Arranging & Composing (Revised): Book

Baker writes from decades of real arranging work, not theory abstraction. He demystifies the decision-making behind effective voicings, bass lines, and harmonic substitutions by showing you exactly how professionals construct jazz arrangements across different ensemble sizes.

Reading this book feels like sitting in a master class with a working professional who respects your intelligence and time. Baker assumes you know music theory; he focuses entirely on application and decision-making. The tone is direct and practical, grounded in real ensemble writing rather than academic abstractions.

Jazz arrangers, composers, and serious jazz students ready to move beyond transcription into independent arranging work. Directors of jazz ensembles who want to deepen their own understanding of voice-leading and harmonic craft will also find practical value here.

• Use the piano trio and quartet examples as direct models for student arranging assignments; Baker's voice leading choices show why certain voicings work, not just that they do.
• Study the chord substitution section before assigning reharmonization projects; students grasp concepts faster when they see real applications in context.
• Reference the bass pattern examples when rehearsing rhythm section playing; these patterns show how bass and harmony interact to shape the groove.

Assign this as a core text in jazz arranging courses or use it as a reference during sectional rehearsals when discussing why certain voicings work better than others. It works equally well for self-study among private students pursuing composition or arranging as a serious musical path.

• Four- and five-part jazz writing
• Chord substitution strategies
• Effective voicings for piano trio and jazz quartet
• Bass line construction and rhythmic patterns
• Practical arranging techniques grounded in professional practice