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Digital PDF
In this book, the renowned bass player, composer, and arranger Chuck Israels takes a refreshing approach to the study of arranging and orchestration.
Yes, the basic information contained in any text of this sort is here, but there is so much more. (Look in the back for instrument ranges and usable scales.)
What Chuck has created goes way beyond big band score examples with limited descriptions of techniques, the “meat” of most arranging books.
He begins by stressing the primary importance of rhythm above chord voicing and the essential relationship between the “outer lines,” melody and bass line. Contrary motion is very important. Chord names are often not enough for a bass player to play an effective line.
He goes on to talk about chord voicing and voice leading. Common musical forms are explored. Then comes recognizing chord phrases, or recurring patterns in chord progressions.
He writes about arranging for solo, 2, 3, 4, and 5 voices. He describes writing for the individual instruments in the rhythm section, and gradually gets into writing for combos and smaller ensembles. Only about two-thirds of the way through the book does he get into writing for big band.
This text and accompanying examples explore fundamental ideas about music, primarily in the jazz idiom. Mr. Israels freely shares his deep understanding and astute insights into this wonderfully expressive style of music.
See the endorsements and sample pages below to verify the high quality of instruction in this landmark publication!
187 pages and free download of audio files for each musical example.
Spiral bound, available in both printed and PDF formats.
Endorsements
"As a bassist who has anchored some of jazz music’s most storied rhythm sections, Chuck Israels brings a perspective to arranging that is truly singular. Having played many of his arrangements over the years, I can attest that they both sound and feel great to play. This book provides a window into his process, making it an invaluable resource not only to me, but to all jazz arrangers.”
— Alan Ferber, Assistant Director, BMI Jazz Composers Workshop
"Several years ago Chuck Israels gave me a pre-publication copy of this book. I was fascinated with his presentation. Chuck has strong opinions about music and conveys an approach to arranging that is somewhat unusual, consistently conveyed in a clear and well-thought-out manner. Obviously he has a very deep and personal knowledge of the craft. I find his descriptions and examples refreshingly appealing. Having studied arranging and orchestration for most of my life, I am drawn to these somewhat original ways of thinking about this noble endeavor. I'm sure you will find many new ideas in these pages, regardless of how schooled you are in this field. If you are an experienced arranger I believe you will find some surprises in these pages. If you are new to arranging, think of this as a jumping off point. As your journey progresses, I believe you will treasure what you learn here. Thank you for sharing your elegant thoughts, Chuck.”
— Larry Dunlap, arranger/composer/pianist
"This unique arranging book not only deals with the nuts and bolts of the craft but, unlike other writers on this subject, Chuck Israels embraces and exposes the true and deep musical issues. There's much to be learned here for arrangers on all levels.”
— David Berger, composer/arranger/bandleader
"Chuck Israels has written the 21st century jazz arranging book. For the first time, a major jazz musician — and one with an informed knowledge of the entire spectrum of jazz — has addressed the issue of jazz arranging as an art form. One of the most significant of post-bop bassists, Chuck Israels, literally takes us through arranging from the bottom up. Aspects of time, motion, and drama are brought to the fore in a way that is unique and refreshing.”
— Andrew Homzy, Professor of Music, Concordia University, Montreal
"Anyone teaching or studying arranging should have this valuable resource on their bookshelf.”
— Rick Lawn, arranger, composer, educator, author
