The following review appeared in Piano Professional, the publication of EPTA (European Piano Teachersí Association).
'Sketches' books 1 and 2 by Stephen J. Wood, each book coming with its own CD, offers short pieces in a range of styles but tending more towards jazz. They cover a spectrum of Grades 3-7 with one or two quite challenging works, although most are about grade 4-5 standard. The performances on the CD are well recorded with fresh, vibrant playing. Both books provide plenty of innovative and enjoyable material, using a palette of creative sound effects. ëWhere the River Flowsí, book 1, creates a haunting atmosphere with flowing semiquavers in the left hand and an eerie melody above in the right hand, followed by a middle section with striking harmonies and a surprise final ending. Book 2 has some rhythmically challenging pieces such as ëAu Revoir Monsieur P.í and ëDaybreakí creates effective sound pictures with a shimmering rubato e perdendosi ending. Listening to the CD will help students internalise the ëfeelí if the style. Highly recommended.
A Letter from Anthony Williams, M.Mus GRSM (Hons.) DipRAM LRAM Head of Instrumental Music, Radley College, Oxford and advisor to the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.
Having looked through Sketches Bk. 1 and 2, Anthony went on to say:
"I enjoyed them immensely. I was very taken by the variety, harmonic imagination and jazz idiom which permeates all of the pieces without being blatant or pastiche. I also very much enjoyed the playing on the CD...I shall certainly try a few out on my pupils."