Alexis Ffrench has been described as ‘pioneering’. From early improvisations on the piano at the age of 4, to scholarships awarded for study at the Purcell School and Royal Academy of Music, he combines his love of classical piano music with R&B and soul, and this is no more evident than in this latest publication, Classical Soul Vol. 1.
Overview of Classical Soul Vol. 1
Alexis Ffrench’s most recent album, Classical Soul Vol. 1, was released in 2024, and this brand new book from publishers, Hal Leonard, contains the piano sheet music for 17 of what I understand to be an album of 25 tracks:
- Did I Ever Tell You (bonus track)
- The Way It Was
- Reverie
- Chasing Yesterdays
- Together Without You
- Soar
- Fireflies
- Fate
- Sö
- Suddenly
- Everything Changes
- Sanctuary
- Broken Wings on Crimson Skies
- Once
- Returning to You
- The Time of Your Life
- Everything Changes… but All Remains (bonus track)
Alexis Ffrench conceived Classical Soul Vol. 1 as a modern mix-tape, with echoes of soul classics and timeless melodies, but rooted in his own classical training. Influenced by his soul ‘heroes’ such as Roberta Flack, Stevie Wonder, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, and Sam Cooke, these piano works are deeply personal to the composer’s own story.
Over the past few years, we have come to enjoy and hear more and more of Alexis Ffrench’s piano music, and rightly so. Indeed, I reviewed the piano sheet music for his album, Truth, in 2022. Three years on, and in a crowded marketplace, what does Classical Soul Vol. 1 offer pianists and piano teachers?
Classical Soul Highlights
I’m going to be honest and say that I’ve derived more pleasure from playing some of the pieces included in Classical Soul Vol. 1, than from anything else I’ve played for a long time. It is a huge credit to Alexis Ffrench that he can craft compelling melodies and luscious harmonies which seem to go straight to the heart.
The Way It Is is probably one of most beautiful piano pieces I’ve ever played. I’m not going to play it at a party anytime soon, but it could well be my new ‘party piece’. Contemporary classical piano music (if we can call it that) gets a lot of bad press, but I consider the writing here to be quite stunning.
Once, a shorter, and perhaps simpler piece, is also up there with my favourites. Its plaintive, shifting harmonies, draw both player and listener forward into an almost trance-like state of reflection. I also loved The Time of Your Life, a soul ballad; a modern interpretation of a song without words.
Playing Level and Suitability
Each of the 17 pieces presents a range of musical and technical challenges. Readers’ most frequently asked question is “what grade are they?” This is so hard to answer, particularly as the graded piano exams themselves have expanded to cover a far wider range of musical styles (see my review of the 2025-26 ABRSM Piano Syllabus here).
I would venture to suggest that almost all the pieces in Classical Soul Vol. 1 are for pianists of Grade 5 and above; some are fairly complex, possibly Grade 7, maybe approaching Grade 8. They are, without doubt, worth the effort. I can imagine that more advanced teenage piano players will appreciate the classical crossover here, and I’m sure adults too, will enjoy the music styles, many of which will have been favourites of their youth.
Other Considerations
Much as I enjoyed the music here, my feeling was that for those not familiar with this style, or who haven’t previously listened to the album, they will find the music challenging. The rhythms and harmonies will, I feel, be accomplished with far greater ease if the player has absorbed the sound world first. There is a lot to be said for developing the ear too.
There are, on occasion, some awkward stretches, and on the face of it, some passages are simply not playable. Accurate fingering, careful distribution of the notes between the hands, and some well-chosen spreading of chords will be needed. Again, these are all well worth the effort, but benefit from some early consideration.
Summary
Ffrench writes:
‘As I look back and remember “The Way it Was” and the limitless space I was given to grow creatively and spiritually, I have come to better understand all that I had been gifted, and the debt I owe in passing on the baton to piano lovers all over the world.’
As a musician and a teacher, I too look back with immense gratitude on those individuals and spaces which shaped my own creative journey, something you can read more about here.
Overall, the piano music here is quite charming, deeply felt, and clearly written from the heart. Ffrench has an almost unique way of combining a range of musical styles in a way which sounds fresh, but remains always true to his own musical journey. The music is clearly laid out, the pages never cluttered, the book good value, and the publication of an excellent quality. Classical Soul Vol. 1 has reminded me what joy there is to be found in simply sitting and playing.
Classical Soul Vol. 1 by Alexis Ffrench comes highly recommended, and may well be my book of 2025.
Published 12.6.25
[This post contains an affiliate link. If you make a purchase through the link below, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.]
You can purchase Selections from Classical Soul Vol. 1 from Musicroom here, ISBN 9798350148817, RRP £17.99.
I was sent a review copy of this book free of charge; however, this review is my honest opinion as a teacher. You can find my Reviews Policy here.
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