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The Invisible Artist: Arrangers In Popular Music (1950-2000) Paperback – February 6, 2014

by Dr. Richard Niles (Author)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 39 ratings
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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
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  1. Print length
    490 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    February 6, 2014
  4. Dimensions
    8.5 x 0.99 x 11.02 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1495383466
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1495383465
  7. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

RICHARD NILES "Richard Niles is one of the best composer/arrangers around and a truly exciting musical force." 18x Grammy winning artist Pat Metheny Dr. RICHARD NILES' career spans pop, R&B, rock and jazz as a composer, producer, songwriter, arranger, conductor, broadcaster, recording artist, author and educator. He has contributed to over 40 hits. Records featuring his work have sold over 250 million copies worldwide. Credits include: Paul McCartney, Ray Charles, Tina Turner, James Brown, Michael McDonald, Mariah Carey, Cher, Deniece Williams, Pat Metheny, Pet Shop Boys, Bob James, Jane Monheit, Kiri Te Kanawa Niles has composed & arranged music for several films including Billy Eliot, Christmas Carol-The Movie, The Strike, Do The Right Thing and written and produced music for over 100 TV commercials including McDonalds, Max Factor, Nescafe, Disneyland... He has been musical director and composed music for several musical TV series (David Essex, Leo Sayer, Michael Ball, Ruby Wax). Niles hosted, wrote and produced many acclaimed music documentaries for the BBC (1994-2011). He is a bandleader and recording artist and has performed worldwide. He is a published author, journalist and lecturer. His previous books are "The Pat Metheny Interviews" (Hal Leonard Books) "Polymetrics" (with Gary O'Toole - Jazzsense) WEBSITE: http: //richardniles.com/

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (February 6, 2014)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 490 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1495383466
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1495383465
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.49 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.99 x 11.02 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 39 ratings

About the author

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Dr. Richard Niles

Dr. Richard Niles

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Dr. Richard Niles is a prolific composer, producer, songwriter, arranger, and musical director whose career spans pop, R&B, rock, and jazz. Credits include work with such pop icons as Paul McCartney, Ray Charles, James Brown, Tina Turner, Cher, and jazz stars Pat Metheny, Randy Brecker, and Bob James. Niles’ work is featured on 20 Gold and 28 Platinum records.

Since 1987 he has led his jazz orchestra, BANDZILLA, releasing two albums (Blue Movies, and Bandzilla Rises!!!) and performing and recording with such artists as Ray Charles, James Brown, Joe Cocker, Michael Ball, Kylie Minogue, Pet Shop Boys, Richard Darbyshire (Living in a Box), and Pat Kane (Hue & Cry). Niles has released two albums as a guitarist/leader (Santa Rita, and Club Deranged) and in 2023 The Richard Niles Octet releases Niles Smiles.

Niles has also worked in film, theatre, and television, and was a regular columnist for Making Music Magazine. Between 1992 and 2012, he wrote, produced, and presented music documentaries for the BBC, interviewing legends such as Barry Manilow, Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, and Richard Carpenter (The Carpenters).

As a music educator he has lectured at the Berklee College of Music, USC, CalState, The California Jazz Conservatory, The Jazz and the Musician’s Institute. His books are part of the curriculum of many colleges. Niles was awarded a PhD from Brunel University for his thesis The Invisible Artist, now an established textbook. His many other acclaimed books include The Pat Metheny Interviews, Adventures in Arranging, From Dreaming to Gigging: Jazz Guitar in 6 Months, Songwriting: The 11-Point Plan, Piano Grooves, What is Melody?, The Bandzilla Songbook, Polymetrics, and Whatever Happened to Hollywood.

His YouTube channel and Blog Radio Richard features interviews with some of the greatest music artists and producers. His new course, Arrange Like a Pro is available from The Pro Mix Academy.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
39 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Tony
5.0 out of 5 stars In-depth!
Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2014
Verified Purchase
Everybody knows the famous singers that sing the great songs that serve as the soundtrack of our lives, but few know of the work and talent of arrangers, writers, and orchestrators that make those songs so timeless, listenable and memorable. Dr. Richard Niles' book "The Invisible Artist" is a fabulous resource that examines the art of orchestration and arranging in popular music of the last half century. It features detailed analysis of the techniques used by leading hit-producing arrangers, from names as diverse as Arif Mardin (Atlantic Records), Nile Rodgers (Chic), Richard Carpenter (The Carpenters), and George Martin (The Beatles).

This work is not a dry academic text or a method book. Although "The Invisible Artist" has lots of practical musical examples for musicians to study, readers who are simply fans of the music will also enjoy the insider stories, scenarios, and recollections connected to the creation some of their favorite songs.

The author of this book is much more than a music journalist, educator, or dedicated fan. He is a world class arranger with a 40 year career who has contributed to many hit records and has worked with an array of celebrity clients. This provides for honest "from the trenches" commentary that only an established industry figure can deliver. If you're interested in a 500 page exposé of the last 50 years of arranging in popular music by a respected professional who did great arranging and orchestration work of his own, get a copy - it even costs about $75.00 less than it should!
3 people found this helpful
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The Eric Ekstrand Ensemble
5.0 out of 5 stars Much has been written about the great classical orchestrators and jazz arrangers
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2017
Verified Purchase
Dr. Richard Niles' new book, "The Invisible Artist: Arrangers in Popular Music" is essential for those in the business or those just curious about how some of the arrangements backing hit songs came about. Much has been written about the great classical orchestrators and jazz arrangers, but I know of no other treatise on arranging in popular music. Dr. Niles has provided an invaluable service with this volume. He has organized the book by decades and the arrangers who were most prominent during those periods including his own interviews with most of them. Written examples permeate the text (one would have to know how to read music to understand those) and the kick is listening to the music while following the written examples. There are also many interesting anecdotes about the arrangers and artist covered in the book. Such as "Blueberry Hill" producer, Dave Bartholomew, suggesting the label reject the recording. Or Paul McCartney asking permission to play the piano. Highly recommended for musicians, arrangers and pop music enthusiasts.
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Richard Niles
5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you!
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2019
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This is still the only serious examination of the art of the musical arranger. Ten years ago I never expected it to generate so much interest, but now it is used as a textbook in many colleges including The Berklee College of Music. I am working on an exciting TV documentary and look forward to reaching a larger audience.
4 people found this helpful
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Stuart Balcomb
5.0 out of 5 stars Working in the Trenches of the Music Business
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2017
Verified Purchase
Not much is talked about or taught in schools regarding the "street" view of the music world, the real "boots on the ground" aspect of dealing with producers, directors, artists, divas, and egos. Richard has done all that and lived to tell the tales. Very entertaining and informative. And he doesn't talk down to the lowest common denominator, but throws out example after example of, at times, rather esoteric theory. Highly recommend!
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james e gadson
4.0 out of 5 stars the invisible artist
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2014
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some of the information wasn,t correct but over all a great works, it is so backwards how the real talent has to take a back seat for being the key ,and not being compensated, i know how that feels
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Fritz S. III
5.0 out of 5 stars For Songwriter's, this book is the bomb!
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2014
Verified Purchase
This is the book us Musician's have been looking for, it gives insight to how a songs arrangement can enhance it. I have a copy of this on my kindle and I just bought the paperback to be able to flip through real pages. Thanks Richard for writing this, it's going to be a big help. I love all the info in it, like the story of arranger Jimmy Haskell arranging "Ode to Billy Joe" for Bobby Gentry. I now listen to arrangements not for entertainment but to study what makes them work for the specific tune.
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sguerra1118
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2014
Verified Purchase
It is about time that someone has spent some effort talking about the heroes of the music industry that no-one knows about. Hats off! If you are an arranger, buy this book. The musical examples are well-done. If you want to know what it takes to write in the pop/rock vein then this is the book for you!
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MNFunky
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended
Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2014
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I really, really liked this book. It is written with an academic perspective, versus touchy-feely, but that is very appropriate. The examples included are insightful and well-chosen. As noted, the arrangers are often the uncredited underdogs, and this book goes a long way to giving them their fair due. Hear hear!
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Top reviews from other countries

David Henderson
5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling and thorough review of the arrangers’ art
Reviewed in Canada on July 24, 2022
Verified Purchase
Niles goes through the decades after the war up until the 2010s showing how arrangements turned what could have been ordinary tunes into full songs with harmonic context and hooks that grabbed and held listeners. Each chapter focuses on one arranger, e.g. Jack Nietsche, or style, e.g. Motown, and looks at how those arrangers brought in innovative musical ideas.

Sadly, Niles shows how arrangers are generally the Rumplestiltskins of the music business, spinning flax into gold but still treated like the ugly goblin locked up in a tower.
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Stephen
5.0 out of 5 stars A thorough discussion of the significant music arrangers from 1950
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 7, 2021
Verified Purchase
The book is a wealth of information about the key music arrangers of the last half of 20th century. The book is well written with a sense of humour. The author knows his material and shares his appreciation of the music arrangers’ art and their role in the creation of musical hits.
If you are an arranger there is something in this book for you.
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Mike Mondesir
5.0 out of 5 stars What are you waiting for?
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 18, 2014
Verified Purchase
Anyone who is who is even vaguely interested in popular music and how it is put together needs this book.

Dr. Niles goes into great and valuable detail about the great (and often unsung) arrangers involved in many of the greatest pop recordings in the 20th century.

You also get written (musical notation) examples of the various arrangements covered in this book.

For musicians, students or enthusiasts (you can be all three!), this is an invaluable resource.

I would have imagined this book being sold for £40-50.00...and for that price, you wouldn't feel short changed.

I paid just over £12.00 for it...don't know if the price is going up soon (seems VERY reasonable at £12-13.00...even £25-30.00!) but I'd say buy it NOW while it's at this ridiculously low price.

Great price, a mine of valuable information.

What's not to like?

Thanks, Dr. Niles!

Mike Mondesir (Bassist/Composer)
3 people found this helpful
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Nicholas Ronai
5.0 out of 5 stars If you're an arranger or just interested in how it's ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 18, 2014
Verified Purchase
If you're an arranger or just interested in how it's done, this book will definitely be of interest to you. Richard Niles examines the work of a wide range of arrangers - including his own work - and demonstrates that a simple moment of inspiration can make all the difference to the presentation of a song. The musical examples are well-chosen and the background information gleaned from the interviews is very entertaining.
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Chris Cameron Music
4.0 out of 5 stars Understanding the Art of Arranging!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 10, 2018
Verified Purchase
A must for anyone interested in arrangers in the ‘pop’ era...most of the best are represented here!
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