I Drink Wine: E-Z Play Today

This E-Z Play arrangement opens up a contemporary pop masterpiece to pianists who might otherwise find the original recording intimidating. The simplified voicings and accessible key preserve the emotional arc of the song while keeping the technical demands manageable for intermediate players.

Reflective and intimate, with moments of building intensity. The song carries the warmth of a conversation with a close friend, moving between thoughtful observation and moments where vulnerability surfaces. There's a conversational quality to the melody that sits naturally under the fingers.

Students who want to play contemporary pop music but need arrangements scaled to their current abilities, and teachers seeking accessible repertoire that doesn't sacrifice emotional authenticity. Anyone performing or learning songs from Adele's catalog will find this a practical resource.

• Pay attention to the lyrical phrasing even on piano; shape phrases the way a singer would breathe, which means releasing slightly at the ends of sung phrases rather than sustaining through them mechanically.
• Balance the left hand carefully so accompaniment supports rather than overwhelms the melody. Adele's records prioritize her voice, and this arrangement should do the same for your right hand.
• The emotional content of this song lies in restraint and vulnerability. Resist the urge to add extra flourishes or thick harmonies; the E-Z Play version already has what it needs.

Include this in a pop music showcase or contemporary song recital where it can sit alongside other modern repertoire. It also works well as a solo feature in a variety concert, offering students a chance to connect with music they hear on the radio while developing interpretive skills.

• Playing contemporary song melodies with expressive phrasing
• Balancing melody and accompaniment in pop-style arrangements
• Reading and executing simplified chord voicings
• Interpreting emotional subtext in modern songwriting
• Sustaining focus through a medium-length piece with varied dynamics