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 MF alumni and 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.
Maynard Tribute CD by The Loudhorns
Now Available June 28, 2009
The Loudhorns are a Nashville-based jazz-rock band
made up of seven brass instruments (3 trumpets, 1
french horn, 2 trombones, 1 tuba) and a four person
rhythm section (keyboard, guitars, electric bass,
and drums). Their latest CD, "One For Maynard"
features 9 fun and tight arrangements, more than half
of which are Maynard Ferguson covers. Says band leader
Joe Murphy, "Band Directors - This is your
WAKE UP CALL!! Play great CDs in your bandroom. Your
students need to know who Maynard Ferguson is, who
Bill Chase is, who Doc Severinsen is, who Frank Rosolino
is, who Carl Fontana is, who Bill Watrous is, who
Stan Getz is, who Don Menza is, who Howard Johnson
is, etc... And...Teach your kids to move air!! If
you've forgotten what it's like to play loud, just
listen to a Stan Kenton CD." You can order
now in the Maynard Ferguson Store.
Rare MF Interview Provided by
Southern California Radio Station June 28, 2009
Southern California radio station The SPA recently
produced a two hour special on Maynard. The first
hour features some of Maynard's music, and a new interview
with Maynard's final manager, Steve Schankman. Hour
two is a rare interview with Maynard, recorded 22
years ago. Both hours of this special are available
for free download at The
SPA's web site (just look for Maynard's picture).
Limited Copies of Re-Issued
"Uncle Joe Shannon" Soundtrack Available June 2, 2009
In 1978, Maynard teamed up with Bill Conti (composer
of "Gonna Fly Now") to record the soundtrack
to "Uncle Joe Shannon" a film about a jazz
trumpeter who is down on his luck. This soundtrack
has never before been on CD until it was recently
re-released by Intrada as a limited edition 1,000
copy run. Intrada has already sold out, but MaynardFerguson.com
managed to get 50 copies from them before they were
gone. Get
your copy while supplies last! Update on 6/5: This item is sold out
Maynard Marathon on WCSK-FM
90.3 to Commemorate Maynard's Birthday May 1, 2009
Once again, WCSK-FM (of Kingsport Schools in TN)
will feature a Maynard Ferguson music marathon in
honor of what would have been the boss's 81st birthday.
For those of us who don't live within the range of
this station, the station also streams on their
web site. In previous years, many visitors to
this site have tuned in and have been very supportive
of this excellent effort to spread the word about
MF. This year, they plan to feature some extremely
rare Maynard music (see press release below for full
information):
MaynardFerguson.com Now on Twitter April 23, 2009
Now you can follow MaynardFerguson.com on Twitter.
Keep track of Maynard news, along with news about
former Maynard alumni, as well as players of interest
such as Jim Manley, Eric Miyashiroy, Joey Pero, and
more!
New In the Maynard Ferguson
Store: Joey Pero's "Resonance" April 11, 2009
Over
the years, Maynard attracted some extremely talented
musicians to his band. Often, after leaving Maynard's
band, these musicians have gone on to have impressive
careers of their own. One of the fun things about
administering MaynardFerguson.com is that I am often
contacted by former band members when they have a
new project or recording. Recently Joey Pero, a former
trumpet player with Maynard and Big Bop Nouveau, let
me know about his debut album, "Resonance".
I had heard Joey's name come up a few times in the
Maynard Ferguson forum, but I never had the chance
to catch him when he was on Maynard's band, so he
wasn't really on my radar. I received a copy of his
CD with no real expectation of what I was about to
hear.
I didn't know what I was in for. This CD is one of
the most interesting and creative trumpet albums that
I've heard in a long time. Simultaneously modern and
traditional, the album is full of influences ranging
from traditional jazz to hip-hop, rock, pop, classical,
and even some drum corps. I highly recommend heading
over to the Merchandise
page to listen to the sound clips that I've posted.
I think we'll be hearing a lot more from Joey in the
years to come.
New Items in the Maynard Ferguson
Store March 21, 2009
I'm excited to announce that two new items have been
added to the Maynard Ferguson store. The first is
a new Maynard tee shirt called "Maynard Lives".
It's a black tee with a white MF logo over a white
MF photo design. Directly underneath is the slogan
"Maynard Lives". It can be found in the
Maynard Ferguson
Store's clothing page.
A
new CD by Swedish trumpeter Lasse Lindgren is also
available in the Maynard Ferguson Store. The album
is titled "Spirits: Lasse Lindgren Big Constellation
Plays in the Spirit of Maynard Ferguson". I heard
this CD about a month ago, and immediately contacted
Lasse to get copies for the Maynard Ferguson store.
Lasse has managed to very accurately capture the showmanship
and joy that was inherent in Maynard's performances.
This CD was produced by the legendary Ernie Garside,
and Lasse even played one of Maynard's Conn Connstellation
trumpets throughout the session. I have limited quantities
of this CD, and I highly recommend it. You can see
the track listing and hear sound clips on the Maynard
Ferguson Store's music page.
Alumni Update - Tim Ries March 21, 2009
Tim Ries played saxophone for Maynard in the 1980s,
appearing on both the "Live From San Francisco"
and "Body and Soul" albums. Since his time
with Maynard, he has traveled the world with the Rolling
Stones and also pursued some of his own projects.
You can read about Tim in this recent Edmonton Journal
article, "Dreams
come true for Tim Ries".
Kurt Thompson and Boss Nouveau's
Debut Performance: March 20 March 15, 2009
Kurt Thompson, a California trumpet player, has put
together a jazz band that he calls "Boss Nouveau".
The purpose of this band, according to Kurt, is to
pay tribute to many of his trumpet heroes, including
Maynard, Doc Severinsen, Bud Brisbois, and Bill Chase.
You can visit Boss
Nouveau's MySpace page for more information and
sound clips.
Former
Maynard Trumpeter Keith Fiala Releases Book March 15, 2009
Former Big Bop Nouveau trumpeter Keith Fiala has
just released a new book titled "Secrets to Efficient
Brass Playing". Keith is offering this book as
an e-book directly from his web site, http://www.brassplayersolution.com,
which makes it available for immediate download after
purchase.
Keith's book was recently given some glowing reviews
from some regular members of the Maynard
Ferguson Forum, which is no easy audience. New
York trumpet Nick Mondello writes, "While Fiala's
terrific contribution here is not about secrets -
there is nothing radical or revolutionary - but rather
he provides a very well-presented emphasis on using
one's common sense to get the most out of our trumpeting
selves. (Somehow it seems that when we were lining
up to play the horn, we all went to the trumpeter's
line, forsaking the common sense line!) His easy going,
me-you verbal style gives one the impression that
you're in a casual hang with him in the shed room.
He knows his stuff. The "Chop Doc," Jeanne
Pocius is also a Master (Mistress?) of this gift,
as is Bobby Shew and Clint "Pops" McLaughlin,
who Fiala credits admirably."
Former
Maynard Saxophonist Mike Dubaniewicz Releases New
CD February 12, 2009
Former Maynard Ferguson and Big Bop Nouveau saxophonist
Mike Dubaniewicz has just released his new CD entitled
"Drive Time". Maynard fans will remember
Mike's playing from Maynard's "The
One and Only Maynard Ferguson" CD as well
as the "Maynard
Ferguson Tribute Concert" DVD recorded shortly
after Maynard's death. According to Mike's press release,
"This project features Mike on a diverse selection
of tunes ranging from straight ahead jazz to afro-Cuban
to soul. Admirers of the Hammond B3 will enjoy the
driving organ playing of Ron Oswanski (MF, BS&T)
who grooves with the best of them on this session.
On drums is Vince Ector who is no stranger to funky
organ units having played with Charles Earland, as
well as Bobby Watson and Freddie Hubbard."
The album, which includes "I Can't Get Started"
as a tribute to Maynard, has already received a 4
star review from Audiophile
Audition. You can listen to sound clips and buy
the new CD at Mike's web site, http://www.mdsax.net
(one of the better musician web sites I've seen).
Track listing:
Hubtones
Along Came Betty
I Can't Get Started
20-20-11
Woman Across the River
Just Friends
Wee
Red Snapper
Gigue
Moontrane
Drive Time
Former
Maynard Trombonist/Musical Director on SNL Tonight January 31, 2009
Former Maynard Ferguson and Big Bop Nouveau trombonist
Reggie Watkins is on tour with rock/pop artist Jason
Mraz (probably best known for his song Remedy).
Tonight, Mraz is the musical guest on Saturday Night
Live. If you saw Maynard play during his last 6 or
7 years of touring, there's a good chance that you
saw Reggie perform. In addition to playing, Reggie
was also the band's musical director also did some
arranging. His arrangement of Girl From Ipanema
appeared on the MF
Horn 6: Live at Ronnie's album.
Former
Maynard Trumpeter Peter Olstad Endorses New Trumpet January 4, 2009
Former Big Bop Nouveau trumpeter Peter Olstad (who
played in Big Bop Nouveau with Wayne Bergeron and
Roger Ingram...what a line-up!) is endorsing a new
trumpet that will be available early this year. The
manufacturer is P. Mauriat, and they have released
the following statement:
The P. Mauriat company is coming out with a line
of trumpets. Their first endorser is Maynard alumni
Peter Olstad. This company has been making fine saxophones
for a few years and is debuting it's trumpet line
at the NAMM show January, 2009.
Jazz and lead trumpet player Peter Olstad has
toured and performed with the bands of Maynard Ferguson,
Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Blood Sweat and Tears, Mel
Torme, and Brian Setzer. In 1999, Peter was hired
by Tom Jones and played lead trumpet for 9 years,
touring 35 weeks a year for that period of time. From
Carnige Hall to Royal Albert hall; the Hollywood Bowl
to Wembley Stadium, he has played them all.
Born in Burbank California and later moving to
Evergreen Colorado , Peter attended Berklee College
of music in Boston and the University of Northern
Colorado in Greeley . While in college, Peter received
the Downbeat magazine's best jazz soloist college
division 3 years in a row, and later went on to become
one of the five finalists in the Thelonious Monk Institute's
Louis Armstrong jazz trumpet competition in Washington
D.C.
Settling back in the Los Angles area after college,
Peter spent the next 15 years as a freelance trumpet
player and later relocated to New York for another
10 years before settling back in Denver Colorado where
he now resides.
Mr. Olstad himself has this to say:
"...I am debuting horn at the NAMM show in
January. A note about the horn:
In the 30 or so years that I have been a working
trumpet player, I have either owned or played just
about every trumpet out there on the market. My search
was to find one horn to do all of my work on.
Guess what? The search is over. I have found what
I was looking for in the P. Mauriat trumpet. I was
knocked out by how great the sound was from the first
note I played. Also I was impressed by how well in
tune the horn played and the ease and stability of
the upper register. This is a great trumpet.
In fact I feel that it will become the "new
standard" on which other companies in the future
will gauge their own horns by. "
Arturo Sandoval Plays National
Anthem at Orange Bowl January 4, 2009
Grammy winning trumpeter Arturo Sandoval played the
Star Spangled Banner at the Orange Bowl this year,
helping to raise the profile of trumpet playing again
on a national stage. It's a very impressive rendition,
and I think it would have made Maynard smile.
Jim Manley's "Eight"
Receives Glowing Review from AllAboutJazz.com January 3, 2009
High-note trumpeting is rarified air. Many are
called to scream and fly, but few are indeed chosen.
They are the ones having the chops and musicianship
to make the altissimo bravissimo. Manley marvelously
proves he can indeed do it "up there" and
"out there"—as a musician first and
foremost and monster lead and scream trumpeter. This
album is a gem of trumpet scream skills, great jazz
improvisations, tight ensemble playing, and terrific
musicianship.
Lynn Nicholson was a popular trumpeter in Maynard's
band of the mid 1970s. The DVD "At The Top"
shows Maynard bringing Lynn down to the front of the
stage to show off his chops. Now, Lynn has a web site
that features a personal gallery of Maynard photos,
along with some beautiful photography available for
purchase. Visit Lynn's site at http://www.isasitis.com.
Jim
Manley's New CD Available in MF Store December 8, 2008
St. Louis trumpeter Jim Manley has a new CD, and
it's fantastic. Inspired by Maynard's style and endorsed
by Maynard's friend and tour manager, Ed Sargent,
"Eight" swings from beginning to end. Visit
the Maynard
Ferguson Store for sound clips and track listing.
From the liner notes: "I also love Maynard Ferguson's
LP's from the 60's and wanted to capture the excitement
of his bands in that era which prominently featured
his sidemen and fantastic arrangers - all of which
we have here."
Maynard Ferguson Tribute Band
Forming in California Bay Area November 28, 2008
Bay area trumpeter Kurt
Thompson is currently rehearsing a Maynard Ferguson
tribute band. They are hoping to be ready to perform
in February of 2009. Says Kurt: "This is not
a band about lead trumpet players tastelessly belting
out Maynard charts, but rather, coming as close as
possible to the sounds and styles of Maynard. His
antics, movements, etc...are also being inserted in
the performance. We are trying to present a broad
history of his songs starting with Maynard Ferguson
by Shorty Rogers, Tenderly, of course Give it One,
Birdland, etc.....We will close our shows with BLUE
BIRDLAND....just like Maynard did."
MaynardFerguson.com will post details of scheduled
performances when they become available. To receive
updates, make sure that you are on our mailing
list.
Maynard Ferguson Alumni Update November 28, 2008
Ken Robinson Ken
Robinson was a trumpet player in one of the last incarnations
of Big Bop Nouveau. Ken has just released a beautiful
new classical CD titled "Let The Trumpet Sound"
featuring himself on trumpet and Dave Wagner on organ.
The entire CD is impressive, but what really makes
this CD special is the last track, titled "Farewell
Maynard". This is a touching tribute to Maynard,
based on the melody "Caruso", arranged for
eight trumpets, two trombones, and organ. Ken didn't
stop there. He recruited some trumpet heavyweights
to play on this track. The eight trumpets in this
recording are: Ken Robinson, Walter White, Adolph
"Bud" Herseth, Charles Schlueter, Patrick
Hession, Arturo Sandoval, Brian Moon, and John
Davidson. To me, this track perfectly captures
both the romanticism and wild abandon of Maynard's
approach to music. Listen
to a clip of this tribute track, and then buy
the album in the Maynard Ferguson store.
Wayne Bergeron
Trumpeter Wayne Bergeron has made quite a name for
himself in the years since he played with Maynard,
even garnering a Grammy nomination for his first solo
album. This Christmas season, Wayne appears on new
CD by the After Hours Brass titled "Music and
Mistletoe". You can listen to sound clips and
order at the After
Hour Brass web site.
New Don Ellis DVD (featuring
Maynard) Released Today November 28, 2008
"Electric Heart", the new Don Ellis DVD
from Sleepy Night Records is released today. You might
remember from my previous story that this DVD features
over 150 minutes of special features and an interview
with Maynard himself. The DVD can be ordered at Sleepy
Night Records. [screen
caps]
Maynard Ferguson Store Prices
Slashed November 28, 2008
Maynard Featured on Upcoming
Don Ellis DVD November 1, 2008
Sleepy Night Records, who brought us the two Maynard
Ferguson "Lost Tapes" CDs, are releasing
a Don Ellis DVD thatfeatures an interview with Maynard.
This DVD is coming on November 28 and can be pre-ordered
at http://www.sleepynightrecords.com/shop.php.
From Sleepy Night Records:
"We are now taking pre-orders for the Don Ellis
DVD "Electric Heart", the award winning
documentary by John Vizzusi about the life and music
of this great musician. Many of his band and friends
are interviewed in this DVD along with the great Maynard
Ferguson who, as always, had some great things to
say about his involvement with Don over the years.
The special features are massive: over 150 minutes
containing "Extra Ellis," more unseen footage
and interviews, "The Reunion Concert" and
rehearsal at the Whisky a Go Go in 2005, and a special
audio track recorded as a tribute to Don and his Mum
and Dad by friend and trumpet player Gary Gillies
of Sleepy Night Records.
Don Ellis was a jazz trumpeter, drummer, bandleader,
recording artist, arranger and composer ( The French
Connection is one of his best scores). Born in Los
Angeles on July 25, 1934, he died of a heart attack
at his home in North Hollywood on December 17, 1978.
Don Ellis is perhaps best known for his unusual and
complex meters. He often used 9/4, 5/8, 7/8, 9/8,
and 19/4 time signatures, he also worked in quarter-tone
melodic structures and had his own 4 valve quarter
tone trumpet. In later years, he played a "superbone,"
a combination valve/slide trombone also the "Firebird
Trumpet", slide trumpet both instruments designed
by Maynard Ferguson.
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 MF alumni and 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.
Former
Maynard Trumpeter Peter Olstad Endorses New Trumpet
