Bill Dobbins

Jazz Arranging & Composing

Many different possibilities for harmonizing the same melody are illustrated and analysed, using techniques by such influential arrangers and composers as Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Oliver Nelson, Gil Evans and Clare Fischer.

Techniques of melody harmonisation, linear writing and counterpoint for 2, 3, 4 and 5 horns. A chapter on writing for the rhythm section clearly illustrates the techniques commonly used by jazz arrangers and composers.

Six complete scores in concert key are ideal for analysis, for playing the horn parts on the piano or for following the performances on the CD.

An extensive chapter on form and development deals with extended compositional forms and the use of compositional techniques in writing for the small jazz ensembleA useful discography is included at the end of each chapter.