Chapter 8. Creating illusions a big band radio jingle

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Chapter 8. Creating illusions a big band radio jingle

NOTE

To examine the Logic files for this chapter, copy the folder named 'big band' from the CD to your computer.

Jack has a small studio setup and runs Logic Audio software. Some local jingle work has been coming his way recently and a client calls to say that he needs some big band swing music, 1940s style. He really liked the Vangelis 1980s style synth music Jack supplied for the last job, but this is a bit different. A jazz big band is comprised of 17 instruments for a start and some pretty smart arranging techniques are needed. He decides to take on the challenge, confident that he can handle the sequencing. A friend, fresh from music college, agrees to score the 30 seconds of music required.

A day or so later his mate arrives clutching a 'hot' score for five saxes, four trumpets, four trombones and rhythm section but they soon realize that no matter how skillfully things are sequenced using sampled sounds, the end result will not be convincing enough.

It's always a little tricky to sequence acoustic instruments, even with the very best sampled instrument sounds available, but the problem seems to compound itself when a large ensemble is needed such as a symphony orchestra. Brass bands are particularly difficult, due mainly to the fact that all the instruments are using the same type of sample. As the layers are piled on, a kind of MIDI soup develops. The problem is not quite so bad with a jazz big band, but care must be taken to avoid too thick a texture.

Back to Jack's problem. What's the solution? Well, he could book a large studio or a local hall and hire 17 musicians , but in Jack's case, that's the route to bankruptcy. He has another idea. Apart from being adept at arranging, his pal also plays a mean saxophone . Jack decides to create an illusion.

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