Adam Holzman: Creative Synthesizer Technique
Piano (PF)
Adam Holzman: Creative Synthesizer Technique
Piano (PF)
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About
This book represents nothing less than the magnum opus of a jazz-rock master of synthesizer technique. Creative Synthesizer Technique is a unique addition to the Mel Bay keyboard bookshelf, both for its content and writing style. Holzman begins with an overview of the building blocks of sound as found on most synthesizers and then, through a series of hands-on, “Try This” projects, shows you how to use those blocks creatively. Each phase of synthesis is illustrated by a series of 43 downloadable audio tracks. Throughout, the author integrates synthesizer techniques with genuine musical ideas, providing images of his professional stage setup as well as a minimal equipment layout for home hobbyists. Additional information is shared in the author’s notes, footnotes and a generous glossary. His “Additional Thoughts on Performance” are filled with helpful suggestions for better soloing. Holzman has toured extensively with trumpet legend Miles Davis and British rocker Steven Wilson: he brings his 35 years of performance and synthesizer knowledge to bear in this outstanding book. Includes access to online audio.
Contents
- Chapter I - GENERAL IDEAS ABOUT KEYBOARDS (Adam Holzman)
- A. The Sound of the Band (Adam Holzman)
- B. Keyboard Families (Adam Holzman)
- C. Note to Keyboard Players (Adam Holzman)
- Chapter II - PROGRAMMING THEORY AND PRACTICE (Adam Holzman)
- A. Different Types of Synthesis (Adam Holzman)
- B. Analog Theory (Adam Holzman)
- C. The Oscillator (Adam Holzman)
- D. The Filter (Adam Holzman)
- E. Keyboard Tracking (Adam Holzman)
- F. Envelopes (Adam Holzman)
- G. Modulation and LFOs (Adam Holzman)
- H. Detuned Oscillators (Adam Holzman)
- I. Noise (Adam Holzman)
- J. Sample and Hold (Adam Holzman)
- K. Pitch Envelopes (Adam Holzman)
- Chapter IIICOMPING AND PART-PLAYING (Adam Holzman)
- VARIOUS ROLES A KEYBOARDIST CAN ASSUME (Adam Holzman)
- A. Melodic/Orchestral (Adam Holzman)
- B. Rhythmic/Percussive Comping (Adam Holzman)
- C. More Techniques for Part-Playing (Adam Holzman)
- Chapter IVSOLOING (Adam Holzman)
- A. Sound (Adam Holzman)
- 1. Single-Oscillator Patches (Adam Holzman)
- 2. Double-Oscillator Patches (Adam Holzman)
- 3. Sync’d Oscillators (Adam Holzman)
- B. Performance Techniques (Adam Holzman)
- 1. Modulation and Using LFOs (Adam Holzman)
- 2. Pitch Bending (Adam Holzman)
- C. Patterns and Licks (Adam Holzman)
- Chapter VSOUND DESIGN (Adam Holzman)
- A. General Ideas (Adam Holzman)
- B. Outboard Gear (Adam Holzman)
- C. “Pure” Electronic Music (Adam Holzman)
- Chapter VIWHAT WORKS FOR ME: Live Setup (Adam Holzman)
- Chapter VIIHOME RECORDING SUGGESTIONS (Adam Holzman)
- Chapter VIIITHREE SYNTHESIZER HEROES (Adam Holzman)
- A. Jan Hammer (Adam Holzman)
- B. Joe Zawinul (Adam Holzman)
- C. Herbie Hancock (Adam Holzman)
- Chapter IXCONCLUSION: Finding Your Own Voice (Adam Holzman)
- A. Keep it Simple (Adam Holzman)
- B. Your Choices = Your Sound (Adam Holzman)
- Chapter XGLOSSARY OF TERMS (Adam Holzman)
