Sixteen Songs for Voice, Piano and Guitar
Gospels & Spirituals brings together sixteen songs in transcriptions and arrangements by Franck Lanone. This illustrated music book combines vocal melodies, piano accompaniment, and guitar chord diagrams within a single softcover volume.
The photographed contents page lists songs including Amazing Grace, Deep River, Kumbaya, and Oh Happy Day. Other selections include Go Down Moses, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, and When the Saints Go Marchin’ In. The collection offers a varied programme rather than a complete survey of either tradition.
English lyrics accompany the musical notation. French explanatory text introduces the collection, while short French text also appears at photographed song openings. The book is suited to readers comfortable working across those two languages.
A Clearly Arranged Working Score
The photographed pages show a melody line above the piano accompaniment. Guitar chord names and fingering diagrams appear above selected passages. These provide an additional route into the arrangements without requiring a separate guitar volume.
The introduction discusses the musical approach and includes a brief rhythmic instruction. It presents the collection for singers, pianists, guitarists, and other interested musicians. No claim of a definitive or uniquely authentic interpretation is made.
Song titles are set prominently above the notation. Black-and-white illustrations of singers recur in the photographed pages. Their bold shapes contrast with the fine lines of the musical staves.
Colourful Cover and Publication Details
The front cover has a blue patterned background and a group of singers in brightly coloured robes. Large yellow lettering identifies the collection. Franck Lanone’s arrangement credit appears beneath the title.
The rear cover continues the blue-and-white abstract pattern. A small coloured sticker remains near its upper-left corner. Publisher marks and a printed identifier appear along the lower edge.
The publication information gives a 1999 copyright date and credits Éditions Joaquin Besar. Michel Loiseaux is named in the acknowledgments, alongside Caroline Watson. The supplied description identifies Loiseaux as the illustrator.
Condition
Good overall used condition, with light cover rubbing, spine-edge wear, and minor corner wear. The softcover and pages show some curling and waviness. The cover colours remain clear in the photographs.
The photographed interior pages appear bright, with readable notation and text. No missing pages or tears are reported. The supplied pagination is 61 pages, reported complete but not independently collated.
The book remains bound and opens for the photographed spreads. Please examine the binding and page-edge views for its present shape. It is offered as a used score rather than an unused copy.
Key Details
Title: Gospels & Spirituals
Transcriptions and arrangements: Franck Lanone
Illustrator: Michel Loiseaux
Publisher: Éditions Joaquin Besar
Copyright: 1999
Format: Softcover score for voice and piano with guitar chord diagrams
Language: English lyrics with French introductory and explanatory text
Contents: 16 songs
Pagination: 61 pages
Dimensions: Approximately 23 × 30 × 1 cm
Condition: Good used condition, with light cover wear, curling and page waviness
SKU: 2C159
Why It’s Special
The combination of vocal notation, piano accompaniment, and guitar diagrams makes this a versatile collection to explore. Its illustrated song openings and colourful cover add visual interest. The appeal lies in the arrangements and presentation, without unsupported rarity claims.
