Synopsis
This book is for anyone who writes, plays or listens to jazz. It explains the writing process and the construction of jazz pieces. I’ve attempted to answer many of the questions that arrangers and composers ask themselves when they are writing. Players who read this book will better understand the arrangements that they play and will get more from their listening which will make them better at interpreting the music they perform. Listeners will get into the creators’ heads and appreciate the jazz experience to a greater degree.What The Experts Are Saying:"I love David Berger's new book, Creative Jazz Composing and Arranging. His vivid description of his own musical development from childhood on imparts many valuable insights. The discussion of the musical content is clear and concise, while a respect and passion for the music and the creative process is evident throughout. The big band scores are brilliant pieces of music that are steeped in the rich tradition of jazz, but also convey the unique musical character that is David Berger. It is a joy to be able to get inside the head of one of my favorite jazz writers and bandleaders. Beside the wealth of information, understanding and encouragement contained in these pages, the anecdotes related to Duke Ellington and the musicians who performed in his orchestra are just one more reason to get this book in your hands."- Bill Dobbins -Professor of Jazz Composition and Arranging, Eastman School of Music"Among the musicians I know who pay attention to the broad concepts and fine details of composing and arranging jazz music, no one pays more attention than Dave Berger. He thinks about everything: formal ideas, textural contrasts, emotional expression, instrumental color and variety, motivic development, expectation and surprise, - more things than I can think of to enumerate. And he produces music that achieves an artistically satisfying balance in its elements - all the while maintaining continuity with the spirit that brought him to jazz in the first place. That alone is a remarkable achievement. That he has had the patience and focus to dissect his creative thought processes meticulously, down to the level of the finest details, and lay those thoughts bare so that others might learn from them is even more remarkable. If someone has thought about it, David has described it. I don’t know anywhere anyone interested in this could learn more or learn it any more directly." - Chuck Israels -Bassist, Composer, Arranger, Author"When I first started playing with the National Jazz Ensemble in the late 70’s, Dave Berger’s work as chief composer and arranger made quite an impression on me. I marveled at what seemed to me a magical, mysterious ability to create and arrange music for big band. In his Creative Jazz Composing and Arranging, Berger demystifies this ability for the reader by clearly demonstrating - in a voice that is personal, humorous, as well as instructive - the techniques needed to become a master arranger. Creative Jazz Composing and Arranging is an important addition to the teaching canon and wonderful tool for any artist, whether they are just learning how the magic of this music is made or refining their existing style.” - Ted Nash - Saxophonist/Arranger JALCO, BMI Jazz Composers Workshop "A student today has several choices of arranging books. But a book is like a tool; there is a certain one for a particular task. David Berger’s book is designed for the intermediate to advanced student who has decided to become a professional jazz arranger along with the realization that a solid understanding of the tradition is essential. Mr. Berger provides an in-depth analysis of his music and thought process. More importantly, his 50-years of professional experience (and candid recounting of his own journey as a young student) provides invaluable and practical wisdom that is not readily found in written form." - Rich DeRosa - University of North Texas
About the Author
Jazz composer, arranger, and conductor David Berger is recognized internationally as a leading authority on the music of Duke Ellington and the Swing Era. Conductor and arranger for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra from its inception in 1988 through 1994, Berger has transcribed more than 1000 full scores of classic recordings, including more than 500 works by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Several of these transcriptions, and a number of original arrangements, were featured in the 2013 Broadway hit, After Midnight. In 1996 Berger collaborated with choreographer Donald Byrd to create and tour Harlem Nutcracker, a full-length two-hour dance piece that expands the Tchaikovsky/Ellington/Strayhorn score into an American classic. The 15-piece band assembled to play this show has stayed together as the David Berger Jazz Orchestra, performing Berger’s music in New York City and on tours throughout the United States and Europe. Berger has written music for symphony orchestras, television, Broadway shows and films, and has composed and arranged for Duke Ellington, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Quincy Jones, and the WDR Big Band. He has also arranged for dozens of singers including Jon Hendricks, Betty Carter, Freda Payne, Natalie Cole, Rosemary Clooney, Madeleine Peyroux, Milt Grayson, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Susan Graham, Denzal Sinclaire, Champian Fulton, Freddie Cole, Jessye Norman, and Kathleen Battle. Berger has taught jazz arranging and composition for 30 years in the New York City area at the Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, The New School, William Paterson University, Montclair State University and Long Island University. In addition to private teaching, Berger travels around the U.S. doing clinics with high school and college jazz bands. Residing in New York City, Berger is currently composing two musical comedy shows and served as the arranger and musical director for Apollo Club Harlem; which starred Maurice Hines, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Kevin Mahogany and Margot Bingham.
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