Jazz Arrangers a century of big band writing, 1920s–present

Jazz Arrangers: A Historical Overview

A repository documenting great jazz arrangers throughout history, from the first dance bands to contemporary hybrid jazz. Browse by predominant era below — each arranger has a visual guide to their biography, musical style, orchestration techniques, scores, and essential albums.

Listen & explore · 150 artists

At the Arranging Desk

Choose an artist. Play “Small Hours” in their style, isolate the parts, and explore the voicings.

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Browse by predominant era

The arranging traditions

Each arranger appears once, in the era most central to their body of work.

1980s–present

Contemporary & Hybrid Jazz

Large ensembles draw freely from the full jazz tradition alongside classical, Latin, global, electronic, and experimental practices.

53 arrangers