Customer Reviews

Arranged by Nelson Riddle

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This book is definitely worth having, but it will frustrate you if you are just starting out. Like every arranging book, it gives you the breakdown of instruments and their ranges, etc. Unfortunately, it tells you nothing concerning the techniques of arranging, such as drop 2 and drop 2+4 voicings, the handling of non-chordal tones, what to do with chord extensions, etc., all of the mumbo-jumbo that you actually want to learn about.

Yes, the man is a master of arranging, but the book ends up being little more than a pleasant read...and it left me puzzled, with even more questions... questions that I found answers to in other, more detailed, books.

Of course, he's hailed one of the greatest ARRANGERS of all time, not teachers, so I write this review only to help the prospective arranging student avoid confusion, NOT to insult Mr. Riddle and the time and energy he put into this book. His charts will always have a place "under my skin".

Disappointment! I waited for many personality and information on behalf of this arranger except peer regrettably many place to detail every instrument... OK we find that "everywhere" there is almost nothing on voicings. everything is in score not transposed without chord changes. Some information to be gleaned (orchestral colors mixture of instrument, general procedures) see rather Don Sebky or Sam Nestico books ! It is really thin, keep your Money !
For a real book on the subject see rather Ken Pullig ' "Arranging for Large Jazz Ensemble"