

Most books like these have a fairly good selection of the top hits of a particular artist, but the arrangements would be incredibly lacking, including the left hand piano, a right hand piano line that only doubles the vocal line, and the vocal line. This product, however, is exceptional. The arrangements by Michael Roth are truly authentic, and is invaluable for anyone studying Newman's work. The piano reflects almost exactly what Newman played in the recording. It includes all of Newman's top hits, and is great for anyone who wants to feel like Randy Newman at the piano for a day.

...Then this book is a must-have! Not only is it full of otherwise impossible-to-find songs (I spent nearly ten years looking for "Gainesville" after losing my copy), it includes an invaluable introduction by Michael Roth, probably the world's greatest expert on Newman. Roth's advice on just how to approach Newman's scores is borne of decades of collaboration with the composer and will help you give that "Newman feel" to your playing. For singers, this book offers a wealth of little-known gems to add to your repertoire. Yes, it doesn't include a lot of his big hits, but you can find those anywhere. This is the book I've been waiting for.

I ordered "Anthology" instead of the other options primarily due to "blueswork's" review claiming that the book includes TAB.This book does NOT contain guitar tablature. It does feature guitar chord diagrams for the songs, but no TAB.I'm sure I'll still find this book quite useful, but I cannot deny my disappointment on this matter.REVIEWERS: When posting reviews in the future, please make sure you know what you're talking about.

This anthology is a perfect gift for a piano player. It includes such a great mix of songs, warm, heartfelt and of course, funny, such as "Short People." A nice book to have.

Randy's stuff is musically interesting, innovative, and unique. His noir take on life isn't always unmitigated. If you like edgy satire and irony over sappy predictable lyrics/melodies, this is the guy for you. The book is well constructed and the music is authentic.

This work is too hard. I should have sent it back, but I kept it for too long. I play from fake books, but I have played the Moonlight Sonata. This book is for professionals. It seems harder than what I saw Randy play on Austin City Limits. If you just play for fun, give this a skip, although there doesn't seem to be anything easy for his simple songs.

Clear and consistent with the recordings, not incorporating the vocal melodies into the piano right hand. Really great to get some insight into his chord changes too!

I bought this just for "Simon Smith", which I remember from the Muppet Show Album, but was very pleasantly surprised by getting to know the other songs. Some of them remind me of a cleverer version of Ben Folds, for a slightly older generation.The transcriptions are excellent and follow what Randy actually plays, rather than trying to incorporate the vocal melody. They're fun to play and encompass a range of difficulties.I would thoroughly recommend buying this even if you only know 1 or 2 of his songs already.

Good selection of songs with music, but the binding makes it difficult to keep the book flat on the music stand.

Great range of songs. Very happy. Getting back into the piano and singing along with these. Ace.

Some brilliant songs that I'd forgotten about, or never realised were written by Randy Newman. Great book.

Tricky (at least for me) but worth the effort - so great to have music that isn't just the melody in the right hand.