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Songbook Review: Reflections of Grace
Mark Looney
Cover image of the songbook Reflections of Grace by Mark Looney
Reflections of Grace
Mark Looney
2015 / John Rich Music Press
32 pages / 12 songs
Review by Kathy Parsons
Reflections of Grace: Piano Solos for Communion is a collection of twelve well-known classic hymns arranged for solo piano by Mark Looney. None of these arrangements are difficult and all are quite short - suitable for musical interludes throughout a worship service as well as for playing for pleasure and reflection. Looney has beautifully recorded each of his arrangements live and has them available to listen to for free on his website (MarkLooney.com). An accomplished pianist/composer/arranger and music teacher as well as a music minister, Looney has recorded eight excellent solo piano albums to date. His most recent album, A Time of Reflection, was on my 2013 Annual Favorites List.

The book is printed on a bright white paper stock in the 9”x12” format that many pianists prefer. The notation is large and very roomy, making it easier to read - especially in dim light. The binding is stapled, but the pages are easy to turn and the book stays open - even on the first playing. This is a beautiful collection, and pianists of an upper-intermediate level should be able to master most of the songs with practice. Advanced pianists should be able to sight-them quite easily. Mark’s website is currently being revamped, but the book is available on Amazon. Highly recommended!

The songs, the keys they are in, and the number of pages are:

At the Cross - Key of A (3 sharps) - 2 pages
The Old Rugged Cross - Key of D minor (1 flat)/ D major (2 sharps) - 3 pages
Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed? - Key of F (1 flat)/ Ab (4 flats) - 2 pages
Beneath the Cross of Jesus - Key of Db (5 flats) - 3 pages
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us - Key of Eb (3 flats) - 3 pages
When I Survey - Key of F - 2 pages
O Sacred Head, Now Wounded - Key of Ab - 3 pages
Near the Cross - Key of C (0 sharps or flats) - 2 pages
Ah! Holy Jesus - Key of A minor (0 sharps or flats) - 4 pages
Sweet Hour of Prayer - Key of C - 2 pages
‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus - Key of F - 2 pages
Amazing Grace - Key of G (1 sharp) - 2 pages
June 25, 2016