Here are a few books and resources that have helped me develop my craft over the years.
In The Tradition
Inside the Score by Rayburn Wright is a must-have. Includes scores and recordings of superb charts by Nestico, Thad, and Brookmeyer. You really should own this! It’s published by Kendor, and you can order it here.
Russell Garica’s “The Professional Arranger Composer” was one of the first arranging books I ever got, and it is extremely helpful in solidifying the basics of writing for the jazz ensemble in the traditional way. Best $23 you’ll ever spend. Details and ordering info are here.
The Arrangers’ Dreambook is…unique! It is definitely not a textbook. Think of it as a peak inside the voicing techniques of pretty much every major big band writer from the 30s, 40s, and 50s. Want to know how Glen Miller, or Kenton, or Bill Holman gets “that sound”? It’s in here. And… there are FOUR volumes!! The catch… these are all out of print. You can probably find them with a little internet digging. Let me know if you are having any trouble.
Contemporary
For more contemporary styles, check out Jazz Scores and Analysis Vol. 1 contains detailed analyses of charts by Darcy James Argue, John Fedchock, John Hollenbeck, Jim McNeely, Vince Mendoza, and Bob Mintzer. There are sections of the score that are reduced and transposed to concert pitch, making things easier to grasp, at least for me. You can read more (and order!) on Amazon… link here.
Then there’s Jazz Scores and Analysis Vol. 2, another favorite. This one features compositions that feature strings and orchestral winds. Featured composers include Eddie Sauter, Oliver Nelson, Pat Williams, Claus Ogerman, Jeff Beal, Chris Potter, Vince Mendoza, Chuck Owen, and more. I LOVE this book! You can read more (and order on Amazon here.
More Resources
ISJAC (International Association of Jazz Arrangers and Composer)s is a FANTASTIC organization. So much great info here. John Clayton recently shared a video on how be begins a new chart. His thoughts on this are the same as mine… great minds! 🙂 Check out his ideas here.
I’ll be adding more titles as time permits, so I hope you’ll check back.