Creative Synthesizer Technique

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
• A. The Sound of the Band
• B. Keyboard Families
• C. Note to Keyboard Players
• Chapter II - PROGRAMMING THEORY AND PRACTICE
• A. Different Types of Synthesis
• B. Analog Theory
• C. The Oscillator
• D. The Filter
• E. Keyboard Tracking
• F. Envelopes
• G. Modulation and LFOs
• H. Detuned Oscillators
• I. Noise
• J. Sample and Hold
• K. Pitch Envelopes
• Chapter IIICOMPING AND PART-PLAYING
• VARIOUS ROLES A KEYBOARDIST CAN ASSUME
• A. Melodic/Orchestral
• B. Rhythmic/Percussive Comping
• C. More Techniques for Part-Playing
• Chapter IVSOLOING
• A. Sound
• 1. Single-Oscillator Patches
• 2. Double-Oscillator Patches
• 3. Sync’d Oscillators
• B. Performance Techniques
• 1. Modulation and Using LFOs
• 2. Pitch Bending
• C. Patterns and Licks
• Chapter VSOUND DESIGN
• A. General Ideas
• B. Outboard Gear
• C. “Pure” Electronic Music
• Chapter VIWHAT WORKS FOR ME: Live Setup
• Chapter VIIHOME RECORDING SUGGESTIONS
• Chapter VIIITHREE SYNTHESIZER HEROES
• A. Jan Hammer
• B. Joe Zawinul
• C. Herbie Hancock
• Chapter IXCONCLUSION: Finding Your Own Voice
• A. Keep it Simple
• B. Your Choices = Your Sound
• Chapter XGLOSSARY OF TERMS