Peace, Be Still is the companion sheet music book for Brad Jacobsen’s 2026 album with the same title. All ten tracks from the album are included and were transcribed by John Zechiel and proof-read by me. The sheet music is as close a match to the recording as is possible, and is very expressive and rewarding to play. The hymns that are included on the album are all favorite of Brad’s and are songs that he finds particularly peaceful and comforting in these very troubled times.

Quoting Brad:

“I've never been one who can take anger, frustration, or depression to the piano and turn that into music, because as soon as I sit down and start playing, that part of me that is longing for simplicity and peace is what takes over. And this time I found solace in the beautiful and timeless melodies of hymns. I wasn't consciously thinking about the lyrics, just connecting with the music I remembered so fondly. I think it reminded me of simpler, and kinder times! Surprisingly, or maybe not so surprisingly, when you look at the titles of the hymns, the words ‘Peace,’ ‘Still,’ and ‘Soul’ appear several times. Obviously that is what my soul knew I was looking for….That being said, we all need peaceful music sometimes. We can listen to protest anthems all day long, but eventually we're going to need to take a breather. And that's what I hope this album is -- a breath of fresh air and a reminder of kinder, simpler and more peaceful times.”

The songbook is available as a printed, spiral-bound book or as a download from Brad’s website; individual pieces can also be downloaded on Brad’s site or on SheetMusicPlus.com and SheetMusicDIrect.com. The notation is very clear, well-spaced and easy to read. I would put most of the pieces at an intermediate to upper-intermediate playing level. There are a few reaches that are more than an octave, but not many. Pedaling is indicated as are metronome settings. Very expressive and easy to relate to, this isn’t a songbook that will go on the bookshelf as soon as I’m done with the review! Very highly recommended for personal enjoyment, teaching material and for church pianists!


The titles of the songs, the key(s) they are in, and the number of pages are:

Morning Has Broken - Key of G (1 sharp)/ Eb (3 flats) - 5 pages
It Is Well With My Soul - Key of Ab (4 flats) - 4 pages
Peace Like a River - Key of C (0 sharps or flats)/ Eb (3 flats)/ Ab (4 flats) - 5 pages
All Creatures of Our God and King - Key of Db (5 flats) - 5 pages
Simple Gifts - Key of Bb (2 flats)/ D (2 sharps)
Be Still, My Soul - Key of F (1 flat) - 5 pages
Peace, Be Still (Master, the Tempest is Raging) - Key of C (0 sharps or flats) - 4 pages
There is Sunshine in My Soul - Key of Db (5 flats) - 7 pages
How Great the Wisdom and the Love & There is a Green Hill Far Away - Key of G (1 sharp) - 4 pages
God Be With You Till We Meet Again - Key of C (0 sharps or flats) - 6 pages