The Ascend songbook is the companion sheet music book for Christine Brown’s 2017 solo piano album by the same name - one of my favorite albums for this year. All fourteen original pieces are included and were transcribed to match the recording as closely as possible. The physical books are spiral-bound and printed on a medium-weight paper that makes page turns easy. Downloads are also available for single pieces or as a complete book. The crisp notation is easy to read and the layout is spacious. Pedaling suggestions and metronome settings are included. Fingering was added in areas that might be a little tricky and there are no reaches of more than an octave. For descriptions each piece, be sure to read my review of the recording (also on  MainlyPiano.com). 

Overall, the music is sophisticated, but not overly difficult. Most of the pieces are fairly slow and graceful, and all of them are exceptionally beautiful. Only one piece, “Floating Colors,” has a challenging key signature, and most of the rhythms are very straightforward. Pianists at an upper intermediate and above playing level will find much to enjoy about this songbook. I played through the whole book this afternoon, but I’m looking forward to spending some quality time with my favorites. The song titles, the keys they are in, and the number of pages are listed below. Ascend songbook is available exclusively from www.ChristineBrownPiano.com. Very highly recommended!

Ascend - Key of D (2 sharps) - 6 pages
Love’s Legacy - Key of D minor (1 flat) - 6 pages
Magic Carpet - Key of D - 9 pages
Gravity - Key of G minor (2 flats) - 7 pages
Closer - Key of F (1 flat) - 4 pages
Forest for the Trees - Key of G minor - 8 pages
Ivory Wings - Key of F# minor (3 sharps) - 7 pages
Lotus Breeze - Key of F minor (4 flats) - 6 pages
Floating Colors - Key of F# (6 sharps) - 6 pages
Soar - Key of C (0 sharps or flats) / D (2 sharps) - 6 pages
Cherish - Key of D minor - 5 pages
The Departure - Key of F# minor - 3 pages
Amethyst Sky - Key of A minor (0 sharps or flats) - 5 pages
Safe and Sound - Key of A (3 sharps) - 4 pages