New PianoSoft: Cat Stevens and 60's Soul

Our two new PianoSoft releases this week cover highlights from the Temptations, the Four Tops, and heyday of 60's R&B, as well as the greatest hits of one of the 70s greatest singer songwriters, Cat Stevens. Both albums are in the PianoSoft Solo format, with music arranged for solo piano playback in your keyboard or Disklavier.

Pianist Bill Cunliffe takes on some of the 60s greatest soul songs for "Dock of the Bay", building solo piano arrangements that accentuate beautiful harmonies, without losing sight of Motown's patented rhythmic drive. Highlights include the tense and timeless chorus of the Four Tops' "Reach Out", a spirited rendition of "Respect" and a take on "The Way You Do the Things You Do" that plays up the song's swinging, bluesy bounce with wonderful results.

"Morning Has Broken" features songs from three of Cat Stevens' most popular records (Mona Bone Jackson, Tea For the Tillerman, and Teaser & the Firecat), spanning his creative peak of 1970-71. Bryan Pezzone's solo piano renditions capture the quiet intensity of Stevens' original songs, which include classics like "Peace Train", and "Father and Son".

Full tracklistings with previews of each song are after the jump. Tracks and previews >>

"Dock of the Bay" - Great R&B Hits

I Can't Help Myself [Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch] - The Four Tops

My Girl - The Temptations

Baby I Need Your Loving - The Four Tops

Just My Imagination [Running Away With Me] - The Temptations

Ain't No Woman [Like the One I've Got] - The Four Tops

The Way You Do the Things You Do - The Temptations

It's the Same Old Song - The Four Tops

Get Ready - The Temptations

Reach Out I'll Be There - The Four Tops

Respect - Aretha Franklin

[Sittin' On] The Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding

Sweet Soul Music - Arthur Conley

Bring It on Home to Me - Sam Cooke


"Morning Has Broken" - Hits of Cat Stevens

Wild World

Morning Has Broken

Peace Train

Father and Son

Moonshadow

The Wind

Sad Lisa

Into White

How Can I Tell You

Oh Very Young

Lady D'Arbanville

If I Laugh

Longer Boats


- Doug