Part of your world (ft. angelica hale)
The stunning cover of "Part of Your World" from the 2023 remake of "The Little Mermaid" features a dazzling interplay between Angelica Hale's captivating vocals and Michael Rainwater's masterful piano accompaniment. The musical arrangement is particularly noteworthy, with the piano playing an integral role in setting the tone and emotion of the song. Rainwater's piano chords are beautifully crafted, providing a rich and dynamic underpinning to Hale's vibrant singing. These piano harmonies don't merely accompany the vocals, but they breathe life into the melody, adding depth and dimension to the song. The arrangement culminates in a dramatic finale where Rainwater showcases his virtuosity with a series of sweeping arpeggios that traverse the keyboard. These final moments are a spectacle of piano skill, offering a thrilling cascade of notes that perfectly complement Hale's passionate delivery of the ending chorus.
Prelude/angry young man
Welcome to a musical journey that bridges the past and the present. Revel in the virtuosity of Michael Rainwater, a talented American concert pianist, as he breathes new life into Billy Joel's "Prelude/Angry Young Man.” In this exceptional rendition arranged for solo piano, Rainwater expertly captures the essence of Billy Joel's genius. Behold as the iconic "Turnstiles" piano opening resonates with a renewed vigor, transporting you to a realm of musical enchantment. Feel the pulsating energy as Rainwater's nimble fingers dance across the keys, imbuing each note with passion and fervor. Brace yourself for an unforgettable crescendo. Rainwater seamlessly integrates the unforgettable piano solo from "(Scenes from an) Italian Restaurant," seamlessly intertwining with the fabric of "Prelude/Angry Young Man." The result is an unparalleled auditory experience that will leave any Billy Joel aficionado utterly enthralled.
White Christmas (ft. Angelica Hale)
Presenting a unique reimagining of the perennial favorite, "White Christmas". Angelica Hale and Michael Rainwater truly bring this classic Christmas song to life with their stunning arrangement. Angelica’s clear, angelic voice is mesmerizing as she hits every note with perfect pitch. Michael’s skillful piano playing is soulful and haunting, adding a special layer of emotion to the performance. Together, the two create a captivating soundscape that will stay with you long after the song ends. This fresh interpretation springs from the creative mind of Michael Rainwater, who was inspired to breathe new life into this classic after exploring numerous existing renditions. He found that while many versions were beautiful in their own right, none truly seized the full potential of merging piano and orchestra to amplify the song's inherent grandeur. This wonderful collaboration is sure to add sparkle to your holiday season.
Back To Black (ft. Addison Bendall)
Back To Black was born out of the context of making the old, new again. While the music of Amy Winehouse is fairly recent, this new version of the song truly captures the dark and demanding nature of the lyrics. Written by Winehouse, the iconic line of the song “We only said goodbye, with words, I died a thousand times” was the centerpiece for the rendition: the heartbreaking notion of the times that were and the reunion that was never meant to be. The instrumentation was stripped down using this idea and replaced with a carefully arranged, full-piece orchestra, accompanying Addison’s grandiose vocals, masterful blues piano, and sweeping orchestral countermelodies. I hope you enjoy this fitting cover of one of the most iconic songs of the twenty-first century.
The christmas Song (ft. Angelica Hale)
Indulge in the festive joy with our exceptional rendition of "The Christmas Song". This exclusive version showcases the melodious talents of Angelica Hale, accompanied by the virtuoso pianist Michael Rainwater. Reimagining Nat King Cole's enduring classic, this cover creates a unique symphony of both traditional and light jazz elements, producing a captivating musical experience. In this remarkable arrangement, Rainwater's pianistic expertise shines through brilliantly. He tastefully pays homage to Cole's work, while demonstrating his innovative flair by incorporating a unique, captivating piano solo. He simultaneously respects the traditional boundaries of the classic piece, while stretching those same boundaries with his creative flourishes and improvisations. This balance of old and new keeps the performance fresh and dynamic. Together, Hale and Rainwater have created a unique rendition of 'The Christmas Song' that stands out for its originality and emotional resonance. This unforgettable musical collaboration is sure to imbue every listener with the warm, joyful spirit of Christmas.
Rock around the clock
Innovative arranger Michael Rainwater once again showcases his remarkable talents with a compelling reinterpretation of Bill Haley's classic, "Rock Around the Clock". This ambitious rendition features the piano artfully navigating through an original concept—a “Rock and Roll Orchestra”, meticulously crafted by Rainwater himself. Undeterred by the initial bemusement expressed by potential collaborators when discussing his unique "rock and roll orchestra" concept, Rainwater felt compelled to bring his groundbreaking idea to life independently. The result is a testament to his creativity and expertise. Embellished with sweeping strings and thrilling staccatos that perfectly underscore the rhythmic rock and roll drum patterns, this creation is far from ordinary. The blend of traditional orchestra with the steady beat of rock and roll, led by the dynamic piano, culminates in a truly singular musical masterpiece. Experience the innovation and artistry of Michael Rainwater's arrangements, where classical finesse meets rock and roll exuberance.
Don’t Stop Me Now
Immerse yourself in the enthralling world of Michael Rainwater, an incredibly gifted pianist and arranger from Atlanta, Georgia. His rendition of Queen's classic "Don't Stop Me Now" seamlessly intertwines his classical training with modern pop sensibilities, resulting in an exhilarating version of the well-loved anthem. This new interpretation, first aired on NBC/11-Alive, has now been released on his website, where it thrives as a testament to Rainwater's innovative musicianship.
His arrangement dramatically contrasts the original by Queen, while still maintaining the song's vibrant essence. At the heart of the piece is a riveting piano solo, demonstrating his virtuosity and deep understanding of the composition. The accompaniment of powerful drums, strings, and brass adds a dramatic flair, transforming this rendition into an immersive, multi-sensory experience. Rainwater's blend of classical grace and contemporary verve not only pays homage to the original but also innovatively reinterprets it for a modern audience.
Great Balls of Fire
In an electrifying display of musicianship, only Rainwater could truly ignite the instrument with his rousing rendition of "Great Balls of Fire," a classic originally performed by Jerry Lee Lewis. The hammers upon the strings perform a choreographed dance, evoking a kinetic energy that sets the musical apparatus ablaze, metaphorically speaking. Beyond the sheer dynamism, Rainwater's arrangement is a virtuosic show of pianistic endurance and grace. Unlike many of the versions commonly encountered online, which often skew towards either melody or accompaniment, this particular interpretation manages to do both justice. Incorporating the original piano solo within the structural fabric of his rendition, Rainwater ingeniously fuses the iconic licks and rhythms that fans of Jerry Lee Lewis will recognize immediately. The piece showcases the melody and accompaniment in equal measure, striking a delicate yet assertive balance that provides a nuanced and compelling take on this 1950s classic. In doing so, he achieves an equilibrium rarely encountered in contemporary arrangements, honoring the original while infusing it with his unique artistry. Thus, Rainwater's performance serves not merely as a tribute, but as an evolution, elevating "Great Balls of Fire" into a textured, multifaceted auditory experience.
Talking to the moon (Ft. Angelica hale)
In this evocative arrangement of Bruno Mars' "Talking to the Moon," a stripped-down orchestration featuring piano and light strings provides an exquisite backdrop for the rich vocals of Angelica Hale. This minimalist approach allows Hale's emotive performance to take center stage while retaining the song's original sentiment. Within this intimate setting, the piano and strings perform a nuanced dance, carefully calibrated to enhance rather than overshadow the vocal narrative. Far from a mere cover, Rainwater's rendition serves as a poignant reimagining, adding layers of emotional depth and transforming it into an unforgettable auditory experience.
Somewhere Over the rainbow/Canon in D
In an era where the fusion of disparate musical genres is not uncommon, the arrangement that debuted on a televised charity music special on November 20, 2020, stands as a paragon of innovation and artistic ingenuity. This arrangement seamlessly melds two iconic pieces—'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' and 'Canon in D'—into a singular auditory experience that transcends conventional musical boundaries. The arrangement is imbued with classical overtones, a feature that lends it an air of sophistication and timelessness. The arrangement skillfully navigates the complexities inherent in fusing a classic pop ballad with a Baroque canon, thereby creating a musical tapestry that is as intricate as it is beautiful.
The piece commences with the dulcet tones of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow,' arranged in a style that is an amalgamation of jazz and classical elements. This serves as a thematic bookend, encapsulating the diverse musical journey that the listener is about to undertake. As the piece progresses, 'Canon in D' makes its grand entrance, presented in a myriad of styles that range from the traditional to the avant-garde. The arrangement circles back to 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow,' providing a sense of closure and thematic unity. This return to the opening melody serves as a poignant reminder of the journey undertaken, both musically and emotionally.