Book cover of 'Jazz Scores and Analysis Vol. 1' by Richard Lawn with a musical notes illustration.

Jazz Scores and Analysis: Volume 1

By Rick Lawn

Big Band Scores, Analyzed and Annotated for Serious Jazz Writers

Full scores and in-depth analysis of contemporary, large ensemble works by six Grammy-nominated composers: 

Vince Mendoza • Bob Mintzer • Darcy James Argue • Jim McNeely • Bob Mintzer • John Fedchock

Following in the footsteps of Rayburn Wright's seminal work, Inside the Score, this book gives a guided tour into the techniques and musical concepts in these six scores by masters of large ensemble jazz writing. 

An unparalleled work of serious scholarship, yet written in the language of the working composer/orchestrator. If you are into large ensemble writing, you can’t afford to miss this unique resource!

This immense labor of love includes:

  • Analysis of the lead sheet reductions of each song

  • Annotated full scores with special features extracted in concert pitch for easier realization

  • Biographies of and interviews with the artists, exploring each one's creative process

  • A link to a free download of the Orchestrators ToolKit software - an invaluable aid for composers!!

Recordings readily available for all scores.

Spiral Bound, 421 pages, Table of Contents.

Sample Pages:

Apple Music links to audio for each score:

Endorsements:

”What an incredible opportunity to get inside of the writing process of many of the best current jazz composers/arrangers. Thank you Rick Lawn for bringing this all together. It is an honor to be in the company of composition royalty.”
— Bob Mintzer

“I am really impressed with the detail, and how Rick has managed to get so many of the important aspects of the construction of my music.”
— Vince Mendoza

“What a comprehensive review of this piece! Thanks for all the work you've put into this!”
— Jim McNeely

Richard (Rick) Lawn is professor emeritus and former Dean of the College of Performing Arts at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Previously he served as Founding Director of Jazz Studies, Chair of the Department of Music, and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. Rick has published over 60 compositions and his five books have become staples among jazz educators and students.
Format: Print
$45.00
All Books Spiral-Bound to Lay Flat on Any Music Stand
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Primary Instrument: All Instruments
All Instruments
Primary Instrument: All Instruments
All Instruments

“The book is absolutely stunning! I knew it would be but this is beyond what I could have imagined. It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for for the last several years: scores by some of the great writers of today with clear analysis and insightful interviews. The layout of your book is so nice. It feels 'spacious' and inviting. Best of all, your choice of pieces is perfect. Congratulations!”
— David Morgan, Professor of Jazz Studies and String Bass, Youngstown State University

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