Arranging Strings/Horns (ala Stax, Philly Int'l, Hi, Volt, Motown, etc.)

[coyotekells]

What are some internet resources and books that would help me move forward in this style of string arrangements?

I'm going to visit the music store soon and see if I can find transcribed music for some of the popular soul artists of the 70s. If I come up on something, studying that will of course be helpful, but I'm sure there's additional directions to take for self-learning.. which is why I'm asking here :)

Anyone want to offer resources and/or tips?

I'm not looking for any magic answer, but at the same time, I am looking to "get by"; not devote my life to becoming the next Thom Bell. With all due respect, I'm not up for that... doesn't mean I don't deserve some nice string and horn arrangements.

As far as execution, it will vary.. but most typically it will be sequenced with MIDI using quality libraries, and then overdubbed with a few lead lines from real players to increase the "reality" and texture of the performance/arrangement.


If there are any helpful generalizations you can make about this style of composing, I'm all ears, and happy to do extra research if I need something expounded upon.

The style I'm interested in is somewhat narrow... I whether slow and sad, or big and epic, I like the minor passages -- not the happy-go-lucky, major-key pop of the 60s/70s. I like the dark intro & bridge part!

Thanks for the discussion!!

[Philo]

Has just come out with three books that have trasncriptions of horn charts for classic pop/R&B songs. Haven't seen em, but they might be relevant:

http://www.halleonard.com/bin/hlh1.pdf

[coyotekells]

Originally Posted by Philo

Has just come out with three books that have trasncriptions of horn charts for classic pop/R&B songs. Haven't seen em, but they might be relevant:

http://www.halleonard.com/bin/hlh1.pdf

Thanks, Im gonna order one or two of those.

The note-for-note transcriptions, separated for each instrument, is exactly what I'm interested in.

The frustrating part, is these are geared towards cover bands, who of course are playing live, which means they want happy, get-you-on-the-floor music... not intense, melancholic soul music.

Still, I'm sure they're prove insightful to study.

[drBill]

Studying Music Theory, Harmony, Ear Training and Orchestration are where you need to start. No matter how boring it may seem. Start with the basics and move on to where your ears lead you. Every jr. College has a good program that will help you.