Maynard Ferguson - Dimensions

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1956
Time: 36:37
Size: 43,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:46) 1. Egad, Marths
(3:55) 2. Breakfast Dance
(2:55) 3. Maiden Voyage
(2:40) 4. Thou Swell
(2:50) 5. The Way You Look Tonight
(2:50) 6. All God's Children Got Rhythm
(2:37) 7. Slow Stroll
(3:24) 8. Wonder Why
(2:59) 9. Willie Nillie
(2:30) 10. Hymn To Her
(3:04) 11. Lonely Town
(3:01) 12. Somewhere Over The Rainbow

This Trip LP is a reissue of an earlier EmArcy album that has not yet appeared on CD. The always-impressive trumpeter Maynard Ferguson is featured with a nonet arranged by Bill Holman in 1955 and a septet from 1954. The concise performances include both standards and originals with all but two four-minute songs clocking in around three minutes; the soloists include Ferguson, trombonists Milt Bernhart and Herbie Harper, altoists Herb Geller and Bud Shank, baritonist Bob Gordon and Bob Cooper on tenor. Although not essential, the bop-oriented music is well-played and gives one a good taste of early Ferguson.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/dimensions-mw0000919103

Personnel: Trumpet – Conte Candoli, Maynard Ferguson; Alto Saxophone, Flute – Bud Shank, Herb Geller; Baritone Saxophone – Bob Gordon ; Bass – Curtis Counce, Red Mitchell; Drums – Gary Frommer, Shelly Manne; Piano – Russ Freeman; Tenor Saxophone – Bob Cooper, Nino Tempo; Trombone – Herbie Harper, Milton Bernhart

Dimensions

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Michael Feinstein & Maynard Ferguson - Big City Rhythms

Styles: Piano Jazz, Bop
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:03
Size: 149,6 MB
Art: Front

(2:58) 1. Close Your Eyes
(5:31) 2. The Very Thought of You
(3:34) 3. Let Me Off Uptown
(5:08) 4. Girl Talk
(4:34) 5. You Can't Lose 'Em All
(3:55) 6. One Day at a Time
(5:54) 7. The Rhythm of the Blues
(5:26) 8. The One I Love Belongs to Somebody Else
(4:30) 9. Ev'rything You Want Is Here
(2:28) 10. Johnny One Note
(2:39) 11. Swing Is Back in Style
(3:27) 12. Love Is Nothin' But a Racket
(3:26) 13. Lullaby in Rhythm
(5:00) 14. Medley: When Your Lover Has Gone/The Gal That Got Away
(3:40) 15. New York, New York
(2:44) 16. How Little We Know

Michael Feinstein steps out from behind his piano to front a big band, and not just any band, but Maynard Ferguson's. Extending the jazzy course he started in his first Concord album, Michael & George, Feinstein sounds at ease whether the swing is light ("Girl Talk") or hard ("Let Me Off Uptown"). He also contributes two of his own songs ("The Rhythm of the Blues", "Swing Is Back in Style"). While occasional piercing trumpet lines remind us who the bandleader is, Ferguson doesn't spend that much time in the stratosphere partly because he's now over 70 and partly because this crack band works beautifully in support of Feinstein. Released shortly after the singer opened his New York club, Feinstein's, Big City Rhythms will get your fingers snapping. ~David Horiuchi https://www.amazon.ca/Big-City-Rhythms-Michael-Feinstein/dp/B00001ZSTC

Personnel: Piano – Earl MacDonald, Michael Feinstein; Alto Saxophone – Gary Foster, Matt Catingub; Baritone Saxophone – Sal Lozano; Bass Trombone – Bryant Byers; Drums – Albie Berk, Dave Throckmorton; Flugelhorn – Bobby Shew, Maynard Ferguson ; Guitar – Dennis Budimir; Leader – Maynard Ferguson; Tenor Saxophone – Dan Higgins, Jim Brenan; Trombone – Alex Iles, Reggie Watkins, Tom Garling; Trumpet – Adolfo Acosta, Bobby Shew, Brian Ploeger, Maynard Ferguson, Wayne Bergeron; Tuba – Jim Self

Big City Rhythms

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Maynard Ferguson - Primal Scream

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1976
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:12
Size: 83,8 MB
Art: Front

( 7:09) 1. Primal Scream
(10:09) 2. The Cheshire Cat Walk
( 5:33) 3. Invitation
( 5:55) 4. Pagliacci
( 7:24) 5. Swamp

An all-star cast assists Maynard Ferguson in this disco-tinged big-band outing. Ferguson's trademark trumpet playing is featured in all its screaming glory, and Mark Colby contributes a couple of high-energy sax solos. "Primal Scream" and "Invitation" sound as though they were lifted right off the mid-'70s disco dancefloor, complete with T.S.O.P.-type strings and pulsing rhythms. "Pagliacci," too, has the disco beat pounding underneath a Jay Chattaway adaptation of an operatic melody, with Bobby Militello featured on an energetic, overblown flute solo. Chick Corea's "The Cheshire Cat Walk" sounds like latter-day Return to Forever, as Corea's synth trades licks with Ferguson's horn over a familiar RTF rhythmic/chordal bassline sequence. The final cut, Eric Gale's "Swamp," stands out because of its reggae beat. This album was an obvious attempt to jump on the disco-funk bandwagon, and serves as a well-played, though dated, document of that era.~ Jim Newsom https://www.allmusic.com/album/primal-scream-mw0000311404

Personnel: Trumpet [All Solos] – Maynard Ferguson; Alto Saxophone – Dave Sanborn; Bass – Gary King; Bass Trombone – David Taylor, Paul Faulise; Cello – Alan Shulman, Charles McCracken; Drums – Steve Gadd; Flute, Baritone Saxophone – Bobby Militello; French Horn – Brooks Tillotson, Earl Chapin; Guitar – Eric Gale, Jeff Mirenov, Jerry Friedman; Piano, Synthesizer [Arp], Clavinet – Bob James; Tenor Saxophone – Joe Farrell; Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Mark Colby; Trombone – Tony Studd; Trumpet – Marvin Stamm; Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Bernie Glow, Jon Faddis, Stan Mark; Viola – Emanuel Vardi, Theodore Israel; Violin – Charles Libove, David Nadien, Emanuel Green, Frederick Buldivini, Harry Cykman, Joseph Malin, Max Ellen, Paul Gershman; Vocals – Hilda Harris, Lani Groves, Patti Austin

Primal Scream

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Maynard Ferguson - Newport Suite

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1960
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:32
Size: 91,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:28)  1. Jazz Bary
(5:11)  2. Foxy
(8:42)  3. Newport
(3:56)  4. Got the Spirit
(2:56)  5. Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
(7:05)  6. Ol' Man River
(7:12)  7. Three More Foxes

Maynard Ferguson's bands of the early '60s produced many memorable albums, including this studio effort. Sax player and bandmember Willie Maiden contributed two originals. "The Jazz Bary" is a fun feature for baritone saxophonist Frank Hittner and Ferguson (who plays the rarely heard baritone horn), in which they play in unison, in thirds, and trade solos. "Three More Foxes" features trumpeters Dick Hiefer and Don Ellis and the leader, each taking turns soloing. This upbeat blues showcases great comping by pianist Jaki Byard as well. Liner note writer George T. Simon slips in a hilarious pun about Maiden's chart of "Ol' Man River," which "starts flowing with a mad Maiden form." The remaining charts were contributed by Slide Hampton (though he isn't present on the recording itself). "Foxy" is a bluesy feature for young tenor saxophonist Joe Farrell and the leader. "Newport," which was premiered at the 1959 festival there, is an elaborate suite with many flavors: a funeral-like dirge, a powerful uptempo blues that suggests the influence of Duke Ellington's "I'm Gonna Go Fishin'" in spots, and delicious call and response between the brass and reed sections. And he brings out his gospel roots in his scoring of the spiritual "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child," the album's only relatively low-key number. Long out of print (though it was available as part of Mosaic's limited-edition CD box set of Maynard Ferguson's Roulette recordings), this is one of the trumpeter's very best LPs. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/newport-suite-mw0000883790

Personnel:  Maynard Ferguson - trumpet, valve trombone, baritone horn; Don Ellis, Augustino 'Chet' Ferretti, Rick Kiefer - trumpet; Charles Greenlee, Mike Zagatini - trombone; Jimmy Ford - alto saxophone; Joe Farrell, Willie Maiden - tenor saxophone; Frank Hittner - baritone saxophone; Jaki Byard - piano; Aubrey Tosin - bass; Stu Martin - drums; Slide Hampton, Willie Maiden - arranger

Newport Suite

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Maynard Ferguson - Dancing Sessions

Styles: Trombone And Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 79:00
Size: 187,6 MB
Art: Front

(2:23)  1. Secret Love
(3:11)  2. 'Tis Autumn
(3:29)  3. Soft Winds
(3:15)  4. 'Round Midnight
(2:51)  5. I'm Beginning To See The Light
(2:30)  6. Stompin' At The Savoy
(3:35)  7. It Might As Well Be Spring
(2:27)  8. I'll Be Seeing You
(3:34)  9. If I Should Lose You
(2:40) 10. Where's Teddy?
(3:02) 11. Hey There
(4:06) 12. Mangos
(2:56) 13. Don't Take Your Love From Me
(2:56) 14. My Foolish Heart
(1:59) 15. Let's Face The Music And Dance
(2:53) 16. You Don't Know What Love Is
(2:46) 17. It's Only A Paper Moon
(3:46) 18. The Party Is Over
(3:36) 19. The Masquerade Is Over
(3:10) 20. Let's Do It
(4:02) 21. Spring Is Here
(2:24) 22. It Could Happen To You
(3:29) 23. Teach Me Tonight
(2:22) 24. Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me
(3:03) 25. Don't Take Your Love From Me
(2:20) 26. Let's Fall In Love

This release contains the complete contents of the original Maynard Ferguson big band LPs Plays Jazz for Dancing (1959) and Lets Face the Music and Dance(1960), plus three rare bonus tracks taken from the same sessions and previously issued as singles or on compilation albums. The two albums presented here, come from the zenith of this orchestra and present Maynard Ferguson's vision of dance music at a time in which dancing and Jazz were undergoing serious decline. By 1950, Swing music seemed a thing of the past. Modern Jazz focused on small formats or big orchestral scores which targeted concert halls as opposed to dancing establishments. Most of the dance scene had been taken over by Rock & Roll and R&B bands. The great Canadian-born trumpeter Maynard Ferguson died in California on August 23, 2006, at the age of 78. His career had spanned over 60 years. He formed his own 14-piece band in 1956, and as it starred at the famous Birdland club in New York, it picked up the moniker the Birdland Dream Band - which remained active for nearly nine years, during an era in which most big bands saw very difficult times due to the change of times and musical styles. https://www.freshsoundrecords.com/maynard-ferguson-albums/5227-dancing-sessions-2-lp-on-1-cd.html

Personnel:  Trumpet – Bill Chase, Chet Ferretti,  Don Ellis, Jerry Tyree, Larry Moser, Maynard Ferguson, Rick Kiefer; Alto Saxophone – Jimmy Ford , Lanny Morgan; Baritone Saxophone – Frank Hittner , John Lanni; Bass – Charlie Saunders, Jimmy Rowser; Drums – Frankie Dunlop, Rufus Jones; Euphonium – Maynard Ferguson; Featuring – Maynard Ferguson And His Orchestra; Mellophone – Maynard Ferguson;  Piano – Bob Dogan, Jaki Byard; Tenor Saxophone – Joe Farrell, Willie Maiden; Trombone – Don Sebesky , Kenny Rupp, Maynard Ferguson, Slide Hampton

Dancing Sessions

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Johnny Richards & His Orchestra - Softly... Wild... And Something Else!

Styles: Jazz, Big Band
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 79:57
Size: 185,6 MB
Art: Front

(6:04)  1. Waltz, Anyone?
(3:17)  2. For All We Know
(7:12)  3. Dimples
(5:06)  4. Band Aide
(6:27)  5. Turn Aboot
(4:12)  6. Burrito Borracho
(2:56)  7. Long Ago and Far Away
(5:46)  8. Aijalon
(2:42)  9. Walk Softly
(3:57) 10. Run Wild
(3:47) 11. The Way You Look Tonight
(4:01) 12. Laura
(4:53) 13. Tempest on the Charles
(3:06) 14. Sunday's Child
(2:17) 15. Alone Together
(4:06) 16. Three Cornered Cat
(3:42) 17. You Go to My Head
(6:18) 18. Yemaya

Johnny Richards was a man of convictions. Hearing the Richards aggregation, one can feel the leader's expansive expressiveness working. His main goal was the creation of interesting, stimulating music, not music of any particular kind. "We are an ORCHESTRA, not a band of sections; an organized orchestra of interested and interesting musicians who play a music of many dimensions and feelings." Richards once said: "Our music is ambitious. That explains why our instrumentation is not exactly standard. Although we are a jazz orchestra, this does not mean that other musical forms and rhythms cannot be incorporated into our music. After all, music is expressed in many languages. We should be aware and learn from that." https://www.freshsoundrecords.com/johnny-richards-albums/4073-softly-wild-and-something-else.html

Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Childers, Pete Candoli, Stu Williamson, Ray Copeland, Shorty Rogers (tp), Milt Bernhart, Frank Rosolino, Don Nelly, Jimmy Cleveland (tb), Julius Watkins, Vince De Rosa (Frh), Charlie Mariano, Gene Quill, Dave Schildkraut (as), Richie Kamuca, Frank Socolow (ts), Ronny Lang (bs), Marty Paich, John Knapp (p), Buddy Clark (b), Stan Levey, Ed Shaughnessy (d)

Softly... Wild... And Something Else!

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Maynard Ferguson - New Vintage

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1977
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:30
Size: 82,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:13)  1. Main Title from "Star Wars"
(6:30)  2. Oasis
(6:27)  3. Maria
(7:18)  4. El Vuelo (The Flight)
(7:02)  5. Scheherazade
(3:58)  6. Airegin

Trumpeter Maynard Ferguson's 1977 album New Vintage was yet another foray into the gluttonously epic, rock-infused jazz he had already perfected on such albums as Primal Scream and Conquistador  the latter of which contained Ferguson's popular version of "Gonna Fly Now," the theme from Rocky. Featuring his cheekily named MF Big Band, New Vintage once again centers around the high-note horn man's take on a movie song, this time "Star Wars (Main Title)" gets the disco-funk treatment. Utterly gimmicky and bereft of any actual jazz, the track works now as a time capsule of late-'70s kitsch. This is not to say it's bad, just cheesy. Yeah, no self-respecting post-bopper really wanted anything to do with this stuff back then, but for classes of middle- and high-school-age kids lucky enough to catch one of the MF Big Band's school tours, this was the proof that "band geeks" could have fun and be cool at the same time. However, why he thought anyone would ever have a need for a disco-funk version of Rimsky-Korsakaov's "Scheherazade" may never be known. ~ Matt Collar https://www.allmusic.com/album/new-vintage-mw0000302153

Personnel:  Trumpet - Maynard Ferguson;  Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Mike Migliore; Baritone Saxophone, Flute – Bobby Militello; Drums – Peter Erskine; Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Guitar [Classical] – Steve Khan; Electric Piano, Piano [Acoustic], Synthesizer – Biff Hannon; French Horn – Brooks Tillotson, Donald Corrado, Earl Chapin, Jim Buffington; Percussion – Ralph MacDonald; Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Eric Traub, Mark Colby; Trombone – David Taylor, Nick Lane, Randy Purcell, Roger Homefield; Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Dennis Noday, Ron Tooley, Stan Mark; Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Congas, Percussion – Joe Mosello

New Vintage

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Maynard Ferguson & Big Bop Nouveau - These Cats Can Swing!

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:31
Size: 137,9 MB
Art: Front

(10:05)  1. Sugar
(10:16)  2. Caravan
( 4:40)  3. I Don't Want To Be A Hoochi Coochie Man No Mo'
(12:06)  4. Sweet Baba Suite (Bai Rav)
( 8:52)  5. I'll Be Around
( 3:18)  6. He Can't Swing
(10:10)  7. It's The Gospel Truth

This is a fairly typical but enjoyable Maynard Ferguson jazz date. His ten-piece Big Bop Nouveau band consists of four trumpets, one trombone, two reeds, and a three-piece rhythm section, so it is quite brass-heavy. Although each of his trumpeters can pop out high notes, Ferguson is still the main screecher, sharing the solo space with pianist Ron Oswanski, altoist Matt Wallace, tenor saxophonist Chip McNeill, and trombonist Tom Garling. The repertoire includes a few swinging pieces, the novelty Ferguson vocal "He Can't Swing," Wallace singing on the R&B-ish "I Don't Want to Be a Hoochi Coochie Man No Mo'," the exotic "Sweet Baba Suite" (which reflects Ferguson's interest in Indian music), and the lengthy "It's the Gospel Truth." All in all, this is a well-rounded set showing that Maynard Ferguson was still a strong force to contend with in the mid-'90s.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/these-cats-can-swing%21-mw0000176926

Personnel:  Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Maynard Ferguson;  Trumpet – Carl Fischer, Joey Tartell, Jon Owens;  Acoustic Bass, Bass Guitar – Chris Berger;  Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone - Matt Wallace;  Drums – Jason Harnell;  Organ – Ron Oswanski;  Percussion – Lorenzo Martinez ;  Piano, Keyboards – Ron Oswanski ;  Soprano Saxophone – Chip McNeill;  Tambora [Tamboura] – Sandea;  Tenor Saxophone – Chip McNeill;  Trombone – Tom Garling;  Vocals – Matt Wallace , Maynard Ferguson;  Vocals [Vocals Chants] – Maynard Ferguson

These Cats Can Swing!

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Maynard Ferguson & Big Bop Nouveau - One More Trip To Birdland

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:05
Size: 123,3 MB
Art: Front

(4:11)  1. You Got It
(6:24)  2. Manteca
(7:13)  3. The Vibe
(7:10)  4. Cajun Cookin'
(5:32)  5. Milestones
(6:26)  6. She Was Too Good To Me
(4:12)  7. Birdland
(7:33)  8. Blues From Around Here
(4:20)  9. It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing

Even at the age of 67, Maynard Ferguson shows on this CD that he could still belt out the high notes. His "Big Bop Noveau" band consists of four trumpets, trombonist Tom Garling (who takes a rockish guitar solo on "Birdland"), Matt Wallace and Chris Farr on saxophones, and a rhythm section. With the exception of "Birdland," the music is strictly bebop, with plenty of screaming trumpet and heated playing; Wallace's alto outbursts often take honors. Highlights include "Manteca," "Cajun Cookin'," "Milestones" and a hyper "It Don't Mean a Thing." ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/one-more-trip-to-birdland-mw0000081085

Personnel:  Maynard Ferguson - trumpet, flugelhorn;  Matt Wallace - vocals, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone;  Carl Fischer - trumpet;  Tom Garling - guitar, trombone;  Marko Marcinko - drums, percussion;  Christopher Farr - soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone;  Dan Zank - piano, keyboards;  Larry Foyen - trumpet;  Phil Palombi - acoustic bass, bass guitar.

One More Trip To Birdland

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Maynard Ferguson - Live From London

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1994
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:47
Size: 136,3 MB
Art: Front

(14:36)  1. A Night In Tunisia
( 8:39)  2. In A Mellow Tone
( 8:08)  3. St. Thomas
( 3:53)  4. Fox Hunt
( 7:22)  5. Rhythm Method
( 8:18)  6. My One And Only Love
( 7:48)  7. Glenn's Den

Utilizing a 13-piece band that includes ten horns, Maynard Ferguson performs bebop with his Big Bop Nouveau on this CD. All of the music is fairly basic, using common chord changes and charts that leave plenty of room for solos. Ferguson shows at age 65 that he still has most of his outstanding range and, assisted by a trumpet section full of screamers, the performances are boisterous and sometimes a bit bombastic. Chip McNeill takes a passionate soprano solo on "A Night in Tunisia," Matt Wallace has a couple of rewarding spots on tenor and trumpeter Walter White fares well on "Fox Hunt," but it is the leader who gives this music its main personality.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/live-from-london-mw0000110888

Personnel:  Maynard Ferguson - trumpet, flugelhorn;  Chris Brown - drums;  Matt Wallace - alto saxophone, tenor saxophone;  Christian Jacob - piano, keyboards;  Roger Ingram - trumpet;  Brian Thompson - trumpet;  Chip McNeill - soprano & tenor saxophones;  Dave Pietro - alto saxophone
Ed Sargent - percussion.

Live From London

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Georgie Auld - Swingin' In The Land Of Hi-Fi

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1955
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:18
Size: 158,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:17)  1. In The Land Of Hi-Fi
(2:27)  2. For You
(2:24)  3. Until The Real Thing Come Along
(3:12)  4. Tippin' In
(2:27)  5. Sunday Kind Of Love
(3:56)  6. I May Be Wrong
(3:07)  7. Swingin' In Moore Park
(2:49)  8. If I Loved You
(2:37)  9. Dinah
(2:49) 10. They Can't Take That Away From Me
(3:00) 11. My Blue Heaven
(3:00) 12. Love Is Just Around The Corner
(2:55) 13. (Back Home Again In) Indiana
(2:29) 14. Blue Lou
(2:47) 15. Too Marvelous For Words
(2:47) 16. Sweet Sue
(2:29) 17. Laura
(2:14) 18. I Get A Kick Out Of You
(2:54) 19. Rosetta
(2:31) 20. Sweet Lorraine
(2:27) 21. Old Rockin' Chair
(2:33) 22. Got A Date With An Angel
(3:06) 23. Prisoner's Song
(2:51) 24. Frankie And Johnny

Georgie Auld was an accomplished saxophonist, who cut his musical teeth with Bunny Berigan's band in 1937 then moving on to The Artie Shaw Orchestra in 1939, he also served with Jan Savitt & The Benny Goodman sextet. Musicians in the Georgie Auld orchestra & on this disc include Maynard Ferguson, Skeets Herfurt, Frank Rosolino, Si Zentner & Barney Kessel to name a few. When 'In The Land Of Hi-Fi' was originally issued which makes up the first half of this disc, it was described as a jazz classic.~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Swingin-Hi-Fi-ORIGINAL-RECORDINGS-REMASTERED/dp/B000FEBVXQ 

Personnel:  Georgie Auld - tenor saxophone, bandleader;  Maynard Ferguson, Conrad Gozzo, Mannie Klein, Ray Linn - trumpet;  Tommy Pederson, Frank Rosolino, Si Zentner - trombone;  Skeets Herfurt, Willie Schwartz - alto saxophone;  Ted Nash, Babe Russin - tenor saxophone;  Chuck Gentry - baritone saxophone;  Arnold Ross - piano;  Al Hendrickson, Barney Kessel - guitar;  Joe Mondragon, Joe Comfort - bass;  Alvin Stoller, Irv Kottler - drums.

Swingin' In The Land Of Hi-Fi

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Maynard Ferguson - High Voltage

Styles: Trumpet Jazz 
Year: 1987
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:57
Size: 99,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:53)  1. Jack Usage
(5:29)  2. Sunday Morning
(5:49)  3. High Voltage
(3:43)  4. Stardust
(6:05)  5. Marketplace
(4:30)  6. Walkin' On The Pier
(4:49)  7. Snap
(6:35)  8. Shufflemonk

When he debuted with Stan Kenton's Orchestra in 1950, Maynard Ferguson could play higher than any other trumpeter up to that point in jazz history, and he was accurate. Somehow he kept most of that range through his career and since the 1970s has been one of the most famous musicians in jazz. Never known for his exquisite taste (some of his more commercial efforts are unlistenable), Ferguson nevertheless led some important bands and definitely made an impact with his trumpet playing.  After heading his own big band in Montreal, Ferguson came to the United States in 1949 with hopes of joining Kenton's orchestra, but that ensemble had just recently broke up. So instead, Ferguson gained experience playing with the big bands of Boyd Raeburn, Jimmy Dorsey, and Charlie Barnet. In 1950, with the formation of Kenton's Innovations Orchestra, Ferguson became a star, playing ridiculous high notes with ease. In 1953, he left Kenton to work in the studios of Los Angeles and three years later led the all-star "Birdland Dreamband." In 1957, he put together a regular big band that lasted until 1965, recorded regularly for Roulette (all of the band's recordings with that label are on a massive Mosaic box set) and performed some of the finest music of Ferguson's career. Such players as Slide Hampton, Don Ellis, Don Sebesky, Willie Maiden, John Bunch, Joe Zawinul, Joe Farrell, Jaki Byard, Lanny Morgan, Rufus Jones, Bill Berry, and Don Menza were among the more notable sidemen. After economics forced him to give up the impressive band, Ferguson had a few years in which he was only semi-active in music, spending time in India and eventually forming a new band in England. After moving back to the U.S., Ferguson in 1974 drifted quickly into commercialism. Young trumpeters in high school and colleges were amazed by his high notes, but jazz fans were dismayed by the tasteless recordings that resulted in hit versions of such songs as the themes from Star Wars and Rocky and much worse. After cutting back on his huge orchestra in the early '80s, Ferguson recorded some bop in a 1983 session, led a funk band called High Voltage during 1987-1988, and then returned to jazz with his "Big Bop Nouveau Band," a medium-sized outfit with which he toured the world up until his death from kidney and liver failure on August 23, 2006. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/artist/maynard-ferguson-mn0000397042/biography

Personel:  Trumpet [Holton M.f. Horn Trumpet], Trombone [Superbone], Flugelhorn – Maynard Ferguson;  Baritone Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute, Scat – Denis DiBlasio;  Bass – Rick Shaw;  Drum Programming [Additional] – Bernie Dressel;  Drums – Ray Brinker;  Guitar – Michael Higgins;  Keyboards – Todd Carlon;  Percussion – Steve Fisher

High Voltage

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Maynard Ferguson & Big Bop Nouveau - Brass Attitude

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:29
Size: 154,8 MB
Art: Front

( 6:01)  1. Just Friends
( 6:16)  2. Waltz For Nicole
( 4:54)  3. I Love You
( 7:47)  4. Milk Of The Moon
(15:52)  5. Misra-Dhenuka
( 8:38)  6. Knee Deep In Rio
( 5:41)  7. Erica And Sandra
( 7:25)  8. The Lip
( 3:52)  9. Caruso

From the session’s opening "Just Friends" to "The Lip," Maynard Ferguson’s powerful high-note chops are in remarkably fine form. From his brassy lower register to his ultra-high leaps, the trumpeter struts and soars before his 10-piece Big Bop Nouveau ensemble. Starting out almost 50 years ago, Ferguson trained in the big bands of Charlie Barnet, Boyd Raeburn, Jimmy Dorsey, and Stan Kenton. Over the years, he’s provided working-band experience for innumerable younger jazz stars. The spicy Latin arrangement of Cole Porter’s "I Love You" contains many of the elements that make Ferguson’s Big Bop Nouveau albums interesting. Allowing each of the band’s members to stand apart from the crowd, the various voices dash off in all directions at once. Drummer Throckmorton flexes his muscles, each of the brass section members toss out spurious ideas, pianist Oswanski hammers away at a continuous vamp, bassist Thompson bends his notes to provide dance steps, and solos pour forth from Carl Fisher, Tom Garling & Ferguson. "Erica and Sandra," "Caruso," and "Milk of the Moon" are lovely ballads that contrast with the up-tempo energy experienced throughout most of the session. Ferguson’s lyrical flugelhorn work is light and fluid; his phrases are imaginative and soar above the ensemble’s clever arrangements. It’s on two of these ballads that the leader introduces the soulful tenor saxophone work of Sal Giorgianni, a confident soloist with a full, clear tone. "Caruso" is an emotional piano-flugelhorn duo that showcases the trumpeter’s wide vibrato and forceful soul-stirring power. Ferguson picks up the firebird (a combination valve & slide trumpet) for special effects on "Misra-Dhenuka," which features his vocal chants, a bowed bass, soulful trombone wails, stirring trumpet & flugelhorn anthems, and individual solo spots. 

At nearly 16 minutes, the piece stands out as the session’s highlight and offers a clear picture of the multi-directional aspect of this band’s arrangements. Pianist Ron Oswanski must have gone through quite a few boxes of manuscript paper to create such an intricate arrangement. The electric bass and electric keyboards used on "Knee Deep in Rio" give off a contemporary sound that mellows the arrangement considerably. However, it’s on this piece that trumpeter Carl Fischer takes the opportunity to show his talents: rich tone, superb control, full range, and exciting depth of ideas. Maynard Ferguson has spent a lot of years introducing "talent deserving wider recognition" and we hope that this will continue for many more years. ~ Jim Santella https://www.allaboutjazz.com/brass-attitude-maynard-ferguson-concord-music-group-review-by-jim-santella.php
 

Personnel:  Maynard Ferguson- trumpet, flugelhorn, firebird;  Frank Greene- trumpet;  Carl Fischer- trumpet, superbone;  Wayne Bergeron- trumpet;  Tom Garling- trombone, superbone;  Matt Wallace- tenor saxophone, alto saxophone;  Sal Giorgianni- tenor saxophone, alto saxophone;  Dave Throckmorton- drums; Ron Oswanski- piano, keyboards; Paul Thompson- electric bass, acoustic bass; Denis DiBlasio- vocals & baritone saxophone on "The Lip."

Brass Attitude

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Maynard Ferguson - Big Bop Nouveau

Size: 108,5 MB
Time: 46:54
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 1989/2016
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Blue Birdland ( 5:09)
02. Cherokee ( 4:26)
03. Caught In A Current ( 4:26)
04. But Beautiful ( 5:59)
05. Cruisin For A Bluessin ( 7:52)
06. The Maynard Ferguson Hit Medley: Chameleon MacArthur Park/Frame For The Blues/Maria Birdland (12:01)
07. Compared To You ( 6:59)

Maynard Ferguson broke up his funk combo High Voltage around the time of Big Bop Nouveau's release and put together a 15-piece straightahead group that emphasized swing and big-band-oriented charts. Although there is a throwaway in "Maynard Ferguson Hit Medley," such pieces as "Blue Birdland," "Cherokee," and "But Beautiful" better showcase the remarkable trumpeter. Sidemen include Christopher Hollyday on alto. This is a good all-round showcase for Ferguson. ~by Scott Yanow

Big Bop Nouveau

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Maynard Ferguson - In Jazz We Trust

Styles: Trumpet Jazz

Year: 2015

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 116:47

Size: 268,5 MB

Art: Front

( 3:11)  1. Easy to Love

( 3:30)  2. Pork Pie

( 3:47)  3. Dancing Nitely

( 3:46)  4. Moonlight in Vermont

( 2:41)  5. Love Me or Leave Me

( 3:30)  6. Never You Mind

( 2:54)  7. Dream Boat

( 3:02)  8. Maiden Voyage

(15:44)  9. Somebody Loves Me

( 2:58) 10. The Way You Look Tonight

(16:06) 11. Our Love Is Here to Stay

( 3:26) 12. The Lamp Is Low

( 2:37) 13. Hymn to Her

(14:08) 14. Night Letter

( 3:13) 15. Wildman

( 3:55) 16. Egad, Martha

(16:51) 17. Air Conditioned

( 3:15) 18. King's Riff

( 4:56) 19. Can't We Talk It over?

( 3:07) 20. Willie Nillie

When he debuted with Stan Kenton's Orchestra in 1950, Maynard Ferguson could play higher than any other trumpeter up to that point in jazz history, and he was accurate. Somehow he kept most of that range through his career and since the 1970s has been one of the most famous musicians in jazz. Never known for his exquisite taste (some of his more commercial efforts are unlistenable), Ferguson nevertheless led some important bands and definitely made an impact with his trumpet playing. After heading his own big band in Montreal, Ferguson came to the United States in 1949 with hopes of joining Kenton's orchestra, but that ensemble had just recently broke up. So instead, Ferguson gained experience playing with the big bands of Boyd Raeburn, Jimmy Dorsey, and Charlie Barnet. In 1950, with the formation of Kenton's Innovations Orchestra, Ferguson became a star, playing ridiculous high notes with ease. In 1953, he left Kenton to work in the studios of Los Angeles and three years later led the all-star "Birdland Dreamband." In 1957, he put together a regular big band that lasted until 1965, recorded regularly for Roulette (all of the band's recordings with that label are on a massive Mosaic box set) and performed some of the finest music of Ferguson's career. Such players as Slide Hampton, Don Ellis, Don Sebesky, Willie Maiden, John Bunch, Joe Zawinul, Joe Farrell, Jaki Byard, Lanny Morgan, Rufus Jones, Bill Berry, and Don Menza were among the more notable sidemen.

After economics forced him to give up the impressive band, Ferguson had a few years in which he was only semi-active in music, spending time in India and eventually forming a new band in England. After moving back to the U.S., Ferguson in 1974 drifted quickly into commercialism. Young trumpeters in high school and colleges were amazed by his high notes, but jazz fans were dismayed by the tasteless recordings that resulted in hit versions of such songs as the themes from Star Wars and Rocky and much worse. After cutting back on his huge orchestra in the early '80s, Ferguson recorded some bop in a 1983 session, led a funk band called High Voltage during 1987-1988, and then returned to jazz with his "Big Bop Nouveau Band," a medium-sized outfit with which he toured the world up until his death from kidney and liver failure on August 23, 2006. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/maynard-ferguson-mn0000397042/biography

In Jazz We Trust 

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Frances Faye - I'm Wild Again

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 33:08
Size: 75.9 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 1955/2014
Art: Front

[2:30] 1. Toredor
[2:43] 2. They Can't Take That Away From Me
[2:24] 3. He's Funny That Way
[3:06] 4. I've Got You Under My Skin
[1:50] 5. My Heart Sings
[2:23] 6. Somebody Loves Me
[3:02] 7. September In The Rain
[3:12] 8. These Foolish Things Remind Me Of You
[2:44] 9. Love For Sale
[5:39] 10. Medley: Little Girl Blue/Where Or When/Embraceable You/Exactly Like You
[3:30] 11. Out Of This World

Herbie Harper, Tommy Pederson, Maynard Ferguson, Frank Rosolino (Trombones); Al Hendrickson (Guitar); Jerry Wiggins (Piano); Red Mitchell (Bass); & Chico Hamilton (Drums).

In the late 1930s, Faye co-starred in the Bing Crosby and Martha Raye vehicle Double or Nothing; Faye played the sister of Raye, and they perform a nightclub act together. A musical highlight is the performance of "After You," with both gals plus Crosby. As a singer, Faye was considered to be on the level of a Dinah Washington, in terms of power and not at all of the cutesy-cutesy female pop singer variety. When she played her own keyboard accompaniment, club owners sometimes complained that she had pounded the piano so hard that all that remained of parts were sawdust. Faye could do the type of romantic material that more commercial performers such as the bubbly Doris Day were known for, but also included obscure songwriting gems in her repertoire as well as funky, naughty rhythm & blues numbers. ~Excerpt from the bio by Eugene Chadbourne

I'm Wild Again

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Maynard Ferguson - Live From San Francisco

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1983
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:45
Size: 105,0 MB
Art: Front

( 6:19)  1. Fireshaker
( 5:06)  2. Coconut Champagne
( 5:25)  3. Lush Life
( 5:27)  4. South 21st Shuffle
(13:31)  5. Bebop Buffet
( 3:20)  6. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
( 6:34)  7. Ganesha

Live from San Francisco was Maynard Ferguson's strongest jazz album in quite a few years. Utilizing a small big band comprised of 12 pieces, Ferguson is in consistently fiery form during a session recorded live at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. 

"Bebop Buffet" (which has quotes from many bop classics) is a high point, and these versions of "Lush Life" and "On the Sunny Side of the Street" (along with four group originals) are quite enjoyable; baritonist Denis DiBlasio's arrangements are a major asset. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/live-from-san-francisco-mw0000201157

Live From San Francisco

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Stan Kenton - Portraits On Standards

Styles: Piano Jazz

Year: 1954

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 41:19

Size: 95,5 MB

Art: Front

(2:41)  1. You And The Night And The Music

(2:55)  2. Reverie

(2:50)  3. I've Got You Under My Skin

(2:39)  4. Autumn In New York

(2:52)  5. April In Paris

(2:21)  6. How High The Moon

(2:58)  7. Crazy Rhythm

(2:59)  8. I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good

(2:46)  9. Baia

(3:04) 10. Street of Dreams

(3:12) 11. Don't Take Your Love From Me

(2:32) 12. More Love Than Your Love

(2:34) 13. Alone Too Long

(2:03) 14. The Lady In Red

(2:47) 15. Under a Blanket of Blue

While most of Stan Kenton's recordings in the 1950s tend to be complex and sometimes bombastic, his versions of standards could often be sentimental and very melodic. This LP from the Creative World catalog (music originally released by Capitol) alternates between ballads and boppish romps, mostly featuring the 1953-1954 orchestra, a band that could often swing hard. With such major soloists as altoist Art Pepper (featured on "Street of Dreams"), trumpeter Conte Candoli, Zoot Sims on tenor, altoist Lee Konitz, and trombonist Frank Rosolino, Kenton's orchestra could hold its own with any big band of the period. The arrangements (all by either Bill Russo or Kenton) showcase these talents at their best. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/portraits-on-standards-mw0000588250

Personnel: Stan Kenton (piano); Ralph Blaze, Joe Gibbons, Sal Salvador, Laurindo Almeida (guitar); Vinnie Dean, Harry Klee, Lee Konitz, Art Pepper, Ronnie Lang, Bud Shank (alto saxophone); Bart Calderell, Bill Holman, Bob Cooper (tenor saxophone); Bob Gioga, Tony Ferina, Hank Levy (baritone saxophone); Conte Candoli, Don Dennis, Don Fagerquist, Ernie Royal, Ruban McFall, John Howell , Don Paladino, John Coppola , Maynard Ferguson, Pete Candoli, Buddy Childers (trumpet); Milt Bernhart, Bob Fitzpatrick, Frank Rosolino, Harry Betts, Herbie Harper, Bill Russo (trombone); George Roberts (bass trombone); Stan Fletcher (tuba); Shelly Manne, Stan Levey (drums).

Portraits On Standards

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Dinah Washington - Sings The Standards

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:23
Size: 119.9 MB
Styles: Jazz vocals
Year: 2003
Art: Front

[2:08] 1. I Left My Heart In San Francisco
[2:04] 2. Baby Won't You Please Come Home
[2:17] 3. Call Me Irresponsible
[3:11] 4. For All We Know
[3:30] 5. The Man That Got Away
[2:26] 6. Fly Me To The Moon
[2:52] 7. Coquette
[2:15] 8. Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me
[4:05] 9. There Must Be A Way
[2:38] 10. Let Me Be The First To Know
[2:31] 11. Destination Moon
[2:44] 12. You're Nobody 'til Somebody Loves You
[2:30] 13. Red Sails In The Sunset
[2:59] 14. Lover Man
[2:53] 15. I'll Be Around
[3:07] 16. Say It Isn't So
[2:04] 17. What Kind Of Fool Am I
[3:27] 18. These Foolish Things
[2:31] 19. Don't Say Nothing At All

Creating yet another series to justify reissuing material from its vaults, this Verve Jazz Masters entry raids albums Dinah Washington recorded for the Mercury label from 1952 through 1958. This is the second Dinah Washington compilation in this series. Although advertised as an album of standards, Washington avoids making these tunes come across as the romantic warhorses most of them are. Rather, her gospel-inspired voice conveys the song's message with a blues, funky tinge that always distinguished her from the rest of the crowd since she began her career at the age of 15. On these tracks, Washington is joined by the crème de la crème of jazz musicians who were part of the Mercury stable during these years. While some of the arrangements were not all that creative, Washington's inimitable style and the playing of her fellow musicians make up for any shortcomings. "I'll Remember April" is an 11-plus minute jam session spotlighting solos by Clifford Brown, Harold Land, Herb Geller, and Junior Mance (or Richie Powell). Washington swings hard on "They Didn't Believe Me" in front of a big band led by Quincy Jones and then goes sentimental on "You Go to My Head" before seguing into a second chorus behind a Latin beat. On the latter track Washington and the unknown group backing her is energized by the urging of a live audience. There's more Latin on "I've Got You Under My Skin" built around the trumpet trio of Clifford Brown, Clark Terry, and Maynard Ferguson. (The liner notes listing of personnel for this track are incorrect). While the album has several excellent instrumental solos, none is better than Rick Henderson's extended alto sax work on "Blue Skies." There's a relaxed traditional jazz atmosphere underlying "All of Me" with Washington chatting away in the background during solos by vibist Terry Gibbs and trombonist Urbie Green. Whatever style or beat, each tune is delivered by Washington's instantly recognizable penetrating but tender voice, buttressed by her consistently precise enunciation. This more than an hour long album is a worthy tribute to the one of a kind vocal skills of Dinah Washington. ~Dave Nathan

Sings The Standards

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Chris Connor & Maynard Ferguson - Double Exposure

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:54
Size: 82.2 MB
Styles: Standards, Vocal jazz
Year: 1961/2005
Art: Front

[3:10] 1. Summertime
[2:33] 2. I Only Have Eyes For You
[5:05] 3. It Never Entered My Mind
[2:36] 4. Two Ladies In De Shade Of De Banana Tree
[4:12] 5. Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most
[4:20] 6. The Lonesome Road
[2:45] 7. All The Things You Are
[3:36] 8. Black Coffee
[4:23] 9. Happy New Year
[3:10] 10. That's How It Went All Right

Singer Chris Connor was nearing the end of her Atlantic years (which were really her prime) when she recorded this interesting, if not quite classic set with the Maynard Ferguson Orchestra, last reissued on a 1984 LP. With the exception of trumpeter Ferguson, there are few significant solos, and the big band mostly acts as an ensemble. Both Connor and MF were Kenton alumni, and there are moments where the orchestra reminds one of that band, but the focus is mostly on the singer. She is in particularly fine form on "I Only Have Eyes for You," "It Never Entered My Mind," "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most" and "The Lonesome Road," although one wishes there was more interplay with the orchestra. ~Scott Yanow

Double Exposure

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