Sleepy Night Records is releasing Volume Three of their "Lost Tapes" series on August 26, 2016. Order today!
The Maynard 2014 Tee Shirt is Here! November 29, 2014
The 2014 Maynard Ferguson tee shirt features a fun Maynard Ferguson sketch by artist Michael Myers of Drawsgood. Available now in the Maynard Ferguson store.
The Maynard 2013 Tee Shirt - Revealed! November 12, 2013
Maynard Ferguson fans! The 2013 Maynard Ferguson tee shirt has been revealed! For the third year in a row, Maynard fan Steve O'Callaghan
has designed a shirt that really captures the essence of Maynard. This year's design features a blue stylized
image of Maynard leading his orchestra, arms raised in triumph. Available now in the Maynard Ferguson store.
"Life on the Road With Maynard Ferguson, Volume 2" August 25, 2013
A note from Ed Sargent:
Hello Maynard fans!
I am pleased to let you know about a new project: the next "Life on the Road with MF" dvd series! We had such fantastic support and feedback from the first release, that my collaborative partner Dan Potts and I are deeply entrenched in the final stages and creative maneuvering of producing "Volume 2 - the Early BBN Years"!! Once again, the intent is to share a unique and deeply touching assemblage of incredible musical excerpts - as well as the off stage/backstage/spontaneous moments that defined what "Life On The Road" with Maynard and band was really like.
I recorded these moments with Mayn's permission and through my lens during the many years on the road with my dear friend and mentor. Volume 2 focuses on the reemergence of Maynard and his prototypical "bigger" band, which evolved from the 1988 60th birthday big band tour, and Maynard's desire to return to his roots. There is more emphasis on live musical performances within this project, with a healthy dose of off stage antics to bring a smile.
I hope you enjoy this short trailer. As with Volume 1, a generous percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Maynard Ferguson jazz scholarship funds.
Long Live the Boss, and his loyal fans!!
Love,
Ed
"New" Maynard Ferguson Composition Released! August 25, 2013
The Ira B. Liss Big Band Jazz Machine has just released their latest album, "It's About Time", and it features a previously unrecorded Maynard Ferguson composition. Titled "Glory, Glory", it was composed with Maynard album Chris Braymen, and trumpeter Wayne Bergeron plays Maynard's part. The album is available on iTunes and Amazon MP3.
From Chris Braymen:
"If I might I add also....Glory, Glory is a song that The Boss and I wrote together back around 1989 when the fairly new Big Bop Nouveau band was passing through San Francisco. This was the same time he suggested an arrangement of St. Thomas, which he later recorded with expanded instrumentation on 'Live in London'. Originally written for the 5 horn group he was experimenting with at the time, Maynard once wondered aloud to me if the song might work better with a little bigger instrumentation. Regretfully, I never managed to act on his suggestion before he passed away.
Thanks to the generosity of Maynard's survivors, and to the interest of Mr. Liss, his band, and the amazing Mr. Bergeron, we've been allowed the opportunity to humbly present to you a piece of music that Maynard once conveyed to me, and we've tried to make real. Of course this isn't a recording of Maynard or his band, but I'm proud that Ira's group chose to record this song, and I hope you can hear within it just a little more of the Boss' legacy through Wayne and the band's interpretation.
Sincerely and gratefully, Chris Braymen (alum '81-'83)"
For more information, you can read the press release from the Ira B. Liss Big Band Jazz Machine.
Buy a Tribute DVD On Sale, Get a Free Concert Program June 2013
For a limited time you can purchase the Maynard Ferguson Tribute Concert DVD for $15 off and get the original concert program event included for free!
Today would have been Maynard's 85th birthday! Celebrate by watching 100 double-high Cs!
Help the Maynard Ferguson Documentary Become a Reality! February 2013
If you missed your chance to donate to the Maynard Ferguson Documentary, it's not too late. Donate to the 2nd round of fundraising and earn Maynard rewards!
Maynard's Daughter Lisa is Raising Money for a Maynard Documentary January 2013
Maynard's 1977 Live Montreux Summit Performance Now on CD! October 15, 2012
Maynard's performance with an all-star band at 1977's Montreux Summit were recorded and released on two volumes in 1977 and 1978 by Columbia Records. They have just been re-issued on CD, and you can find them in the Maynard Ferguson store.
Maynard Ferguson Alumni Reunion with Dave Stahl Big Band Announced August 12, 2012
Several former Maynard Ferguson sidemen will be performing with the Dave Stahl Big Band on September 13, 2012 in Lebanon, Pennsyvania at Marabelle's Restaurant (formerly Pushnicks Diner).
Alumni guests performing:
Stan Mark
Rick Petrone
Mike Migliori
Bruce Johnestone
Joe Mosello
Paul Stephens
Marabelle's Restaurant is located at:
1352 Cumberland St
Lebanon, PA 17042
Roger Ingram Embarking on Teaching Tour July 7, 2012
Former Maynard Ferguson lead trumpeter Roger Ingram will be embarking on a teaching tour in late July through the first half of August. If Roger will be coming to a city near you, you may contact him for a private lesson. Details available on RogerIngram.com.
Maynard Ferguson Alumni Reunite for Rochester Concert July 7, 2012
On Sunday, July 22, Maynard albumni Bobby Militello (sax), Rick Petrone (bass), and Dave Mancini (drums) are reuniting for a concert in Rochester, New York. Bobby, Rick and Dave were among Maynard's best known and most celebrated sidemen through his recording years.
The concert is held at the Downstairs Cabaret Theater. Details can be found in this PDF.
Fan Designs Our 2012 Tee Shirt June 2, 2012
Once again, Maynard fan Steve O'Callaghan has designed a great Maynard Ferguson tee shirt! Our 2012 tee features a gray and white "logo dot" design on a black tee shirt. Visit the Maynard
Ferguson store for a closer look at this new design.
Real Gone Music Re-issues Maynard's Cameo Recordings
May 2, 2012
Real Gone Music has re-issued two classic Maynard Ferguson albums from the 1960s that originally appeared on the Cameo label: The New Sounds of Maynard Ferguson and Come Blow Your Horn. These are available on a single CD in the Maynard Ferguson Store.
"Maynard Ferguson needs little introduction as he was one of the most celebrated trumpeters in jazz. This release, sourced from a series of jazz albums that Cameo released in 1963 and 1964, is comprised of Ferguson's two 1963 albums for the label. The first, New Sounds of Maynard Ferguson now also includes “The Song Is You,” a never-before-released gem from the session that was discovered while researching tapes for this album. The track makes its debut on this release. Come Blow Your Horn was Ferguson's second album for Cameo; both albums represent his complete recordings for the label, documenting a long-overlooked chapter in Ferguson's career that came between better-known stints with Roulette and Mainstream."
Announcing the "Life on the Road with Maynard Ferguson and Big Bop Nouveau" DVD!
December 23, 2011
Comprised of behind the scenes clips from dozens of tours, the Life on the Road with Maynard Ferguson and Big Bop Nouveau (1989-2006) DVD provides a rare glimpse of what it was like to be on the band. The footage on this DVD comes from tour manager Ed Sargent's personal video collection, and features clips from all over the world. Bonus features include a montage of never before seen photos, as well as unreleased tunes that many heard in concert but were never recorded.
Today, Maynard would've been 83 years old. We miss you, Maynard!
"Chase Revisted 2007" Gets Release Date and Concert
April 30, 2011
I received an email about an upcoming Chase reunion concert and DVD release party that I wanted to share with you all. Former MF trumpeter Larry Foyen is participating, and it's sure to be quite a show!
Attention all CHASE fans! Back by popular demand! Members of the jazz-rock group, CHASE, will be reuniting for a concert to be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Thursday, May 26, 2011 along with the CHASE REVISITED 2007 DVD release party. CHASE alumni will include Alan Ware, Jay Sollenberger, Joe Morrissey, Jim Oatts (tpts), Dennis Johnson and Dartanyan Brown (bass), and G.G. Shinn (vocals). Additional guests featured include Greg Gisbert and Larry Foyen (trumpets), Tanner Taylor (keys), Blair Krivanek (guitar), Petar Janjic (drums), and Pancho Lopez (perc).
The band will be performing a number of never-before-released charts live including Dead, MacArthur Park, Reflections, Listen To Her Sing, and Bass-Meant.
The concert will be performed at Minneapolis� renown club, Famous Dave�s BBQ and Blues Club at 3001 Hennepin Ave South. The concert will begin at 9:00 p.m. and doors will open at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door and no reservations are required and all ages are welcome!
Don't miss this historic reunion of the CHASE band on May 26th!
Matt's note: Chase fans will also enjoy Eric Miyashiro's latest release, "Skydance", which includes Chase's arragement of MacArthur Park.
Maynard Fan Gets "Trumpet Rhapsody" Re-Issued
April 28, 2011
For many years, the 1967 Maynard album "Trumpet Rhapsody" has been a sleeper favorite among fans. Something about the perfect mixture of killer charts, the best sidemen, great engineering, and hot performances has put this album at the top of the the CD Re-Issue Wish List for years. However, all previous attempts to get this album onto CD have failed. A couple of years ago, I spoke with Wounded Bird Records, the company that has re-issued more than 10 of Maynard's classic Columbia albums. They told me they had tried to re-issue Trumpet Rhapsody but weren't able to pull it off.
Enter the MF Forum's Keith (AKA ksdblc on the forum). Keith doggedly researched Trumpet Rhapsody, tracing it to a German company. He reached out to them and began a dialogue that, astonishingly, resulted in the re-mastering and re-issuing of that album on CD for the first time ever.
Indian spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba passed away on Easter day at age 85. Maynard had a strong interest in Indian culture, and was associated with Sai Baba for many years. Maynard wrote and recorded several charts over the years that fuzed traditional Indian music with American jazz, including "Sweet Baba Suite" on the These Cats Can Swing album that was written as a tribute to Sai Baba.
Former Maynard Ferguson Trumpeter Alan Wise to Give Concert, Clinic March 22, 2011
Alan Wise, trumpet player for Maynard in the 80s, will be in Worthington, Ohio this weekend for a clinic and a concert. I saw Alan play at a Maynard tribute for Maynard's 75th birthday, and it was a blast. Details can be found at JazzColumbus.com.
New Fan-Designed Maynard Ferguson
Tee Shirt November 21, 2010
For
the first time ever, the Maynard
Ferguson store is featuring a fan-designed tee
shirt! MF Fan Steve O'Callaghan has designed the new
shirt, which is a black tee with an indigo/purple
artistic rendition of Maynard in concert. Of course,
the MF logo appears in the lower-right corner of the
design. Steve's shirt is on sale now in the Clothing
page of the Maynard Ferguson Store.
Chase Revisited II August 28, 2010
Attention
all CHASE fans! Members of the jazz-rock group, CHASE,
will be reuniting for a concert to be held in Boston
on Thursday, October 14, 2010. The band will feature
members Alan Ware, Joe Morrissey, Jim Oatts (tpts),
Phil Porter (keyboards), Dennis Johnson (bass), Jay
Burrid and Gary Smith (drums), and GG Shinn (vocals).
Special guest artist will be Sony recording artist
Eric Miyashiro on lead trumpet.
In addition to playing a number of favorites such
as Get It On, Open Up Wide, and So Many People, Chase
Revisited 2010 will perform a number of never recorded
charts including Listen To Her Sing and MacArthur
Park.
The concert will be performed Boston's premier club,
RAIN Nightlife
on Route 99 in Malden, Mass. (just 10 minutes north
of Boston's Logan airport). The concert will begin
at 8:00 p.m. and doors will open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets
are $25 and may be purchased at www.AceTicket.com
(look under "Concerts" and search for "CHASE
Revisited"). Purchased tickets are will-call
at the club so please bring proper identification.
Don't miss this historic reunion of the CHASE band
on October 14th!
Sleepy Night Records Announces
Previously Unreleased Don Ellis Recordings August 4, 2010
Sleepy
Night Records, the same company who brought
us the Maynard Ferguson Lost Tapes Volumes 1 and 2
CDs, are releasing a Don Ellis CD titled "Live
in India", which features 7 tracks that have
never before been released. These tracks (that come
from Don's personal tapes) were recorded during a
1978 Live appearance in India. The CD comes with a
20 page deluxe booklet full of photos and comments
from band members.
This CD is being sold as a limited edition of only
1000 copies worldwide. Sleepy Night Records is a small,
independent record label, and as a special thank you
to Maynard Ferguson fans for their past support, they
are offering a special deal on this CD. For the first
two weeks, they have reduced the price to $19.99.
After this offer period the price will go up to $24.99.
Visit the Sleepy
Night Records web site for more details.
Andrea Tofanelli's "Flamingo"
Features Tribute to Maynard July 17, 2010
Flamingo
is Italian trumpeter Andrea Tofanelli's latest
CD, featuring exciting big band charts and a heart-felt
tribute to Maynard titled "The Last Legend".
Excerpts from AllAboutJazz.com's
review: "
The title track could have come right from the Ferguson/Stan
Kenton songbook, while the inclusion of showcase selections
such as 'Nessun Dorma' and 'Melodia Infinita' frame
Tofanelli's high-note chops in a display of all-around-the-horn
musicianship. Not since Maynard Ferguson (for whom
Tofanelli composed and performs 'The Last Legend')
reigning at the Olympus of trumpeting have such sounds
been heard.
"Ferguson, Anderson and Brisbois must be smiling
in the 'Upper Room,' knowing that the screaming torch
passed on is in such marvelously talented and musically
artistic hands. Tofanelli can easily add his name
to these greats in the pantheon of scream. While music
lovers and musicians of all instruments will probably
dig the artistry here, trumpeters will surely sit
in awe of the talent, skill and musicianship of Andrea
Tofanelli. A sky-high phenomenon."
Jim Manley's New CD is a Return
to the 70s June 28, 2010
Jim
Manley's new CD is a throwback to the 70's. He says:
"BRASS POISON" follows in the footsteps
of my last recording for The Victoria Company, "EIGHT"
which was a tribute to some of the great 60's big
bands.
With this project, I wanted to explore some of the
great music that was put out in the 70's and beyond.
I grew up listening to all the MF and Don Ellis Columbia
stuff along with Blood, Sweat & Tears, Chicago,
Tom Scott, the Brecker Brothers and so many others
- I still love that era and it brings back many great
memories when music seemed more creative and exciting.
We've added a little Brass Poison to Elton John,
Carole King, Sting, The Isley Brothers and a few others
I think you will recognize. All of us had a blast
(no pun intended) recording these tunes and I think
you'll have some fun listening.
So turn up the volume, sit down between the speakers
,or stick your buds in your ears and hold on to something!
Photos from the Sherman Jazz
Museum Grand Opening and UNT Concert May 15, 2010
Thanks to Kamalan Selvarajah for providing these
excellent pictures from the Sherman Jazz Museum Grand
Opening and the University of North Texas One O'Clock
Band concert with guests Denis Diblasio and Wayne
Bergeron!
Maynard Ferguson Frisbees now
in the Maynard Ferguson Store May 15, 2010
A batch of Maynard Ferguson frisbees were recently
found, leftovers from a late 90s tour! While supplies
last, you can buy them in the Maynard
Ferguson Store!
The Maynard
Ferguson Birthday Tribute on WCSK-FM 90.3 May 2, 2010
Once again, WCSK-FM 90.3 in Kingsport, Tennesee is
planning to feature Maynard's music. Don't live in
the East Tennessee area? No problem...you can stream
the program online. They write:
Introducing
the Maynard Ferguson Podcast! April 11, 2010
Introducing
the Maynard Ferguson Podcast! Hosted by Matt Keller,
the Maynard Ferguson podcast will feature many topics
in the Maynardsphere, including interviews with alumni,
album reviews, current events, and music, music, music.
The premiere episode includes some Maynard news as
well as a multitude of sound clips. Podcasts thrive
on word of mouth, so if you enjoy it, please spread
the word.
Email podcast (at) MaynardFerguson.com to provide
feedback and ideas for future episodes.
Sherman
Jazz Museum Opens with the Maynard Ferguson Estate
Collection April 11, 2010
On May 8, 2010, the Sherman Jazz Museum (in Sherman,
Texas) will open its doors and display the Maynard
Ferguson Estate collection. The Grand Opening begins
at 10:00 AM with free admission, and the museum will
host two panel discussions. The first (at 11:00) features
Stan Mark, Lou Carfa, Brian Mulholland, Jeff Taylor,
and Bob Odneal. The second (at 2:00) features Wayne
Bergeron, Denis DiBlasio and Steve Wiest.
After a day of investigating the MF collection and
listening to the panel discussions, you can listen
to the Grammy-nominated University of North Texas
One O'Clock Lab Band perform charts from the MF estate
collection along with guests Wayne Bergeron, Denis
DiBlasio, & Grammy-nominated Steve Wiest (Director).
May is a popular month for Maynard Ferguson tribute
concerts, with three concerts in the first 8 days
of May!
May 1, 2010
What: Maynard Ferguson Birthday Bash Concert
Where: Chris' Jazz Cafe - Sansom St, Philadelphia
PA
Who: John Hoey Orchestra with guests Denis DiBlasio,
Reggie Watkins, Dennis Noday.
Ticket Info: 215-568-3131 or John
Hoey Orchestra web site
Details: Come experience the high energy big band
jazz that only Maynard Ferguson and his band could
deliver on what would have been his 82nd birthday.
The alumni will be backed by the John Hoey Orchestra.
There may even be some surprises.
May 6, 2010
What: Frank Vardaros Jazz Orchestra Plays the Music
of Maynard Ferguson
Where: Gateway Center for the Arts - DeBary, Florida
Who: Frank Vardaros Jazz Orchestra
Ticket Info: $15 at the door. More details at the
Gateway
Center for the Arts web site.
Details: The Frank Vardaros Jazz Orchestra will pay
tribute to Maynard by performing the music from the
Live at Jimmy's album.
May 8, 2010
What: Maynard Ferguson Celebration Concert (following
the opening of the Sherman Jazz Museum, featuring
the MF Estate Collection)
Where: Kidd-Key Auditorium - Sherman, Texas
Who: the Grammy-nominated University of North Texas
One O'Clock Lab Band. Guest performers: Wayne Bergeron,
Denis DiBlasio, & Grammy-nominated Steve Wiest,
Director.
Ticket Info: TicketLeap.com
Details: Calendar of Events at the Sherman
Jazz Museum web site.
Maynard Ferguson
and Social Media March 7, 2010
The use of social media technology has increased
dramatically over the past couple of years, and MaynardFerguson.com
has been using Twitter and Facebook to spread Maynard-related
information more frequently. To demonstrate the power
of these tools, consider this statistic. It took MaynardFerguson.com
9 years to build up a mailing list of 3,500 email
addresses to send email updates to. However, in less
than a year, the Maynard Ferguson Facebook page has
amassed over 9,000 followers. The MaynardFerguson.com
Twitter feed has also been adding subscribers at a
slower but still steady rate.
If you're not currently following the Maynard Ferguson
Facebook page, I would highly encourage you to join.
It's a great place to follow Maynard (and alumni)
news, meet other fans, and share photos. The MaynardFerguson
Facebook page is a very positive place, without the
negativity that can sometimes plague traditional message
boards.
Last week, the Maynard Ferguson Institute of Jazz
Studies at Rowan University (currently helmed by Denis
Diblasio) created their own Facebook page, with some
great videos and information.
Since
Maynard's passing nearly four years ago, Ed has been
working with Joan Jett, helping to make sure her tours
and day to day operations run smoothly. In talking
with Ed over the past few years, I've learned that
while many aspects of the job are very similar to
his work with Maynard, it's a very different scene.
Joan's demand has been on the rise lately, thanks
to the impending release of the film "The
Runaways", starting Kristin Stewart and Dakota
Fanning. The Runaways chronicles Joan's early career
and the impact she made on rock and roll. Ed will
be making a trip to Los Angeles this week, as Joan
Jett and the Blackhearts will be performing on
the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Tuesday, March 9.
Tune in...you never know, you might see Ed standing
in the wings!
Alumnus
Update: Reggie Watkins March 7, 2010
Former Maynard Ferguson trombone player and musical
director Reggie Watkins has just released an EP with
his horn section called the Grooveline Horns. He says:
Listening to the sound clips at the Grooveline Horns
web site, it's clear that this EP is full of some
serious funk. You can visit http://groovelinehorns.bandcamp.com
to order a limited edition physical copy of the EP
for $5 or digital download for only $4.
Carl Fischer
Releases Sophomore Solo Effort December 31, 2009
Former Maynard Ferguson trumpeter (and fan favorite)
Carl Fischer has been busy touring with Billy Joel
for the past few years. Fortunately, he found time
to record a new solo album, titled "Adverse Times".
It features an original song dedicated to Maynard
and his wife Flo titled "Flo N Mayn Spirit".
This album is currently
available on iTunes.
Rebel Alliance
Jazz Ensemble and MF Alumni to Play MF Tribute December 31, 2009
The Rebel Alliance Jazz Ensemble is a group of Dallas-area
musicians that are made up of UNT grads and professional
musicians. On Friday, January 8, some special guests
and former Maynard Ferguson sidemen will join them
for a Maynard Ferguson tribute at the Pearl at Commerce
club in Dallas, Texas. Among the guests scheduled
to appear are former Maynard Ferguson trumpeters Scott
Englebright, Brian MacDonald, Ken Edwards, and Keith
Fiala.
Fresh Sounds
Spain Re-issues (again) Two Maynard Albums December 31, 2009
Record company Fresh Sounds Spain is once again reissuing
two excellent Maynard albums as a double CD set. "Maynard
Ferguson Plays Bill Holman's Arrangements" and
"I Have But Two Horns" are available as
a pre-order
import at Amazon right now, with a release date
of January 5, 2010.
From the Fresh Sounds Records web site:
Until the early 50’s, Maynard Ferguson's
fantastic technique was often said to obscure every
other aspect of his work. With the tracks at hand,
he revealed himself as a fine all-round musician,
band leader and brilliant soloist, both in trumpet
and valve trombone. Bill Homan–whose works can
be considered as some of the most representative of
the West Coast school of jazz–once said, "I've
always tried to write things that sound like jazz,
not like Bach revisited." Thanks to his arrangements
and to the exceptional musicians who perform them,
Ferguson expresses himself in a way he had never previously
found possible.
See the full track listing and pre-order at Amazon.com.
Coming in
2011 - Maynard Ferguson Park December 31, 2009
According to the Quebec newspaper, The
Suburban, construction will soon begin on Maynard
Ferguson park, with an anticipated opening of 2011.
The park is being constructed in Verdun, Canada, where
Maynard was born and raised.
During a recent Verdun borough council meeting,
Mayor Claude Trudel told APRIDS (Association des Propriétaires
et Résidents de l’Île Des Soeurs)
President Pierre Jobin work would soon begin on the
borough’s new park located near the posh Pointe
du Sud district on Nuns’ Island. City jazz fans
will be pleased to know the borough intends to name
its new park after the world famous jazz musician,
Maynard Ferguson, who was born and raised in Verdun.
Former Maynard Ferguson and Big Bop Nouveau trumpeter
Walter White (he appeared on the "Live
From London" album) recently played with the
Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, eliciting a rave
review from the Tulsa World web site.
White was first a fan, then a protégé
of the late Maynard Ferguson, and one could easily
hear that influence in the often aggressive attack,
the piercing, sustained high notes and the sense of
happy exuberance in White's playing in tunes such
as "Sweet Georgia Brown" and "Stompin'
at the Savoy."
Former 1970s Maynard Ferguson saxophonist Bobby
Militello has been playing with Dave Brubeck's
band for over 25 years, and was recently featured
in a great article on rocnow.com.
Militello is a force on stage. The burly man has
no shortage of oxygen as he braids long strings of
notes into intricate and unapologetically melodic
solos. He finds the right moments, despite the web
of harmonies underneath, to jump octaves, trill or
splat in such a way that elicits wows from his audiences.
And then he does it on a flute, the most feared auxiliary
instrument for a saxophonist.
Former Maynard Ferguson lead trumpeter (and current
Harry Connick, Jr. lead trumpeter) Roger Ingram
has been providing some fascinating insight into the
recording of the "Live From London" CD on
the Maynard Ferguson Forum, in response to a question
from a fan.
Excerpt:
That particular record was a difficult one to
do. At the time, there was a heat wave occurring in
England. During the entire week we recorded, London
was experiencing triple digit temperatures. Because
of the relatively small size of Ronnie Scott's, the
suboptimal "air conditioning," and the fact
the club was standing room only, in that heat, attempts
to play in tune became VERY challenging (to say the
least.) As I'm sure we all know, in high temperature
environments, brass and reed instruments have a tendency
to play sharp whereas stringed instruments will go
flat: nice combination. ;-) As well, the acoustical
nature of Ronnie's is very "dead." I remember
sitting in Maynard's dressing room and drinking loads
of water with him between sets. Of course, then I
had to visit the men's room a lot. Unfortunately I
couldn't always do that when I wanted to, because
I'd be playing...you know...high A's. ;-)
Four Doc Severinsen Re-Issues
In the Maynard Ferguson Store October 31, 2009
Wounded Bird Records, the same company that has re-issued
more than 10 Maynard Ferguson albums, is in the process
of releasing six previously out-of-print Doc Severinsen
albums on CD. The first four are "Doc,"
"Brass Roots," "Rhapsody For Now!"
and "Night Journey". I know many Maynard
fans out there (like myself) who are also fans of
Doc's music, so I have stocked the first four Doc
re-issues in the Maynard
Ferguson store. You can find them on the Music
Merchandise page, under the "Other CDs of Interest"
heading.
Trumpeter Dan McMillion Releases
"Nice N' Juicy" October 10, 2009
Trumpeter Dan McMillion has paid tribute to Maynard
Ferguson over the years by releasing several albums
full of his music. His latest, "Nice N' Juicy",
features several charts made famous by Maynard's band,
including "MacArthur Park," "Surviving
Soho," "Hey Jude," and "Vita Bella".
AllAboutJazz.com
recently profiled Dan and his new album. "Nice
N' Juicy" can be purchased form the Sea
Breeze Jazz web site.
Former Big Bop Nouveau Trumpeter's
Debut Album Collecting Praise October 10, 2009
Former
MF Trumpet Joey Pero's debut album, "Resonance"
has been collecting critical praise. The Daily News
Online recently interviewed Joey and rounded up much
of the praise he's been receiving in a
recent article.
Joey will be performing two shows as New York supper
club Feinstein's
on October 15 and 16.
You can listen to sound clips and order the album
in the MaynardFerguson.com Merchandise
page.
Alumni Update: Ed Sargent September 27, 2009
Maynard's long time tour manager and friend Ed Sargent
was recently interviewed for an article
in the Tennessee Alumnus. Check it out to see
how Ed became involved in the Maynard Ferguson organization
in the first place, and what he's up to now.
Alumni Update: Tom Garling September 19, 2009
Tom Garling played trombone in Big Bop Nouveau for
six years, and appeared on several of Maynard's Concord
albums. He also composed and arranged several charts
that Maynard recorded. The Macomb Journal recently
published an article
about Tom, as he was preparing to guest with the
Western Illinois University Jazz Studio Orchestra.
"MAYNARD!" by Ralph
Jungheim September 5, 2009
In 1978, Ralph Jungheim sat down with thirty people
(mostly musicians) who knew Maynard Ferguson, and
rolled tape. Ralph's new book, "MAYNARD!",
collects those interviews and gives the reader thirty
different perspectives on Maynard Ferguson the man,
musician, and bandleader.
"MAYNARD!" is a 240 page paperback, and
includes interviews with Charlie Barnet, Shelly Manne,
Bud Shank, Don Ellis, Rufus "Speedy" Jones,
Lanny Morgan, Don Menza, Lew Tabackin, Bob Summers,
Stan Mark, Dennis Noday, Lynn Nicholson, Joe Mosello,
Mike Migliore, Peter Erskine, and more.
Enjoy this slideshow that condenses the classic "M.F.
Horn Two" album to 60 seconds.
Remembering Maynard August 23, 2009
Today marks the three year anniversary of Maynard's
passing. We can reminisce about Maynard by revisiting
the amazing photo
thread on the Maynard Ferguson forum. In the days
following Maynard's death, fans posted hundreds of
their favorite photographs of The Boss in action.
Maynard's Daughter Wilder Still
Collecting Fan Stories August 15, 2009
Not long after Maynard passed, his daughter Wilder
began asking fans for their Maynard stories, with
the intention of turning them into a project. Wilder
is still interested in stories, and has provided the
following update.
Maynard Pianist Jeff Lashway's
CD "Reunion" Now Available August 15, 2009
MF Pianist Jeff Lashway's debut solo CD, "Reunion",
is now available in the Maynard
Ferguson Store. If you saw Maynard Ferguson perform
in the last few years of his life, odds are good that
you saw Jeff Lashway sitting at the piano. Lashway
quickly became a fan favorite, and his appearance
on Maynard's all-star "The One and Only"
CD tells us what Maynard thought of his playing. Reunion
is Jeff's first solo CD, and it features an impressive
collection of sidemen, including former MF tenor sax
player Jeff Rupert. A recent review of this recording
on AllAboutJazz.com
says, "With Reunion, his first CD as leader,
ex-Ferguson pianist Jeff Lashway steps out—and
up—to brilliantly demonstrate that he is an outstanding
jazz pianist, composer and leader deserving of wider
recognition. Accompanied by an all-star line-up, Lashway
and friends deliver ten marvelously entertaining selections.
This reunion is an intelligent, involving jazz swingfest."
Random Act Records is donating 10% of their proceeds
from the sale of this album to the Jazz
Foundation of America. Order
today!
WCSK-FM To Feature Maynard Ferguson
For 10 Days August 15, 2009
Tennessee-based WCSK-FM is continuing their annual
tradition of paying tribute to the music of Maynard
Ferguson. The following announcement was recently
posted
in the Maynard Ferguson Forum:
Maynard Ferguson Tribute Concert
DVD On Sale August 15, 2009
The double-DVD set of the Maynard Ferguson Tribute
Concert (including an hour of rare MF bonus footage)
is temporarily on sale in the Maynard
Ferguson Store.
"Top 5 Scream Trumpet Solos
in Hollywood Films" YouTube Video August 15, 2009
A Maynard Ferguson Forum member has put together
this great compilation of his top 5 "scream trumpet"
solos in major Hollywood films. Take a look to see
where Maynard landed on this list.
I received an email about an upcoming Chase reunion concert and DVD release party that I wanted to share with you all. Former MF trumpeter Larry Foyen is participating, and it's sure to be quite a show!
For many years, the 1967 Maynard album "Trumpet Rhapsody" has been a sleeper favorite among fans. Something about the perfect mixture of killer charts, the best sidemen, great engineering, and hot performances has put this album at the top of the the CD Re-Issue Wish List for years. However, all previous attempts to get this album onto CD have failed. A couple of years ago, I spoke with Wounded Bird Records, the company that has re-issued more than 10 of Maynard's classic Columbia albums. They told me they had tried to re-issue Trumpet Rhapsody but weren't able to pull it off.
Indian spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba passed away on Easter day at age 85. Maynard had a strong interest in Indian culture, and was associated with Sai Baba for many years. Maynard wrote and recorded several charts over the years that fuzed traditional Indian music with American jazz, including "Sweet Baba Suite" on the These Cats Can Swing album that was written as a tribute to Sai Baba.
Attention
all CHASE fans! Members of the jazz-rock group, CHASE,
will be reuniting for a concert to be held in Boston
on Thursday, October 14, 2010. The band will feature
members Alan Ware, Joe Morrissey, Jim Oatts (tpts),
Phil Porter (keyboards), Dennis Johnson (bass), Jay
Burrid and Gary Smith (drums), and GG Shinn (vocals).
Special guest artist will be Sony recording artist
Eric Miyashiro on lead trumpet.
Flamingo
is Italian trumpeter Andrea Tofanelli's latest
CD, featuring exciting big band charts and a heart-felt
tribute to Maynard titled "The Last Legend".
Jim
Manley's new CD is a throwback to the 70's. He says:
Since
Maynard's passing nearly four years ago, Ed has been
working with Joan Jett, helping to make sure her tours
and day to day operations run smoothly. In talking
with Ed over the past few years, I've learned that
while many aspects of the job are very similar to
his work with Maynard, it's a very different scene.
