Errollyn Wallen Songbook

The Errollyn Wallen Songbook showcases 12 of the most celebrated songs by a composer who has been called the 'renaissance woman of contemporary British music' (The Observer). These songs span the widest range of emotions - from the exuberance of What's up Doc? to the essential truths of Guru and the earth-shattering Daedalus. The songs in this book appeal to all singers, whether pop, jazz or classically trained. Stripped to the essentials - voice and piano - these songs are a treasure chest for anyone interested in the art of song.

'All these songs were written from my heart and in a state of grace. At last they have made the journey from my battered manuscript sketchbook where they were often feverishly scribbled down. I am very pleased to be able to share them in this book. Improvisation is an important characteristic of my performances. In some songs in this book I have retained elements of my own style of improvisation, particularly in the piano solos and in some vocal lines. In others I have given a bare skeleton, designed to act as a springboard for flights of fancy. I encourage the performer, whether from a pop, classical, folk or jazz background, to feel free to imbue their performances of this music with their own creative spirit.' Errollyn Wallen

'...a genuine creative figure – a real composer – someone who is not afraid to take risks in her music – I don't know of any other composer around today with anything like the same outlook as Wallen...' International Record Review

The Errollyn Wallen Songbook showcases 12 of the most celebrated songs by a composer who has been called the ''renaissance woman of contemporary British music'' (The Observer). These songs span the widest range of emotions - from the exuberance of What''s up Doc? to the essential truths of Guru and the earth-shattering Daedalus. The songs in this book appeal to all singers, whether pop, jazz or classically trained. Stripped to the essentials - voice and piano - these songs are a treasure chest for anyone interested in the art of song. 

''All these songs were written from my heart and in a state of grace. At last they have made the journey from my battered manuscript sketchbook where they were often feverishly scribbled down. I am very pleased to be able to share them in this book. Improvisation is an important characteristic of my performances. In some songs in this book I have retained elements of my own style of improvisation, particularly in the piano solos and in some vocal lines. In others I have given a bare skeleton, designed to act as a springboard for flights of fancy. I encourage the performer, whether from a pop, classical, folk or jazz background, to feel free to imbue their performances of this music with their own creative spirit.'' Errollyn Wallen

''...a genuine creative figure – a real composer – someone who is not afraid to take risks in her music – I don''t know of any other composer around today with anything like the same outlook as Wallen...'' International Record Review