Arranger - making sure everything just works 
The fine art of making
arrangements that
just work is more work than just meets the eye and ear. An
arranger has to consider which instruments are playing the music, the
skill level of the performers, the mood trying to be conveyed, the
anticipated audience, if the end product is a live performance, a
recording, or both. Sometimes arrangements also take into account
the pieces that will be played before and after. Additionally,
when playing covers the question has to be addressed regarding how
close to the original the performed piece should sound. Almost always I find
myself arranging
for
myself as either a solo pianist or an accompanist for other
musicians. However, I certainly have consulted with bands that
want to have adjustments made to the arrangements they play, in order
to get a better sound. Troubleshooting what doesn't work can go a
long way in helping a band have a more professional sound. Having absolute pitch memory
(more
often referred to as "perfect pitch") helps immensely. It makes
it possible to analyze the piece much more quickly and accurately. One experience I had makes my
arranging prowess very clear. A. J O'Neil of A.J.'s Cafe throws
multi-day
concerts
to maintain his place in the Guinness
World Book of
Records for the longest continuous concert. I was scheduled
to show up during the last 90 minutes of the 313-hour concert held in
April, 2010. When I arrived, a guitarist was still on stage. I
liked his music so I asked him if I could back him up on piano.
He said "I'm playing originals." I told him "don't worry, I'll
stay out of your way." Things were loose enough that he decided
to let me join him in process. When he started playing, I would
immediately know what chord he was on, and joined him a half-beat
behind. After hearing his chorus and verse, I knew his pieces and
joined him without the half-beat delay. After a few songs he said
to the crowd "I'm playing originals I have never played in
public. I've never met the guy who is playing piano behind me,
and he is playing right along, doing great." He then turned
around, stared at me, and said to me "how are you DOING that??" I
smiled at him and said "just keep playing." While this certainly
speaks to my skills as a performer, it speaks even more strongly to my
skills as an arranger. If I can come up with
arrangements
in real time to pieces I have never heard before, I can certainly help
your band sound better. Of course, there has to be a
match of styles. If your band is doing heavy metal, you would do
well to pick someone else. If your band is playing pop, light
jazz, standards, or worship music (especially Judaic worship music),
then I will be much more useful. If you are a vocalist looking
for backing for any of these types of music, I am right at home. The
best way to proceed
is for us to meet so I may see what you have and what you want to
do. Please call or e-mail so we can set up a meeting and review
what you want, and help you get it.top