Closed Voicing, pt. 1 - Big Band Arranging SECRETS REVEALED

This is the first in a planned set of tutorials showing you how to arrange music for jazz ensemble. In this video I cover 'interchangeable chords' and the orchestration technique: closed voicing for 13 horns.
Support me in making lessons like this one by joining my Patreon: / pandemoniumbigband
Watch all of the other lessons in the series: • Big Band Arranging SEC...
Credits:
Will Vargas - alto sax 1 & 2, tenor sax 1 & 2, bari sax
Michael Briones - trombones 1, 2, 3
Robert Todd Jr. - bass trombone
Elliot Deutsch - trumpets 1, 2, 3, 4
Musical example is a shout chorus for "Jazzytown Express" written by Elliot Deutsch
Audio mixed by Elliot Deutsch
Video edited by Elliot Deutsch
Thank you to Jason Lee for a ZOOM lesson on mixing a large jazz ensemble.
Thumbnail photo by Matt Akana
All of the background music was recorded by the Pandemonium Big Band.
The Cassowary: • The Cassowary (homage ...
Pandemonium, Pt. 1: • Pandemonium, Pt 1 fea...
#jazzensemble #composing #musictheory

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Thank you everyone for watching this video and for all of the kind comments and constructive advice. I just want to address one concern... the music in the background. As many people have suggested to me, this video would be better than it is if the music were either quieter, or gone entirely. I actually agree. This video would be a stronger production if the music were quieter (or completely gone) in several spots. This was a very early attempt of mine to create an arranging tutorial. I had just purchased my first "real" camera. All in all I think the video is a good effort... but my recent productions are WAY more polished. And the music is quieter in the intro and conclusion. AND the middle of the videos are usually music-free. Unfortunately, there is not good way for me to redo the audio for this video. If you were about to leave a comment suggesting that I turn down that background music. I've heard it loud and clear.... almost as loud as that darn music in the background!

[@piloadami_]

Hey mate. I very useful trick mixing engineers use for music/dialogue is to have a gate in the music channel and have the side chain input from that gate coming from your vox channel. That way whenever you speak the gate ducks out the music. It’s a pretty elegant way of doing it and that means you don’t have to spend hrs doing volume automation.

[@Harlem55]

Is bigband polytonal like standard jazz?

[@bennorris1476]

Omg this video is so useful thank you! So many shortcuts but valuable writing technique thanks

[@tommyromanowski]

what do you mean by polytonal? I assume you don't mean polyphonic?@@Harlem55

[@monsterjazzlicks]

@@tommyromanowski Fukin' LOL!

[@theboywhocriedwolf79]

THIS IS EXACTLY THE VIDEO I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR!!!!! IVE WANTED TO WRITE BIG BAND FOR YEARS, AND I'VE FINALLY FOUND WHAT IM LOOKING FOR!!! When I heard the trumpets play for the first time, I legitimately cheered in my seat and clapped out of joy.

[@blendedplanet]

6:30 I busted out laughing at how simply you achieve such a rich full sound. Thx so much for such a clear, concise explanation.

[@rodgerclemons9847]

I've just "discovered" your channel. You do, in a couple of minutes, what it might take me a couple of weeks to finish. Amazing! I've been listening to recordings of Pandemonium Big Band, too. What an outstanding group of players you've assembled. Just THANKS! Good stuff, brother!

[@Neorhim]

I'll keep this channel on my A list.

[@docfuzzpersonalcollection5927]

After ALL these years, a "big band" horn section that made sense to me. I guess it was the way it was presented in a "school context" in MY mind 70 years later! 😎

[@SaintDeus]

Great tutorial. As a classical music composer, I always have wanted to find tutorials like this! Really Thanks for precious tutorial!!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

You are very welcome!

[@Snavels]

Look up Gary Lindsay's "Jazz Arranging Techniques from Quartet to Big Band." it's an insanely helpful book.

[@dimasbagaskara9085]

I am a choir composer and I always like the sound of big band, film score-like sounds. I have been struggling how to write a good harmony and this video helps a lot. I never learned any music theory class formally, but your explanation is clear and understandable, especially when you include some examples. Thank you. Could've found you sooner

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Glad you found me eventually!

[@gabrielkaspar2098]

Pretty much everywhere we can find people talking about voicings, drops, spreads, ranges.. But this is the first time I get to see somone talking about orchestration, how to distribute the notes within the horns, in a idiomatic manner. These are some real powerful tools. Tks very much!!!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Yes! You get it!

[@realszl]

wow very helpful tutorial. As a guitar player myself, I’m pretty fluent with music theory but not with how a big band horn section should sound. Thanks for giving me inspiration on how to write horns! Love from China. ❤

[@gilevansinsideout]

That straight octave drops for trombones and saxes certainly makes for a solid sound! Not something I usually do, but hey it works! Thanks.

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

The KISS method of orchestration. (Keep It Simple Stupid). I don't always write the harmony with this method... but this method always sounds great!

[@RAIN-AGAIN]

⁠@@PandemoniumBigBand I WANT TO THANK YOU MR. DEUTSCH ! FINDING YOUR CHANNEL IS LIKE THE UNIVERSE IS GETTING BEHIND ME. AS A SELF TAUGHT JAZZ COMPOSER, IM FINALLY AFTER 45 YEARS WORKING ON MY DEBUT ALBUM ( due out possibly Christmas …..? There’s still a ton of arranging and rewriting and rehearsing to do yet…. maybe I should say …. next spring? )…lol 👀 I INSIST THAT IT ALL BE ANALOG, MASTERED FROM TAPE. ( still buying second hand, old school board and outboard gear as we speak) ( Yes……. I’m a bit nuts. But….. I hate thinking I have to be ONLINE …. Just to record music.🥵 also….. the entire old school process “feels and sounds” warmer and…… hey…. HOME MADE CAKE…. JUST TASTE BETTER!!!! Lol) IM HOPING TO MIX EVERYTHING IN MY HOME STUDIO….. PLAYING ALLTHE PARTS MYSELF……. ( yeah I’m nuts )…lol ONLY WHEN ITS PERFECT….. WOULD I HIRE SESSION MUSICIANS AT A TOP KNOTCH STUDIO TO RE-RECORD IT … ”LIVE”!!!!!!!…. sure some vocal overdubs in post? PROPERLY,…WITH PROFESSIONALS ALONG WITH A TRUSTED MASTERING ENGINEER. IF ALL GOES ACCORDING TO MY DREAM…. THIS ALBUM WILL ( not only be the soundtrack of my life) BUT ALSO THE SOUNDTRACK OF A 45 minute ANIMATED STORY IM WRITING…. FOR THE YOUNG KIDS, AND TEENAGERS ….. WHO MUST LEARN TO WORK “ TOGETHER “ …. NOT GOING THROUGH LIFE AS JUST A SOLOIST…… BUT BECOMING PART OF A BIGGER PICTURE IN HARMONY…….. BY WAITING FOR “THEIR MOMENT” TO ADD TO THE MELODY OR NARRATIVE …….. IN THE ONGOING ENSEMBLE CALLED “ LIFE!” I TAKES PLACE IN A FANTASY WORLD….. IF TOLD RIGHT….. AND UTILIZES PEAK CGI, VOICEOVER ACTORS, AND PEAK CINEMATIC NUANCES….. IT SHOULD LEAVE A LASTING POSITIVE EMPACT …… I HOPE 👀.lol ( I WAS SIDETRACKED FROM MY TRUE CALLING AT 13…. AND BELIEVE IT OR NOT….. I JUST GAINED MY TRUE NATURAL FOOTING 4 YEARS AGO TO FINALLY ARRANGE THESE GOD GIVEN CHORDS AND VERSES THAT HAVE BEEN SILENCED FOR OVER 50 YEARS!! ( long story 🕯) AN AVERAGE SONG TAKES EASILY OVER A YEAR TO PERFECT ( if I’m lucky ) ………….. each and EVERY NOTE AND LYRIC IN WRITTEN AND REWRITTEN BORN OUT OF; NOT JUST DEDUCTION, REDUCTION, AND ELIMINATION…. BUT… A STRONG CONVICTION THAT EVERYONE SONGS , FILMS, AND OTHER ART FORMS… ARE GIFTS FROM THE HEAVENS…. THEY ARE HERE TO HEAL AND INSPIRE MANKIND!!!!!!! THIS IS MY FIRST RODEO AND IM SURE IL GET THROWN OFF THE BULL… ( it’s sure not because of sales, fame, or fortune that this life goal exists..) lol MAYBE I WAS BORN UNDER A “LUSCIOUS” STAR… I DON’T KNOW.. lol BUT BEAUTIFUL HARMONIES … SLIGHTLY OFF THE BEATEN PATH, AND MATCHING LYRICS FROM THE SOUL… ARE MY ONLY GOAL IN EXECUTING THIS UNDERTAKING…. OF COURSE I SUBSCRIBED SIR!! THANK YOU AGAIN FOR SHARING YOUR IMPECCABLE COMPOSITIONS WITH THE WORLD!!! LIKE YOU………. THIS PROJECT IS DRIVEN ONLY AS A LABOR OF LOVE! IVE LIVED 67 1/2 YEARS WITH SO FAR ….. NOTHING TO ACTUALLY SHOW FOR IT OR SHARE…….EXCEPT MY HONESTY AND DIGNITY. LOVE AND LIGHT ARE HERE TO SPREAD……. USING OUR GIFTS …. MAYBE WE CAN INSPIRE JUST ONE PERSON ? I ADMIT…. ITS SCARY AND WAY OVER MY PAY GRADE…… IM SEMI RETIRED WITH A MODEST ONE MAN BUSINESS THAT PAYS THE BILLS.. SOOOOO, THIS WILL BE FINANCED….. ONE DAY AT A TIME….. no rush 👀lol BUT ….. THANKS TO YOU…… YOU’VE PROVIDED…. A LADDER…. …… TO GET …. A LITTLE MORE….. ON TOP OF IT TECHNICALLY AND MORALLY SPEAKING. I OWE YOU, SIR…. THE WORLD OWE YOU !! SINCERELY, GOD BLESS, 🎼RAIN AGAIN 🎼

[@KLOVOrecords]

Nice, I just explored your channel and fount it very cool and useful since I'm sax-player and I'm recording horn sections by myself. Thank you for sharing these valuable knowledges!

[@idance10]

one of the amazing tutorials... So light , so Explained. So easy for beginners to understand how to start writing for big bands! Subscribed! Thank you So much!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

You are very welcome!

[@richardwilliamsmusic]

This is FANTASTIC advice! Power tips in such a short time, thank you!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MrJpbmusic2005]

As a user of “session Horns & “V Horns saxophone “ I found this tutorial really helpful for building up big band arrangements..thank you for posting

[@raclim46]

Very clear your explanation. It answered some questions I had. Thanks!!!!

[@juanpablolondono6469]

hi, you sir have not just a new suscriber, but a fan!!! woow . what a great job, great teacher

[@quintinpace2627]

I've always wanted to dip my toes into arranging for big band. Brilliant distillation of some easy things to do to get started. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

[@elpukito]

Wow, this is incredibly useful. I've found similar tutorials online, but yours is definitely the shortest and most comprehensible summary I've encountered.

[@mattheweverallmusic]

Thank you for making this series Elliot! Really helped me to understand and get into arranging songs for Big Band

[@victorpetermusic]

Thank you! I was unsure about how to harmonize the second trumpet when the lead plays the root - thanks!

[@paulussantosociwidjaja4781]

Done, love it Bro.

[@user-ul6is6yt9f]

Simply, you're the best 💞

[@brandoncerquedo3365]

DUDE!!!! you're awesome!!!

[@raclim46]

Very straightforward explanation. You answered some questions I had. Thanks!!!!!!!

[@kwamebrandt-pierce1607]

Amazing series of tutorials! A solid approach to arranging that also works well with strings! Those close voicings in pizzicato give a very specific 50’s vibe. Really opened up my palette. Subscribed!

[@craftus-flute-guitar-vocal7329]

Thank you SO MUCH for the comment about parallel 5ths and 4ths. This was stuck in my head and was an impediment to creating decent arrangements. Thanks. This video is super helpful.

[@milesyalzin2018]

Excellent video, clear and to the point

[@ShortFuseFighting]

jesus christ theres 30+ of these? you are a saint!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Lol. I did a ton of these. More to come too.

[@riffraftmusic8669]

All put together-- Sweet! Thanks!

[@huschi1898]

this was just straight up awesome

[@tatanalejo111]

Thanks so much!!! been hours through videos, turorials, etc... and this is what i needed!

[@omarreroch]

This is great. Thank you very much.

[@drdlalbrecht]

This is awesome, very concise and easy to understand! I’m definitely going to direct my arranging and composition students to this recourse for reference. 👏👏👏

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Thanks Donny. I really appreciate it. Let me know if you have any topics that you'd like to see me cover.

[@drdlalbrecht]

Maybe, open voicing’s or some Thad style voicings?

[@vfd03445]

I loved your video! Crystal clear explanation!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Thank you so much.

[@ajptrois6671]

Great tutorial Elliot! Crystal clear explanations and good editing. Hope to see you again soon xo

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Thanks AJ! Lets hang soon

[@kankan7940]

wonderful!!! thank you very much

[@elPpERroNn]

Wow! excellent video and very well explained! thank you very very much!!

[@user-yj7dk1cx3n]

Hey Man! This was a really great series of videos! I've been playing shows and big bands since college. I've always wanted to transcribe a few big band charts including the Patrick Williams chart you referenced in another video. You and KZbin have provided great info and an easy path to understanding some concepts in writing for big band. Like many of the comments below your concise explanations and live recordings are invaluable. I'm a subscriber!

[@Mancheguache]

I'm barely an amateur musician - but this was really entertaining and 'demystified' how that fantastic sound from big bands is made that one hears in loads of period films etc. Subscribed to your channel - excellent!

[@daantemminkpiano]

Great tutorial, 🙏

[@martinzalecki5266]

Thanks SO much!

[@gavinworland9249]

Yes man! I loved this and helped so much with my writing!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Thank Gavin!

[@lukewarm5356]

Fabulous, keeping it simple works (usually). Looking forward to more of this.

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

There’s hours more! You just watched my first arranging tutorial. I’ve made over 20! Enjoy!

[@lukewarm5356]

@@PandemoniumBigBand Fantastic, had no idea! Thanks

[@robinmiller7795]

Elliot, just discovered your channel - just what I've been lookin for. THanks so much for posting these, Best wishes from UK

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Cheers!

[@Mahdi-gz3fk]

Just found this video, Just subscribed. And WOW. Thank you sir. There are not a lot of professionals out there sharing their knowledge and experience about Big Band arrangements. Please continue doing these... Thanks

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Welcome aboard! I just posted lesson #3

[@IntroToMusic105]

Nicely done. And you have great samples!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Thank you for checking it out! The only samples you're hearing is that upright bass. All of the brass/woodwinds were recorded remotely. I actually played the trumpet parts myself!

[@albertolopez2697]

You help a lot you don't imagine, just saying about the disclaimer of 4 parts chorale I can rest in peace. I made an experiment/assignment of 8 bars of I Can't Give you Anything But Love thinking that is gonna be the GOAT and when I played on Finale I thought only, its sounds nice but no what was expected and when you said that, now everything has sense now, I recently started to make this type of arrangement and I'm new in all of this... THANKS

[@KarolisBiveinis]

A practical explanation with a good pedagogical approach, thanks again!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

You are very welcome! Welcome to the channel!

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Nice! A great example of solid harmony without unnecessarily complicating things. I'll enjoy watching other harmony/voicing -related videos from you. Take care!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Thanks Mike! I already announced the next topic (harmonizing non-chord tones)... let me know if you have any requests.

[@MikeJamesMedia]

@@PandemoniumBigBand There is a topic I'm interested in, for my own selfish reasons. That is, your thoughts on how many instruments to use at one time, in various circumstances. As a young arranger, I often wrote more parts than necessary, especially when transcribing something from tape, only to find that when I saw the band live, there were fewer instruments in use.

[@georgecarere8333]

Great Videos... thanks .... great info

[@danielabreu9264]

Man, thank you very much!

[@Ricky_Olckers]

You're a master! Thank you so much!

[@tonyodoherty6241]

To the point. Excellent!

[@pandasaxman6413]

thanks so much for this lesson.

[@renattonunez517]

someone is getting a lot of attention! So happy for you, I love your videos!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Thank you!

[@Katiemadonna3]

This is very helpful thank you!

[@jazzfirst6367]

A lot of Big Band arranging books dazzled me, but your approach is easy to understand and to work with. Thank you!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

I'm so glad!

[@arnlmndza]

Great tutorial. You've made it simple for us sir. :)

[@BradGOlson1]

Thank you so much. You corrected some of my mistakes and riles I have broken as an arranger.

[@francolombardi8051]

very nice !

[@rafaeltorresbatista]

Thank you!

[@maxmad9186]

Check "reinput pitches" in sibelius if You do it the same way as in video. Great tutorial!!!

[@jorgeponticas5613]

Great information. I write music, but now I want to get into big band arrangement. Thanks

[@karalewis388]

THANK YOU

[@michaeldunagan8268]

Thanks for the instruction: just what I searched for. I also like that you have recorded musicians playing the music score instead of computer midi disappointment.

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Midi has its place... and that place isn't jazz.

[@espr7564]

In the third bar there is absolutely no reason not to add a C (the 7th) in the 2nd Trpt, sounds great !

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

You're right. On Beats 1 and 3, it could be F - C - A - G. I'm already "upgrading" the chord to minor 11 on beats 2 and 4.

[@sfJomusic]

thank you !

[@Shalompiano]

Amazing! Thank you!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

My pleasure!

[@SurreyMuso]

Super tutorial and please don't even think about polishing these videos. I love your intimate, personal way of talking to us. Too many good videos are spoiled by fancy backdrops, high production values and too many adverts. Watching you is like talking to my personal tutor. Love it!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Thank you so much!

[@wabsabwabsab1664]

Thank you so much for this!!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

You're so welcome!

[@_danielcross]

Thanks so much for this information. I really appreciate it. You should think on creating a jazz composition course soon. I'll be the first student 👨‍🎓

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Thank you Daniel! I’m sure I will eventually

[@CrisMejiaQuartet]

beautiful and great advice, thanks so much just subscribed, greetings from Mexico!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Greetings from Los Angeles!

[@dmars99]

This is awesome Elliot! I'm going to be sharing this with my comp students who will be writing for big band next semester!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Thanks Dan! There a like 40 more tutorials to watch after that one. It’s been several months though. I need to get back to it.

[@bigbearsbrother9513]

Yes! Thank you!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

You are so welcome!

[@thegoat9219]

The music in the background is so good during the harmonizing of the trumpets that I find it hard to concentrate.

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Then I encourage you to jam out instead!... On my earlier lessons, the music is a bit too loud. Hopefully I've gotten better at this over the past few months.

[@Javier_Salas]

Magistral

[@jonieevangelista]

awesome!!!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Thanks!!

[@ScoringStageDe]

effective. thanks

[@filippesta8953]

You are a God! Thanks 3000 🙏

[@GeorgeZwierzchowskipianomusic]

wel done!

[@felipeavaloscervantes]

Thanks so much! Very valuable information. I just subscribed to your channel!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Thanks for the sub!

[@ReinhartCoetsee]

Good video

[@fernandoflores4907]

Daaaaaamn!! 🔥❤️

[@mikesambad.4713]

It's so amazing! Could you please, one day go, slowly in showing how sounds each melody note harmonized on 4 trumpets? all my congratulations! I'm from France.

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Thank you Mike!

[@brnko394]

Thanks!!!! a lot.

[@monsterjazzlicks]

Have subbed!

[@finnheine5045]

thanks sooo much, thats awesome!!!!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

No problem!

[@MelodeusForever]

I enjoyed that! Will save this... I don't read much but I am interested in studying this to understand. Thanks!!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Thank you! I hope you can get something out of it!

[@MelodeusForever]

@@PandemoniumBigBand Let me revise my reply. I think in watching 3 of your amazing videos I've gotten so much value. Let's just say the algorithm led me to one of your videos after a 2 week binge of Big Band. I'd like to develop my composer/arranger skills and your videos are inspiring me to explore my ideas... Good Stuff... Can I ask, what gives you most joy out of sharing this content?

[@filipzawadzki9424]

Just wow

[@CocosBassment]

Ace stuff, there seems to be limited information on this subject on youtube. Glad I found your channel.

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

More to come! I’m glad you like the tutorials

[@CocosBassment]

@@PandemoniumBigBand great stuff, I look forward to the next one 👍

[@samkenny3075]

awesome tutorial-- I MAY have been overcomplicating things...hahah

[@gabrielkaspar2098]

Here's a suggestion: I think you should start a Patreon page and give an insight into your own creative process, and how you approach these topics I spoke before, plus also some analysis of some of the big band fundamental writters you think must be looked at. Anyways, keep up the amazing work!!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

That's a good tip. I have been hesitant to start a Patreon page, but I'll definitely give it a second thought.

[@liriosanz]

Buenísimo

[@kouadioangebasile8530]

MORE LOVELIES VIDEOS!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Thank you!

[@pedrobernardez]

Gold

[@svenkarlsson7282]

great.i diden`t think it was so easy.I must test on my finale.Thanks.Sven sweden

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

Sven I am so glad you understand. Good luck with your composing!

[@kenjanak1525]

These tutorials for big band writing are fantastic! What "secrets" might you share for tutti voicing of seven horns as in a little big band(A,T,B -2 trp. - 2 trbn.)? Thanks for all your work in passing on your expertise!

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

My newest video “tessitura”, is a good start to explaining how I tackle smaller section orchestration. The most important thing is to be aware of your instrument ranges AND how the instruments behave in various partials.

[@ultrio325]

Nice! I'm a """composer""" of """pretty mediocre""" levels, and I understood this well and could write at least something big-band-ish

[@michaelfantaro6488]

5:27 I wish I could convince my classically trained music theory professor that jazz is beautiful too... If I showed him this awesome video he would probably fail me and kick me out of his class lol

[@PandemoniumBigBand]

I’m sure he wouldn’t. Different music is orchestrated in different ways.

[@michaelfantaro6488]

@@PandemoniumBigBand I hope you're right, everyone has gotta be open to new things in order to truly grow and enjoy music... This video really opened up my eyes on big band writing! Thanks so much for your amazing tutorials!!