The Invisible Artist - Richard Niles

What is an arranger? Who wrote the explosive brass line in "Dancing In The Street"? Who wrote the catchy oboe figure in "I Got You Babe"? Who wrote the beautiful string melodies in "What's Going On"? No, it wasn't the songwriter. It was the arranger. Musical arrangers in pop have been 'invisible' since the rock 'n' roll era. Largely uncredited, their art is either unseen, undervalued or misunderstood. Composer, producer, songwriter, educator and BBC broadcaster Niles has been a professional arranger and producer for over 40 years working with stars such as Paul McCartney, Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Cher, Pet Shop Boys, Kylie Minogue and James Brown. This is the first in-depth study of arrangers in pop analyzing their techniques and revealing their significant contribution to popular music. This insider's view is an invaluable and unique reference book for musicians and a dramatic and surprising look behind-the-scenes for music lovers. Features Unique interviews with some of the most significant arrangers of our time including Arif Mardin, H.B. Barnum, Harold Battiste, David van DePitte, Richard Carpenter, Barry Manilow, Nile Rodgers, Jeremy Lubbock, Jimmy Haskell, Fred Wesley, Pee Wee Ellis, Charlie Calello, Bobby Martin, Michael Gibbs, Rupert Holmes, Anne Dudley, John Altman and Nick Ingman. Profiles and analysis of the life and work of Jesse Stone, Maxwell Davis, Dave Bartholomew, George Martin, Jack Nitzsche, Brian Wilson, Burt Bacharach, Paul Riser, Thom Bell, James Brown, Sammy Lowe Contributions from Don Was, Jerry Wexler, Harry Weinger, Allan Slutsky, Trevor Horn, Steve Anderson, Andrew Love (The Memphis Horns) and Bobby Eli (MFSB). Analysis of hit recordings by the Clovers, Fats Domino, Etta James, Tina Turner, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, The Beach Boys, Motown, The Beatles, Marvin Gaye, The Carpenters, Chic, Simon and Garfunkel, James Brown, Laura Nyro, Elton John, Sting, Joni Mitchell, Barbra Streisand, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, ABC, The Art of Noise, Julia Fordham. 222 musical examples transcribed by the author. Transcriptions and analysis of Niles's own work with Paul McCartney, James Brown, Sarah Brightman, Swing Out Sister, Grace Jones, Tears For Fears, Pet Shop Boys. "One of pop's top arrangers, not only does Niles know what he's talking about, he imparts his knowledge with clarity and certainty. When you are talking musical pedagogy, Richard Niles is the daddy" Chris Campling - The Times "Niles pushes ear and imagination to encompass the workings of other people's minds. A host of arranger's techniques." Gillian Reynolds - The Daily Telegraph "This is a great idea to do this project because arrangers are definitely unsung heroes! The arrangement can make or break the song." Richard Carpenter of The Carpenters "The arranger makes an enormous contribution... they understand how to work with the vocalist, how to let the track breathe" Multi-Grammy winning producer Don Was "The art of arranging is to make the singer and the song much better than they are." Grammy Winning producer/Arranger Jeremy Lubbock "This book is superb and very necessary." Emmy and BAFTA winning composer John Altman"