Creative Jazz Composing and Arranging III: Writing for Small Groups

When I was first learning my craft of jazz composition and arranging as a teenager in the 1960s, I read the few available books on the subject. These books were quite basic and didn’t address my questions. I was left to listen to recordings of my heroes and slowly and painstakingly transcribe, analyze, and codify the sounds that attracted me. Ultimately, I developed my own language. After a long teaching career at the major conservatories in New York, I’ve written the book that I wish I could have read 60 years ago when I was starting out. I don’t hold back or sugar coat anything. This is not a book of rules or do this or don’t do that. It’s written to explain how I put music together—my thought processes. I’m not saying this is the only way to think or write, but through all my associations with great teachers, composers, and arrangers, I’ve come to realize that we have a surprising lot in common. The thrust of the book is to show possibilities and encourage creativity while honoring the tradition. This isn’t going to be easy. If it was easy, everyone would do it. You have chosen to create jazz even though it is not popular. There is something inside you that has brought you here. Built into jazz is the absolute need to be authentic and excel. Let me help you. I can’t do the work for you, but this book will not only answer most of your questions but also prompt you to ask questions you didn’t even know you had. The goal is to become your greatest authentic self and express who you are through your music. - David Berger