Jazz Arranging [Paperback]

Norman David (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1998

This book examines arranging methods and their applications. It is designed to be used in a jazz studies program and as a professional reference manual for musicians. The text begins with a historical overview of jazz band instruments and a study of their characteristics. The body of the text includes an examination of relevant terminology, notational devices, principles of theory, and arranging techniques.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Norman David is Assistant Professor of Music at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music at Franklin & Marshall College.

Product Details

• Paperback: 196 pages
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press (January 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1880157608
• ISBN-13: 978-1880157602
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #179,952 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Big things come in small packages!, February 11, 2007

By 

M. Sweetz "Pop-a-holic" (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Jazz Arranging (Paperback)

Jazz Arranging by Norman David is a superb little book, I'm amazed it doesn't appear in arranging book lists more often. I recently read 'Modern Jazz Voicings' by Ted Pease and Ken Pullig, and 'Arranging for Large Jazz Ensemble' by Ken Pullig and Dick Lowell, and as fabulous as those two books are, I'd say this book belongs up there at the top with them.

The exercises give you immediate hands-on experience with scoring and transposition for various instruments, and it explains the various concepts and techniques in a clear and logical fashion. It starts with your usual description of each instrument, ranges, etc. Then, it covers writing for the rhythm section, two-part writing, 3/4/5-part writing, special voicings (fourths, USTs, clusters and spreads), and expanded methods (such as line-writing). It ends with two chapters on large ensemble writing and big-band writing. The exercises closing each chapter are very rewarding, and if you're feeling diligent, you can breeze through this book in no time.

Of course, a prior knowledge of jazz harmony is recommended, which can easily be obtained from excellent books such as 'The Jazz Language' by Dan Haerle, 'Jazz Theory and Practice' by Lawn/Hellmer, or 'The Jazz Theory Book' by Mark Levine. If you know the basics, however, you should make this one of the first arranging books you purchase!

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best "handbook" on jazz arranging., August 27, 2007

By 

Paul S. Brewer "Paolo of USA" (Grand Rapids, MI United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Jazz Arranging (Paperback)

Norman David's little text is the best of its type. He illustrates the essentials and quite a lot more in a concise and very, very helpful manner. Great work!

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The "Single Greatest Text on Arrangment Available Anywhere"!, December 9, 2004

By 

M. Pachelli - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Jazz Arranging (Paperback)

Dr. Norman David has created a work of pure intellectual genius. This text on Jazz arrangement will serve as the high-water mark with which all future discussions on the subject will be judged. Professor David has an extensive resume of musical accomplishment that would make even the most highly regarded player cringe with envy. It is this experiential knowledge that shines through in this comprehensive guide. There is no other work as complete and well organized, with the intent to impart practical knowledge for the professional, as is this book by Dr. Norman David. I not only recommend this book on arranging, but consider it dogmatic for those that seek to become true professional musicians.