The Perfect Suite of Waltzes

During the early planning stage of their wedding a couple confessed to me, "We've always dreamt about how wonderful it would be to slow dance to a string of romantic waltzes at our reception.  We see a sultry jazz vocalist with a trio backing her up. Could you do that for us?"  I replied, "No problem, I know just the right vocalist for you'" and then played them samples of her singing.  About 10 seconds into the track the couple looked at each other and said to me, "Perfect."

"Well, let's look at some possible songs for this project" and then I proceeded to play dozens of waltzes on my piano for them to consider.  (I even re-interpreted many non-waltzes into a waltz feel to give more choices.)  After the couple decided on five of their favorite songs, I began to put this suite together.  I met with my vocalist to determine her ideal singing key for each song, scored them out for the band, and finally created instrumental segues between each song to create a seamless 20-minute suite.

Fast forward to their wedding.  Toward the end of the reception the couple gave us the cue that they wanted to dance to their special suite.  So with the lights low, we began to play and when I looked up, what I saw was that we were playing just for them in what felt like their own 'private movie'.  I will always remember that moment...