The Arrangers Podcast: Recent Episodes
Aaron Hedenstrom and Drew Zaremba
The Arrangers Podcast is a show dedicated to insightful discussion about the art, craft, and business of music arranging and composition.
Aaron and Drew are back in the saddle after a long break. Catch up with upcoming plans, recent events, and get back into the show!
Aaron and Drew continue their discussion about common arranging mistakes by talking about some common issues that arise while voicing chords or orchestrating for an ensemble.
Edited by Thomas Lahren (https://www.thomaslahrenmusic.com/)
Edited by Thomas Lahren (https://www.thomaslahrenmusic.com/)
www.vincemendoza.net
One of the most versatile and prolific composer–arranger–conductors of the last two decades, multi-Grammy Award winner Vince Mendoza has written arrangements for a wide variety of pop and jazz artists, from Joni Mitchell, Sting, Melody Gardot, Elvis Costello and Bjork to Joe Zawinul, John Scofield, Charlie Haden, Al Di Meola, Dave Liebman, Randy Brecker, the Yellowjackets and the GRP All-Stars. His compositions have appeared on recordings by the likes of saxophonist Joe Lovano, guitarist John Abercrombie, drummer Peter Erskine, pianist Joey Calderazzo and singer Kurt Elling. As a leader, Mendoza has released 10 recordings for the Blue Note, ACT, Blue Jackel and Zebra labels, including 1997’s Epiphany (with the London Symphony Orchestra) and 2011’s Nights on Earth, featuring an all-star cast and members of the Metropole Orkest, which Mendoza has led as chief conductor for the past six years. Vince was honored with a Grammy Award for his work on the John Scofield “54” album on Emarcy records. It is his 6th Grammy and 34th nomination. He was also nominated by the Jazz Journalists Association as “arranger of the year”.
Aaron and Drew go over common arranging mistakes and what we can learn from them. Part one deals with errors and pitfalls in the general conception of an arrangement.
Edited by Thomas Lahren (https://www.thomaslahrenmusic.com/)
Edited by Thomas Lahren (https://www.thomaslahrenmusic.com/)
Earl MacDonald’s seemingly inexhaustible commitment to the jazz art form is apparent in his performing, composing and teaching. The former musical director and pianist for Maynard Ferguson serves as the Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Connecticut and teaches annually at UMass Amherst’s Jazz in July program.
The Winnipeg native earned a bachelor of music degree in jazz performance at McGill University and a Master’s degree at Rutgers, where he apprenticed with Kenny Barron.
A recipient of the Sammy Nestico Award for outstanding big band arranging, MacDonald has released five albums as a bandleader; two of which earned JUNO nominations for jazz album of the year. For his chamber jazz explorations on “Mirror of the Mind”, MacDonald was described as “a magical, musical alchemist of hip hybrids” (Owen McNally, Hartford Courant). Similarly, his large ensemble project, “Re:Visions” was touted as having “gone beyond where most big bands go, establishing Earl MacDonald as a major force in the world of jazz composition” (Dan Bilawsky, AllAboutJazz.com).
Visit MacDonald’s web site, www.earlmacdonald.com, where you can take a free online lesson, read articles and reviews, hear his music, peruse his blog, and learn more about Earl MacDonald’s performances, teaching, and latest projects.
Edited by Thomas Lahren (https://www.thomaslahrenmusic.com/)
Earl MacDonald’s seemingly inexhaustible commitment to the jazz art form is apparent in his performing, composing and teaching. The former musical director and pianist for Maynard Ferguson serves as the Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Connecticut and teaches annually at UMass Amherst’s Jazz in July program.
The Winnipeg native earned a bachelor of music degree in jazz performance at McGill University and a Master’s degree at Rutgers, where he apprenticed with Kenny Barron.
A recipient of the Sammy Nestico Award for outstanding big band arranging, MacDonald has released five albums as a bandleader; two of which earned JUNO nominations for jazz album of the year. For his chamber jazz explorations on “Mirror of the Mind”, MacDonald was described as “a magical, musical alchemist of hip hybrids” (Owen McNally, Hartford Courant). Similarly, his large ensemble project, “Re:Visions” was touted as having “gone beyond where most big bands go, establishing Earl MacDonald as a major force in the world of jazz composition” (Dan Bilawsky, AllAboutJazz.com).
Visit MacDonald’s web site, www.earlmacdonald.com, where you can take a free online lesson, read articles and reviews, hear his music, peruse his blog, and learn more about Earl MacDonald’s performances, teaching, and latest projects.
Edited by Thomas Lahren (https://www.thomaslahrenmusic.com/)
In May of 2019, Aaron and Drew attended the ISJAC (International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers) Symposium in Greeley Colorado. They sat down with world-renowned composer, arranger, bassist, and educator John Clayton to talk music, life, and everything in-between.
Argue made his mark with his critically acclaimed 2009 debut Infernal Machines. 2013 saw the release of Brooklyn Babylon, which, like Infernal Machines before it, earned the group nominations for both GRAMMY and JUNO Awards. His most recent recording, Real Enemies, released in the fall of 2016, earned a third consecutive GRAMMY nomination and has been praised as “wildly discursive, twitchily allusive, a work of furious ambition… deeply in tune with our present moment” by The New York Times’ Nate Chinen.
Darcy's website: http://www.secretsocietymusic.org/#&panel1-1
Visit us at www.thearrangerspodcast.com
Support us at https://www.patreon.com/thearrangerspodcast
E-mail us at thearrangerspodcast@gmail.com
Thanks for listening!
Edited by Thomas Lahren (https://www.thomaslahrenmusic.com/)
In May of 2019, Aaron and Drew attended the ISJAC (International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers) Symposium in Greeley Colorado. They sat down with world-renowned composer, arranger, bassist, and educator John Clayton to talk music, life, and everything in-between.
John Clayton's career highlights include arranging the 'Star Spangled Banner" for Whitney Houston's performance at Super Bowl 1990 (the recording went platinum), playing bass on Paul McCartney's CD “Kisses On The Bottom,” arranging and playing bass with Yo-Yo Ma and Friends on "Songs of Joy and Peace," and arranging playing and conducting the 2009 CD "Charles Aznavour With the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra," and numerous recordings with Diana Krall, the Clayton Brothers, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz, Orchestra, Milt Jackson, Monty Alexander and many others.
John's website: http://www.johnclaytonjazz.com/
Visit us at www.thearrangerspodcast.com
Support us at https://www.patreon.com/thearrangerspodcast
E-mail us at thearrangerspodcast@gmail.com
Thanks for listening!
Edited by Thomas Lahren (https://www.thomaslahrenmusic.com/)
Aaron and Drew come up with 6 ideas for musical projects you could work towards during this unique staying-at-home time we find ourselves in during 2020.
Visit us at www.thearrangerspodcast.com
Support us at https://www.patreon.com/thearrangerspodcast
E-mail us at thearrangerspodcast@gmail.com
Thanks for listening!
Edited by Thomas Lahren (https://www.thomaslahrenmusic.com/)
In May of 2019, Aaron and Drew attended the ISJAC (International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers) Symposium in Greeley Colorado. They sat down with world-renowned composer, saxophonist, and educator Christine Jensen to get her expertise on music, composing, and life. Christine Jensen has been featured worldwide in North America, India, Peru, Argentina, Chile, Denmark, Mexico, Sweden, Turkey, and Haiti. Christine was a featured panelist at the ISJAC symposium and it was a thrill to hear her perspective.
Christine's website: http://christinejensenmusic.com
Visit us at www.thearrangerspodcast.com
Support us at https://www.patreon.com/thearrangerspodcast
E-mail us at thearrangerspodcast@gmail.com
Thanks for listening!
Edited by Thomas Lahren (https://www.thomaslahrenmusic.com/)
In May of 2019, Aaron and Drew attended the ISJAC (International Society of Jazz Arrangers and Composers) Symposium in Greeley Colorado. They sat down with the founder of ISJAC, legendary composer and educator Chuck Owen, to talk about the ISJAC organization, writing music, and other compelling topics.
Chuck's website: https://www.chuckowen.com
Visit us at www.thearrangerspodcast.com
Support us at https://www.patreon.com/thearrangerspodcast
E-mail us at thearrangerspodcast@gmail.com
Thanks for listening!
Edited by Thomas Lahren (https://www.thomaslahrenmusic.com/)
Aaron and Drew sat down for a lengthy discussion with legendary composer, arranger, saxophonist, and educator Andy Farber, who has been a leading writer in the NYC and international jazz scene for many years. His many collaborations include Wynton Marsalis, Jon Hendricks, Shirley Horn, Bobby Short, Michael Feinstein, Catherine Russell, Frankie Laine, Alan Harris, Cynthia Scott, Billy Stritch, B.B. King, Ray Charles, and more. He has also composed music for a number of film and media projects, including Star Trek Continues.
Find out more about Andy at his website: www.andyfarber.com
Edited by Thomas Lahren (https://www.thomaslahrenmusic.com/)
Aaron and Drew sat down for a lengthy discussion with legendary composer, arranger, saxophonist, and educator Andy Farber, who has been a leading writer in the NYC and international jazz scene for many years. His many collaborations include Wynton Marsalis, Jon Hendricks, Shirley Horn, Bobby Short, Michael Feinstein, Catherine Russell, Frankie Laine, Alan Harris, Cynthia Scott, Billy Stritch, B.B. King, Ray Charles, and more. He has also composed music for a number of film and media projects, including Star Trek Continues.
Find out more about Andy at his website: www.andyfarber.com
Aaron and Drew catch up about the sheer craziness of the musician lifestyle. They share the struggles and positives of having a music career.
Edited by Thomas Lahren (https://www.thomaslahrenmusic.com/)
Aaron and Drew are back from a long hiatus and they discuss various ideas and options for making a living as arrangers.
Edited by Thomas Lahren (https://www.thomaslahrenmusic.com/)
Aaron and Drew analyze the big band score of Alan Baylock's beautiful composition "El Abrazo."
Link to piece and score to follow along: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62KEHdFD55Q
Alan's website: https://www.alanbaylock.com
Aaron and Drew sit down with world-class arranger and Minneapolis resident Adi Yeshaya, whose impressive resumé includes work with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Prince, and the hit television series "The Voice."
Adi's Official Website: https://www.adiyeshaya.com
Aaron and Drew sit down with world-class arranger and Minneapolis resident Adi Yeshaya, whose impressive resumé includes work with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Prince, and the hit television series "The Voice."
Adi's Official Website: https://www.adiyeshaya.com
Aaron and Drew answer three questions submitted by listeners, two involving big band jazz voicings and one about ASCAP and how it applies to a music career.
Show Notes:
www.ascap.com
Aaron and Drew break down some of the techniques and concepts of Rich DeRosa's beautiful big band work Perseverance.
Rich's Website: http://richderosa.com
Rich's UNT Profile: http://jazz.unt.edu/derosa
Link to Rich's arrangements: http://www.ejazzlines.com/big-band-arrangements/by-arranger/derosa-rich/
Score and recording of Perseverance: http://richderosa.com/product/perseverance/
Live performance of Perseverance by UNT One O'Clock Lab Band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9vsVAhSocg
Aaron and Drew sit down with their mentor from University of North Texas, acclaimed arranger and composer Rich DeRosa, to discuss his career and thoughts on music.
Rich's Website: http://richderosa.com
Rich's UNT Profile: http://jazz.unt.edu/derosa
Link to Rich's arrangements: http://www.ejazzlines.com/big-band-arrangements/by-arranger/derosa-rich/
Aaron and Drew sit down with their mentor from University of North Texas, acclaimed arranger and composer Rich DeRosa, to discuss his career and thoughts on music.
Rich's Website: http://richderosa.com
Rich's UNT Profile: http://jazz.unt.edu/derosa
Link to Rich's arrangements: http://www.ejazzlines.com/big-band-arrangements/by-arranger/derosa-rich/
Aaron and Drew sit down with legendary arranger Alan Baylock, who served for 25 years as the staff arranger for the Airmen of Note, collaborating with countless guest artists on arrangements and writing a vast library of scores for various types of ensembles and styles. Alan has also recorded multiple CDs with his own jazz ensemble, the Alan Baylock Jazz Orchestra, and now directs the prestigious One O'Clock Lab Band at the University of North Texas.
http://jazz.unt.edu/baylock
Aaron and Drew sit down with legendary arranger Alan Baylock, who served for 25 years as the staff arranger for the Airmen of Note, collaborating with countless guest artists on arrangements and writing a vast library of scores for various types of ensembles and styles. Alan has also recorded multiple CDs with his own jazz ensemble, the Alan Baylock Jazz Orchestra, and now directs the prestigious One O'Clock Lab Band at the University of North Texas.
http://jazz.unt.edu/baylock
Aaron and Drew give 10 ideas for taking your music from your brain to the music community. Whether it's furthering your career as a writer or finding ways to improve or share with others, here are 10 ways that you can break into the scene.
-
-
- Write every Day! - It’s just like practicing, the more you do it the better you get - Even if it’s terrible, forcing yourself to write helps you overcome writers block
-
- Listen, expand your ear, always search for new sounds/genres/inspiration
- Everything else below relies on your ability to be a good musician/have a skilled trade
- Transcription and inspiration
- Stay inspired and keep learning from other people’s music
- Push your musical boundaries
-
- Study with a great Arranger/get a mentor
- Go to college
- Offer to be an assistant/help out
- Buy lunch for someone (we won’t say no)
-
- Start your own band
- Doesn’t have to be big band or 4tet - think creatively!
- Write for the musicians you know, write to their strengths
- Common thread in interviews is that at some point successful writers got a group together to play their music
-
- Record and share your creations
- Don’t wait to write something, just do it and do it again.
- YouTube and Soundcloud – worked for Jacob Collier
- Social Media
- People often hire those who they have recently interacted with or seen their work, so if you shared a video or recording, you’re putting yourself in people’s minds
-
- Website/Demo Reel
- Mention that a website almost never gets you a gig. Being referred TO a website from a friend/a tune they heard already helps establish your credibility/competence in the craft
-
- Network/Develop relationships - musicians/school directors/write for friends
- Never underestimate the power of a good hang
- Going into networking with something to show people is key
- CD, website, youtube, soundcloud, business card, portfolio, just something to give them
- Often times I’ll look up someone and they don’t have a website, and I have no way to gauge their music or who they are
-
- Enter competitions ie. Downbeat, Detroit Festival, ASCAP
- Don’t expect to win, just realize it’s an opportunity to grow and enter the broader community/see where you stand in the global picture/get feedback
- Also good to force you to write something
-
- Join music organizations (Composers Forum/ASCAP/BMI/Union/G.A.N.G.)
- Grants, competitions, and social events are often set up through these types of organizations.
-
- Find your niche
- No two people are identically talented, you have a musical skill set that will set you apart
- Depending on your location or community you might have access to unique opportunities
-
Show Notes
Michael's Website:
http://www.bone2bwildmusic.com/
The Hornheads' Website:
http://www.hornheads.com/
Show Notes
Michael's Website:
http://www.bone2bwildmusic.com/
The Hornheads' Website:
http://www.hornheads.com/
Show Notes
Michael's Website:
http://www.bone2bwildmusic.com/
The Hornheads' Website:
http://www.hornheads.com/
In the first "Score Study" episode, Aaron and Drew follow up the David Berger interview by studying "Concerto for Cootie," a piece which David transcribed that features Cootie Williams on trumpet.
Show Notes
David Berger's website:
https://www.davidbergerjazz.com/
Such Sweet Thunder Music:
https://www.suchsweetthundermusic.com/
David Berger's blog:
https://www.suchsweetthundermusic.com/blogs/news
This episode features special guest David Berger in an interview conducted by Aaron and Drew. David talks about his upbringing in music and his professional experience as a prolific and highly influential arranger, composer, transcriber, bandleader and educator.
Show Notes
Correction: David's arranging book is called Creative Jazz Composing and Arranging and can be found here
David Berger's website:
https://www.davidbergerjazz.com/
Such Sweet Thunder Music:
https://www.suchsweetthundermusic.com/
David Berger's blog:
https://www.suchsweetthundermusic.com/blogs/news
Aaron and Drew discuss the common issues of writing too many notes, leaving too much space, and the challenge writing with the perfect balance for every situation. They discuss what music they've been listening to as well.
Aaron and Drew discuss the elusive concept of what it means to have a personal artistic voice as a writer.
Aaron and Drew introduce themselves and answer a handful of questions from the community.
Show Notes
Intro Music: "Pistachio" by Drew Zaremba, recorded by the University of North Texas One O'Clock Lab Band
https://music.unt.edu/store/lab-2015
Ending Music: "Take Your Time" by Aaron Hedenstrom, recorded by the University of North Texas One O'Clock Lab Band
https://music.unt.edu/store/lab-2016
Index/Questions
Introductions (0:32-04:28)
Drew's Story (04:28-07:47)
Drew's site: http://drewzaremba.com/
Aaron's Story (07:47-12:46)
http://www.aaronhedenstrom.com/
Q and A (13:10)
Question 1 (13:58)
- Paul Birk: When arranging, do you find it helpful to do a 3-line sketch of your ideas, designating lead lines and accompanimental figures within a form before actually scoring the arrangement?
- John Williams Scoring Session Indiana Jones
- Gil Evans: http://gilevansproject.com/recordings/
Question 2 (21:09)
- Justin Pierce: As an arranger, what are your favorite books/transcriptions/exercises to practice on piano?
- The Jazz Piano Book by Mark Levine
- http://www.shermusic.com/0961470151.php
- Piano Intro (Bobby Tucker): "I Loves You Porgy" Billie Holiday
- Billie Holiday - I Love You Porgy (Decca Records 1948)
- June Lee: https://www.youtube.com/user/war3gate
- Jacob Collier: http://www.jacobcollier.co.uk/
- Inside the Score by Rayburn Wright
- https://www.jwpepper.com/2104842.item
- Jazz Composition and Arranging in the Digital Age
- https://global.oup.com/ushe/product/jazz-composition-and-arranging-in-the-digital-age-9780195381009?cc=us⟨=en&
- Michael Abene
- The Jazz Piano Book by Mark Levine
http://www.michaelabene.com/
- Richard Sussman
- http://www.richardsussmanjazz.com/
Question 3 (26:10)
- Cole Dapprich: What is the best way to handle doubling in an arrangement, specifically in Finale 2012 or 2014? How do I switch a part to a double and then back within the same file?
- http://www.finalemusic.com/blog/instrument-doubling-with-finale-2012/
Question 4 (27:38)
- Toshi Clinch: How do you work out the price of a commission for a client?
- Gordon Goodwin: http://www.bigphatband.com/
- Brett McDonald: BrettMcMusic
Question 5 (36:05)
Toshi Clinch: When selling your own arrangements, how do you decide on the price?
- Legality of selling arrangements: http://ostrowesq.com/no-you-dont-own-your-arrangement-of-that-hit-song/
- ASCAP: https://www.ascap.com/
- BMI: https://www.bmi.com/
Question 6 (38:18)
Toshi Clinch: What tactics do you have when you have writer's block but still have to meet a deadline?
- Sharp-9 chord: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominant_seventh_sharp_ninth_chord
- The Unity Orchestra: http://drewzaremba.com/unity-orchestra/
Question 7 (43:50)
Toshi Clinch: How often do you find yourself following general arranging rules when writing, and how often do you find yourself breaking away from those rules?
- Aleatoric Music: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleatoric_music
- Doritos Sponsorship: https://sponsorpitch.com/sponsors/doritos
Question 8 (50:29)
Toshi Clinch: As a professional arranger, how often do you work on your own material vs. working on material for others?
- Drum and Bass music: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drum_and_bass
- The Tortured Artist Stereotype: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tortured_artist
Question 9 (55:35)
Toshi Clinch: How do you go about finding arranging work and maintaining a consistent workload?
- Aaron Hedenstrom Orchestra: Aaron Hedenstrom Orchestra: A Father's Love
- Drew Zaremba Big Band: http://drewzaremba.com/tag/big-band/
- S. Carey: http://scarey.org/
- Eaux Claires Festival: http://eauxclaires.com/
- UW Eau Claire Jazz Ensemble: http://www.uwec.edu/academics/college-arts-sciences/departments-programs/music-theatre-arts/academic-offerings/ensembles/jazz-studies/
Question 10 (1:06:12)
Chris Sharpe: What factors do you take into consideration when making an instrumental arrangement of music originally written with text? Do you feel the need to compensate for the lack of text?
- Night and Day (Cole Porter): Night And Day - Cole Porter
- Morse Code: http://morsecode.scphillips.com/translator.html
- But Not For Me (George and Ira Gershwin)
- Ella Fitzgerald version: Ella Fitzgerald - But Not For Me
- Harry Connick Jr. version: But Not for Me
Question 11 (1:09:22)
Camille DeVore: What are your schematics for setting up an arranging workstation (with regards to gear)
- MIDI controller: https://www.sweetwater.com/c513--MIDI_Controllers
- Macbook Pro: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacBook_Pro
- Audio Interface: https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/computer-audio/audio_interfaces/
- Studio Mixing Monitors: https://www.sweetwater.com/c405--Active_Monitors
- External Hard drives: https://www.amazon.com/External-Hard-Drives-Storage-Add-Ons/b?ie=UTF8&node=595048
- Computer Monitors: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=computer+monitor&rh=n%3A172282%2Ck%3Acomputer+monitor&ajr=0
- Staff Paper: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=node%3D1292115011&field-keywords=manuscript+paper&rh=n%3A1292115011%2Ck%3Amanuscript+paper
- Sibelius Software: http://www.avid.com/sibelius
- Finale Software: http://www.finalemusic.com/
- Dorico Software: https://www.steinberg.net/en/products/dorico/start.html
- Musescore Software (FREE): https://musescore.org/
- Logic Pro X Software: http://www.apple.com/logic-pro/
- Pro Tools Software: http://www.avid.com/pro-tools
- Ableton Live Software: https://www.ableton.com/en/
- Gear Acquisition Syndrome: http://www.homestudiocorner.com/gear-acquisition-syndrome/
- DAW (Digital Audio Workstation): http://www.musicradar.com/tuition/tech/the-20-best-daw-software-apps-in-the-world-today-238905
Question 12 (1:15:00)
Scott Neary: I would love to know how you break into the world of commission writing, arranging, and breaking into the professional world beyond writing for your own projects
- See Question 8 at 55:35
Question 13 (1:15:18)
Jordan Coffing: I wanted to know how you communicate with clients who are either non-musicians or not very musically educated?
- Rich DeRosa: http://richderosa.com/
- Thelonious Monk Quote: http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/459943-writing-about-music-is-like-dancing-about-architecture
- Trombonists and Pizza Delivery: http://www.musicomic.com/comic/17-bone-gig/
- Temp Track: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temp_track
Question 14 (1:21:56)
Eddie Eby: I would like to know how you guys approach writing in a new style or for a new ensemble?
- Romantic-era Composers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Romantic-era_composers
- Walking bass line: http://www.dummies.com/art-center/music/bass-guitar/how-to-create-a-walking-bass-line/
- Latin Jazz: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin_jazz
- Clave rhythm: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clave_(rhythm)
Question 15 (1:27:40)
David Rice: I'd like to see how you guys approach writing drum parts: what do you guys feel is a good balance between writing out hits and just using slashes?
- Drumset notation: http://www.timusic.net/debreved/jazz-notation-chords-drums/
- Philly Joe Jones: Philly Joe Jones
- Elvin Jones: Elvin Jones drum solo
- Poinciana (Ahmad Jamal): Ahmad Jamal - Poinciana (Song of the Trees) Argo Records 1958