Open My Heart to Worship.

Open My Heart to Worship, arranged by Mark Hayes. Alfred Publishing Co., Inc (16320 Roscoe Blvd., P.O. Box 10003, Van Nuys, CA 91410), 2006. 60pp. $15.95. Advanced.

Open My Heart to Worship, arranged by Mark Hayes, is a most useful tool for the church pianist who accompanies a contemporary service. Nine of the 11 pieces are relatively new contemporary praise and worship songs that appeal to the youth of the church. For those of the older generation, Hayes has included "Sweet, Sweet Spirit" and "They'll Know We are Christians by our Love." The songs would be most appropriate for high school advanced pianists, due largely to the tricky rhythms. The notes themselves are not overly challenging, although, if one is unfamiliar with the pieces, this book would be somewhat difficult. However, one who is familiar with this type of music could use these pieces to accompany a singing congregation.

The keys are well in the vocal range and most of the pieces modulate at least once to enliven the singing. The text to each song is included in the back of the book. A talented pianist could even use this book as a take-off point to further improvise or even as a reference book of tools for his own compositions. In addition, the chord names are included making this book of even more use to other instruments in a praise and worship team.

As a teaching tool, Open My Heart to Worship, is easy to read and spaced nicely. However, there are very limited fingerings and no pedal directions. Most of the keys are simple, although one modulation takes the performer into five flats. The harmonies are straightforward, thus the songs are very easy to follow in singing. A solo performance however, might be a bit lacking in color and musicality, but certainly energetic and entertaining with all the rhythmic variety and constant movement. Overall, this is a very useful book for the contemporary church pianist. Reviewed by Becky Ward, Waco, Texas