Customer Reviews

Composing for the Jazz Orchestra

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This deceptively small book taught me years ago everything I needed to know about the purpose and use of jazz chords and what voicings to use to make them sound effective. It is a wonderful book which deserves to be reread every 5 or 10 years. The theory of chord use is applicable in areas of music outside of jazz including classical music.

I liked this little book. I used it out of necessity when I found myself writing a couple of jazz tunes for an 8 peice band (first time I had to write & orchestrate like that). There are alot of quick and useful theory tips. Russo mostly deals with orchestration & voicing for a group with a sizeable horn section which, by the way, I did not have. I did, however, manage to glean enough information from the text to assemble some great music. The section on upright bass was wonderful. A lot of information for a little money! Abel Zimmerman- Big Swingset Jazz Band

I found Russo's book short but sweet. His information is clearly stated - therefore easily understood. As a member of a jazz horn section, it is important to know your role in the overall arrangement. Russo's Chapters on voicing are an exellent tool for today's educated trumpet player.

William Russo's work as an educational writer is effective and thorough. His other book "Composing Music: A New Approach" is very accessible for someone with only half a year of introductory college piano lessons or theory course. This book though also accessible is very meaty. I've read through it more than a few times. It has so much information, I don't think I could learn it all before I die. Its very authoritative.

This book is right what i was looking for. With great tips to arranging to big band, and other useful information about harmony and jazz melody.
Thanks!

Not very thick! That dates a little, that is not very educational, but forces is me to admit that I throw back to it an eye from time to time regularly to glean some tricks!! Very nice point about the mixture of colors in unissons. It is not very expensive .Small nice notebook although dispensable!