Cocktail Piano Styles: Volume 1 Paperback – February 1, 2000

The arrangements have some interesting and fresh chords, but for the most part, this book is underwhelming in terms of being exciting or good for playing in public. The selections are pretty good, but there is not a lot of variety in sound or arrangement styles. It is nice that the lyrics are included, however.

This is listed as a piano SOLO book, but it is NOT a solo book. Only two songs in this book are piano solo, all the other songs have the words with very simple piano - a lot of only one finger in the melody line. I have to order most of my music, and I rely on the descriptions. I play for weddings, receptions, banquets, etc... This book is absolutely of no use to me, and I would have never bought it if I had known it was not a piano solo book. I will never order anymore books by Bill Irwin because he doesn't describe his books correctly. The description of this book is a flat out lie! If you want piano solos, do not trust this arranger. From now on, I will stick to buying only books by Dan Coates - his books are as described and good advanced arrangements - if Coates says it's piano solo, then you can know it is - he doesn't have to lie about his books to get a sell!

I am using several of these arrangements to entertain at retirement and assisted living facilities. The arranger accommodates small hands quite well.

Fantastic arrangements by Bill Irwin. An intermediate piano player like myself can sound almost like a cocktail pianist with a bit of practice. I bought all the Bill Irwin piano books I could find!

The book arrived promptly and in good condition. My piano teacher played the first piece and then asked me to order a copy for her because she liked the arrangement so much. Thank you.

Easy to play, impressive to the ear. Style is recognizable with great chording. You think you are playing at a nightclub; All you need is a base, guitar & drums to complete the image.

This wasn't what I was looking for, I think it's for someone who is very advanced player. My skill level isnot this advanced.

I'm really enjoying these arrangements and will look for more by Bill Irwin in the future. Personally, I can't agree with Nikki - to me these arrangements sound just fine played solo and the right hand is certainly not single note melody. Harmony is interesting and creative - not the beige-square-pants-vanilla-flavored harmony you sometimes get. Very accessible to the intermediate pianist. Also if you're one of those poor creatures who can't reach a 10th, this book will be kind to you.

A bit too advanced for me, but well produced.