"Maynard Ferguson: The Lost Tapes
- Volume Two" Now Available for Pre-Order from Sleepy
Night Records May 23, 2008
Sleepy Night Records, the company that brought us the World
of MF DVD and the first Lost Tapes CD, is now taking pre-orders
for "The Lost Tapes, Volume Two" CD, releasing June
9, 2008. Until midnight of June 9 (UK time), a special rate
of $19.99 plus shipping will be offered. The cover art is
revealed below.
Second Video of 80th Birthday Tribute
Concert Rehearsal May 23, 2008
Bob Gould has but together another great video of the rehearsal
from the 80th Birthday concert in May 2008.
Short Video of 80th Birthday Tribute
Concert Rehearsal May 9, 2008
Maynard fan Bob Gould shot some great video and still photos
of the Maynard Ferguson Alumni Band's 80th Birthday Tribute
Concert rehearsal on Saturday, May 3. He edited together some
of the video and still shots to make this compilation.
University of Illinois Summer Jazz Festival
to Feature Maynard Ferguson Music May 8, 2008
The University of Illinois Summer Jazz Festival (located
on the University of Illinois campus in Urbana, IL) will feature
Maynard Ferguson music on two consecutive nights. They're
gathering an impressive lineup of MF alumni including Denis
DiBlasio, Walter White, Jim Rupp, Tom Garling, Chip Stephens,
and Chip McNeill. An evening of Big Bop Nouveau music is planned,
along with an evening of MF hits. More details can be found
on the concerts page.
Ferguson Family Selling the "Maynard
Ferguson Collection" May 7, 2008
The Ferguson family is looking for a buyer interested in
purchasing the Ferguson Collection. This includes horns, mouthpieces,
MF's music library, clothing, books, awards, and more. You
can view this incredible collection at themaynardfergusoncollection.com.
WCSK Radio Planning 10-Hour MF Marathon April 25, 2008
WCSK, based in Kingsport, TN is celebrating what would've
been Maynard's 80th Birthday (May 4) by giving him a 10-hour
tribute on the following day, May 5. If you live in the area,
you can tune in, or anyone in the world can listen online.
Their message:
90.3 FM WCSK Radio in Kingsport, TN will recognize Maynard
Ferguson’s 80th birthday with a “Boss’ Day
10-hour tribute”. This Maynard Ferguson special will
take place Monday, May 5th, beginning at 5:00am (EDT) and
will continue through 3:00pm. Special thanks to Pete Lodal
for supplying his extensive Maynard Ferguson collection. WCSK
RADIO is owned and operated by the Kingsport, TN City School
system and can be heard on 90.3 FM throughout the Kingsport,
TN area. For those outside the listening area, you can listen
online: http://kcs.k12k.com/index.pl?id=4159&isa=Category&op=show
For those of you who tried to tune into WCSK last August
during our 24 hour Maynard Marathon but could not, we have
upgraded our software, and can now be heard though most corporate
firewalls. Try us out again. If you have any questions contact
Jeff Hall, WCSK station manager, at 423-378-2111, or e-mail
to jhall@k12k.com.
It’s the Boss’s day! Let's celebrate!
Alumni Updates April 25, 2008
Jeff Lashway, former MF pianist (and one of MF's favorites)
recently wrote: New Album...errr....I mean CD!
Yeah, I know...I'm hopelessly out of date. I STILL think "album"
sounds cooler than "CD".
Anyway....we're in the later stages of doing a recording
that's been in the planning stages since the summer of 06.
In January of '07 I did some things at Stark Lake Recording
in Orlando, Florida. The people involved in that session included
Richard Drexler on bass, John Jenkins, drums, MF alum Jeff
Rupert, tenor, and John Allred on trombone. (is Allred the
finest player today? I sure couldn't argue the point.) Jeff
Rupert sounds just marvelous on "Quintessence" and
the whole quartet cooks on "One By One". John and
I did several piano/bone duos that will make it onto the album.
There will also be a couple of solo piano things.
Skip to late March of this year and we finally did the second
session...this time at Manfred Knoops GREAT studio in Jersey....it's
really one of the HOT studios for jazz recording now. He has
a WONDERFUL Hamburg Steinway that just SINGS...a great instrument!
For this session I wrote a couple of tunes as well as did
some arrangements for 3 horns and rhythm. Pulling from the
awesome NYC pool of players, the session features Frank Basile
on Bari (Vanguard Band...Michael Buble), John Allred once
again...and Jim Rotondi (One for All, Eric Alexander) on trumpet...what
a great player! The rhythm session includes Todd Coolman on
bass (Marion McPartland, James Moody) and, of course, the
truly astonishing Vinnie Colaiuta (virtually EVERYONE) on
drums. I played with Vinnie years ago and it was just a total
BLAST to have this musical (and otherwise) reunion. It's no
wonder he's commonly considered the finest drummer today.
His fans will LOVE this album....they will hear him in settings
he seldom gets to play in. Highlights of this session include
my Afro Cuban arrangement of Sonny Rollin's "Airegin"
and a great original by Producer Scott Elias called "SweetBop".
Finally, next week we conclude recording in Nashville with
singer Jimmy Hall. Jimmy has been the MD for Hank Williams
for some time now and was the voice of Wet Willie. He has
a wonderful "Blue Eyed Soul" kind of thing going
on that will be great on the things we have planned. We have
a swinging arrangement of "Down Here on the Ground"
for him......as well as a kind of suite of music having to
do with New Orleans (where I lived for 5 years and still consider
my second home).
Then it's back to Orlando for mixing/mastering, etc. It's
been a very exciting project and I am anxious to hear the
finished product. I think it's going to be good...real good
(and I'm not usually one to say that!).
I'll update progress as we go along. The albu....err......CD....should
be out later this summer!
Thanks for reading....talk to y'all later!
Jeff
Alumni Updates April 10, 2008
Reggie Watkins, Denis Diblasio, Jeff Lashway, Dave Throckmorton,
Matt Parker Several former Maynard band members will be playing in
Philadelphia on Thursday, April 24. Click the image below
for details.
MF 80th Birthday Tribute Concert Just
Around the Corner April 9, 2008
We're less than a month away from the Maynard Ferguson 80th
Birthday Tribute Concert! May 4, 2008, would've been Maynard's
80th birthday, and Steve Schankman (Maynard's former manager)
and Ed Sargent (Maynard's former tour manager) are working
hard to produce an exciting concert that will feature 19 of
Maynard's alumni. This concert is intended to be a celebration
of Maynard's music, and of the joyful way that he lived his
life.
Performer's include:
Eric Miyashiro (trumpet, from Tokyo)
Walter White (trumpet, from New York)
Frank Greene (trumpet)
Jon Owens (trumpet)
Scott Engelbright (trumpet)
Thomas Marriott (trumpet)
Reggie Watkins (trombone)
Joe Barati (trombone)
Keith Oshiro (trombone)
Steve Wiest (trombone - and recent Grammy nominee!)
Chip McNeill (sax)
Denis DiBlasio (sax)
Matt Wallace (sax)
Mike Dubaniewicz (sax)
Tim Ries (sax)
Chip Stephens (piano)
Brian Stahurski (bass)
Dave Throckmorton (drums)
The show will take place in the beautiful Touhill Performing
Arts Center in St. Louis, Missouri (the same location where
the Maynard Ferguson Tribute Concert DVD was filmed), and
could be our last chance to celebrate Maynard on this kind
of scale. Buy
your tickets now!
Alumni Updates March 13, 2008
Steve Wiest, Keith Fiala Both Steve Wiest (trombone) and Keith Fiala (trumpet)
will be performing as part of the Temple College Jazz Festival
later this month in Temple, Texas. Wiest will be performing
with the Temple College Jazz Ensemble on Friday, March 28.
Fiala will be playing lead with the Temple Jazz Orchestra,
on Saturday, March 29, featuring special guest Gordon Goodwin.
Details
here.
Alumni Updates March 11, 2008
Steve Wiest, Stockton Helbing, Brian Mulholland and Ken
Edwards Wiest (trombone), Helbing (drums), Mulholland (bass),
and Edwards (trumpet), all Maynard alumni, will be performing
at the Waseca Jazz Festival in Waseca, MN, this Saturday (March
15). Also, they will be putting on a clinic on Saturday that
is free and open to the public. Details
are available here.
Alumni Updates March 9, 2008
Gregg Bissonette Bissonette (who played drums with Maynard in the 1980s)
will be performing at West Michigan's 10th annual Free Fun
with Drums Concert/Clinic in Muskegon, Michigan, on March
14. Details can be found at the Grand
Haven Tribune's web site.
Denis DiBlasio Denis DiBlasio (who played sax with Maynard in the 1980s
and beyond) will be performing at the Paramount Theatre in
St. Cloud, Minnesota as part of their Hepcat Junction show
on March 13. Details can be found at the Paramount
Theatre's web site.
Reggie Watkins Reggie Watkins (who played trombone with Maynard in some
of the final incarnations of Big Bop Nouveau, and also acted
as Maynard's musical director) has been working with Pittsburgh's
Boogie Hustlers band. Details can be found at the Showcase
web site.
Ferguson 80th birthday celebration concert
May 4, 2008 March 7, 2008
From Contemporary Productions:
On Sunday, May 4, we will celebrate what would have been
Maynard Ferguson's 80th birthday (born on May 4, 1928).
Steve Schankman, producer and personal manager of Maynard
Ferguson, along with Ed Sargent, Maynard's Tour Manager, will
produce an exciting concert featuring 19 of Maynard's alumni.
Schankman and Sargent also produced the tribute concert after
Maynard's passing on August 23, 2006.
The show will open with a special video being created just
for this event, followed by the alumni orchestra performing
songs of the boss's favorites including Take the A Train,
Stella by Starlight, St. Thomas and the hits including the
theme from Rocky (Gonna Fly Now) and Birdland.
A feature of the second half of the show will open with the
Big Bop Nouveau Band, Maynard's last group, performing selections
from The One and Only, Maynard's lasting recording.
Featured soloists on trumpet will include, from Tokyo, Japan,
Eric Miyashiro and Walter White from New York City. Also in
the group line up will be Reggie Watkins on trombone, Chip
McNeill and Denis DiBlasio on saxes, Grammy nominee Steve
Wiest on trombone, Tim Ries from the Rolling Stones on sax
and a rhythm section comprised of Chip Stephens on piano,
Brian Stahurski on bass and Dave Throckmorton on drums.
Matt Keller, host of the MaynardFerguson.com website will
share the MC duties for the program.
This will be a can't miss concert for anyone who's life was
touched by Jazz legend Maynard Ferguson.
StarsTeachMusic, in association with Contemporary Productions,
has assembled 5 online videos by the great trumpeter Maynard
Ferguson in one attractively priced video package that includes
Maynard's insights on Improvisation, Style, Performance Philosophy,
Vibrato, Pressure, Energy and Stamina. Also included is Maynard's
recollections on his encounters with Miles Davis. Entertaining,
informative and produced in a conversational style, these
videos provide a rare look in to one of the great innovators
of the trumpet.
February's Featured Maynard Ferguson
Store Item: New Vintage Stickers February 10, 2008
This month's featured Maynard Ferguson Store item is the
promotional "New
Vintage" sticker seen below. These are not reproductions,
but are originals from the 1970s that were discovered in Maynard's
home office after his passing. Some may show slight signs
of age, but are still in good condition and make a great Maynard
Ferguson collectable. More details can be found in the Maynard
Ferguson Store.
Sleepy Night Records Announces "Lost
Tapes" Winner September 3, 2007
Sleepy Night Records, publishers of the upcoming "Maynard
Ferguson: The Lost Tapes" CD, have announced that Kirsten
Byrd of Coatesville, Pennsylvania is the winner of a special
package of MF goodies, donated by Ernie Garside. If you haven't
ordered yet, I'd
encourage you to do so before the September 10th release
date.
Diane Schuur and Maynard Ferguson DVD
Now Available August 28, 2007
The Maynard Ferguson Online Store is now carrying the "Live
From Seattle - Diane Schuur with Maynard Ferguson and his
Big Bop Nouveau Band Live From the King Cat Theater"
DVD. Visit the Online
Store for details.
One Year Ago August 22, 2007
Tomorrow, August 23, marks the one year anniversary of Maynard's
death. Maynard may be gone but he is far from forgotten. Maynard's
long time friend and tour manager, Ed Sargent, posted a beautiful
note in the Maynard
Ferguson Forum today, expressing his feelings one year
after losing his best friend. An excerpt follows:
"It is still, even after 364 days, hard to believe
the person who touched so many lives is not with us. I often
sit and think about the many, many years together with overwhelming
joy. The experience with him and the multitude of band members
that came into my life is and always will be treasured beyond
compare. For this I am truly grateful and humbly blessed."
I read on an earlier thread about your most memorable
Maynard moment and I literally laughed out loud as to where
to begin. Maynard always loved to sit or stand by the window
and look out over the city, whatever city... read
the entire entry
In the days immediately following Maynard's passing, fans
from all over the world grieved together and posted
some of their favorite photos on the Maynard Ferguson
Forum. These photos were a testament to how gracious and generous
Maynard was with his own time, and a reminder that Maynard
was not just an amazing musician, but a beautiful human being
as well.
We still miss you, Boss.
Late Music Legend Maynard Ferguson's
Contributions Live On… August 22, 2007
The following is a statement from Contemporary Productions:
ST. LOUIS - August 22, 2007 -- One year ago tomorrow,
Thursday, August 23rd, the world lost one of the great legends,
Maynard Ferguson - a jazz trumpeter, bandleader and music
educator. Today, Ferguson's life long legendary status lives
on in many ways through more than 60+ albums, protégés
and alumni band members. Contemporary Productions and the
Maynard Ferguson Trust celebrate his life with his final CD,
The One and Only Maynard
Ferguson and a DVD
set that includes The Maynard Ferguson Tribute Concert
(recorded September 20, 2006 in St. Louis with an orchestra
of 30+ alumni band members) as well as 60 minutes of bonus
footage from years past.
The One and Only Maynard Ferguson
Ferguson, affectionately known as "The Boss," worked
with hundreds of musicians worldwide throughout his more than
six decades in the business. For this CD, he enlisted the
musical and composition talents of notable and famous alumni
including Wayne Bergeron, Denis DiBlasio, Chip McNeill, and
Steve Wiest as well as many of his Big Bop Nouveau Band members.
These talented individuals are just a handful of featured
musicians on The One and Only Maynard Ferguson CD.
This recording contains nine tracks -- five are new takes
on old favorites including "The Days of Wine and Roses"
and "Besame Mucho," where fans will enjoy a dueling
trumpet duet between Ferguson and Wayne Bergeron. Other tunes
include three original compositions by Denis DiBlasio, and
an all new composition by pianist and Ferguson's son-in-law,
Christian Jacob titled "Lost Horizons" featuring
the flugelhorn played beautifully by Ferguson.
Ferguson passed away just three weeks after The One and
Only Maynard Ferguson was recorded. What was intended
to be just one of many albums recorded, this particular one
has evolved into Ferguson's legacy piece. The One and Only
Maynard Ferguson is sure to secure Ferguson's deserved
standing as a legend in the history of American Jazz.
The One and Only Maynard Ferguson has recently received
great reviews from JazzTimes
(September 2007) and 4-star accolades from DownBeat
Magazine (September 2007).
The Maynard Ferguson Tribute Concert DVD
Ferguson touched the lives of musicians around the world in
a way that cannot be explained, but celebrated. Trumpet player,
friend and personal manager, Steve Schankman worked with the
Maynard's family and alumni musicians to develop a one of
a kind Tribute - a true labor of love and celebration of Maynard's
life as one of the greats in jazz history. Held September
20, 2006 at the University of Missouri-St. Louis' Blanche
M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, this Tribute Concert brought
together more than 30 alumni artists from Maynard's fifty
plus years of entertaining audiences around the world. In
a manner of words, the Tribute was the ultimate symphony dedicated
to a man they called "The Boss". His dedication
to education and his pure love of sound made Maynard the kind
of performer these musicians strive to be today. He is a beloved
hero, entertainer, bandleader, mentor and friend whose legend
will live on in every trumpet note.
In addition to the Tribute Concert, this DVD set also includes
more than an hour of bonus footage excerpts, many of which
have never before been seen, from performances all over the
world. Recorded between 1950-2006, these excerpts demonstrate
Maynard's trumpet artistry and trademark exuberance as a world
renowned bandleader.
The One and Only Maynard Ferguson (retail price $20)
and The Maynard Ferguson Tribute DVD (retail $49.99) are both
available online at www.maynardferguson.com.
Maynard Ferguson Background
Walter Maynard Ferguson, born May 4, 1928, in Montreal, started
his career at age 13 when he performed as a featured soloist
with the Canadian Broadcasting Company Orchestra. He opened
for some of the great Big Band Leaders of the 1940s including
Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie and Harry James,
and then went on to play with Charlie Barnett, Jimmy Dorsey
and Stan Kenton. In 1945 at age 17, Ferguson became the leader
of his own Big Band. The 78 year-old musical phenomenon went
on to record more than 60 albums, receiving numerous honors
and awards including the GRAMMY® nomination for "Gonna
Fly Now" otherwise known as the theme from the movie
Rocky. In 2005, Ferguson was awarded Canada's highest civilian
honor, the "Order of Canada" from the Right Honorable
Governor General Adrienne Clarkson. Additionally, Ferguson
has been the recipient of DownBeat Magazine's prestigious
"DownBeat" award.
"The Boss" had performed for packed houses for
decades. In his final days, he and the Big Bop Nouveau Band
were touring the United States, recording what we now know
as The One and Only Maynard Ferguson and preparation
for a fall 2006 tour in Tokyo.
Maynard Ferguson was passionate about his music, his fans
and his family. An inspiration both onstage and off, Ferguson's
life was full of high notes. His dedication to his craft was
unparalleled and his vibrant presence on stage was legendary.
Maynard Ferguson will be greatly missed.
MEDIA NOTE: For media interested in interviews, Ferguson's
Personal Manager Steve Schankman and Tour Manager Ed Sargent
are available for phone interviews upon request. High Resolution
Images and promotional copies (limited availability) can be
requested as well. All media inquiries should go to Kelly
McMahon, 314.721.9090 ext. 335 (office) or via email at kmcmahon@contemporaryproductions.com.
Tennessee Radio Station to Play 24 Hours
of Maynard August 22, 2007
On Thursday, August 23, WCSK-FM 90.3, the voice of the Kingsport
(Tennessee) City Schools, will be hosting "A Maynard
Marathon."You can listen
online here.
"A Message From Birdland"
Now Available on CD August 22, 2007
A
Message from Birdland,
Maynard's classic live album recorded in June of 1959 (Maynard
was 31!) has just been reissued by Blue Note Records. This
amazing album is available at Amazon.com.
Alumni Update: Ray Brinker August 21, 2007
Ray Brinker played drums with Maynard. After Maynard passed,
Ray sold Maynard's Cadillac and recently sent Maynard's daughters
the following message. They sent the message to me, wanting
to share Ray's news.
"Hello Fergusons!
I'm proud to announce my creation and funding of the "Maynard
Ferguson Memorial Drumset Scholarship" at the University
of North Texas, where, as you know, Maynard often recruited
his drummers (fortunately for me!).
This seemed like the most fitting way for me to invest
my $500 profit from the MF Cadillac auction on eBay. This
$500 scholarship will financially assist a selected Jazz Studies
Drumset major at UNT. I'm hoping to continue to fund this
scholarship yearly. It allows me to both honor Maynard and
give back to the school that was a profound influence upon
my career.
Take care,
Ray Brinker"
Only a Couple of Days Left to Order
"The Lost Tapes" at a Discount! August 21, 2007
Maynard Ferguson Store 1 Year Anniversary
Sale August 12, 2007
This week marks the 1-year Anniversary of the Maynard Ferguson
Online Store. The web store has allowed us to experiment and
offer new and unique Maynard Ferguson merchandise over this
past year. In appreciation of your continued support, we are
offering big savings for a limited time in the MF Store. Some
of our apparel prices have been slashed by 40%, and some accessory
items are now BOGO (buy one, get one free). You can browse
the online store to find these sale items, or you can
visit our Sale Items section.
Down Beat Magazine
Gives "The One and Only Maynard Ferguson" a 4-Star
Review August 9, 2007
Probably no trumpeter played as high - for as long - as Maynard
Ferguson. His career as a leather-lipped, steel-lunged phenom
lasted more than 60 years. This album, a sort of valediction,
was recorded approximately a month before his death in August
2006. On this disc Ferguson plays with much of the same force
and clarity that had been his standard for decades. He could
always be counted on for the "money shot," and even
though it took on the cachet of shtick long ago, Ferguson's
audience came to expect it. He seemed happy to deliver.
The arrangements are punchy yet predictable. They set up
Ferguson's inevitable solo. When not forte, the charts are
often fortissimo. Ferguson always surrounded himself with
hot, younger players, with this lineup no exception. Trombonist
Steve Wiest plays sharp-as-a-knife on "Ain't No Sunshine
When She's Gone." Trumpeter Wayne Bergeron receives the
ultimate compliment in the stratospheric duet with Ferguson
on "Besame Mucho," on which it's hard to tell who
basks in the shadow of whom.
The few reflective moments, like the lovely ballad "Vitta
Bella," serve as brief oases of calm in the otherwise
turbulent maelstrom. Even on "Darn that Dream,"
though, Ferguson's lines inevitably arc upward to a high-note
climax. His vibrato, in the form of a shake of the last held
note, has the feeling of electrical current spewing forth
from a severed high power cable. Ferguson ends his solo on
"Lost Horizons" by glissing upward into the clouds.
He didn't go gently into that good night. He went kicking
and screaming. -Kirk Silsbee
Alumni Update: Lynn Nicholson August 9, 2007
Many fans of Maynard's work in the 1970s will remember Lynn
Nicholson, the young trumpet player with the huge sound. In
his typical generous style, Maynard would frequently feature
Lynn by letting him come down front and playing Maynard's
part. Lynn has been living in Las Vegas for many years, and
has recently started offering private trumpet lessons. He
can be reached at lnicholson@earthlink.net
for more information.
William Severin Thompson, a Maynard fan and self-described
"comeback player" (back on the horn after 20 years
of not playing) recently met with Lynn for a few sessions.
He had this to say:
"I've taken lessons with Lynn, and have seen some remarkable
improvements in my playing... including quadrupling my endurance
with one simple change that took one weekend to adjust to.
While Lynn has the chops of a screamer, he is aligned with
the spirit of Maynard Ferguson in many ways that you'll find
quite remarkable. Add to that the analytical mind of an engineer,
and you'll get a trumpet teacher that can take you to where
you've been searching in your quest to become the lead/screamer
player you've always wanted to be.
Lynn's methods can be considered contrarian to some, but
they are a result of Lynn figuring out a number of things
about the way Maynard accomplished his unbelievable range
and power. He can teach that to you.
Obviously, face to face lessons at Lynn's home in Las Vegas
are the ideal, and if possible, I urge you to pursue this
route. But, if that's not possible, Lynn and I, along with
a few of his other students have proven that lessons with
a web cam are also possible and effective. So for many, this
might be a very cost effective solution."
-William Severin Thompson
New CD of MF Rarities! July 26, 2007
This just in...a brand new CD of never-before-heard Maynard
recordings is being released by Sleepy Night Records in England.
The CD, titled "Maynard Ferguson, The Lost Tapes Volume
One", releases on September 10th, but Sleepy Night Records
is offering a discount to all www.maynardferguson.com readers
if they order
before August 24. Sound
clips are available here. Needless to say, I'll be picking
this one up. Below is the cover of this new CD, and below
that is the information I was sent.
Maynard Ferguson The Lost Tapes Vol. 1. Live recordings, new
versions, never before issued!
This series of recordings are from the private collection
of Maynard's long time Manager/Trumpeter/Friend, Ernie Garside
who was responsible back in 1967 in "kick starting"
Maynard's career, getting him a British band to front, a record
deal, tours, and much more!
These tapes were recorded by Ernie, some live at Ernie's Jazz
Club 43, some were demos and lay in an old trunk at Ernie's
house since the early 1970s. Most of them were on old reel
to reel tapes, some in good condition some not, with drop
out and tape degradation etc, but on listening to these great
tracks it was worth all the effort to clean them up as much
as possible without losing site of the music and get them
out on CD as they contain great performances! Not only that,
a 16-page booklet with never before seen photos!
This is the first volume and it's up to the fans out there
to make this a success for Ernie's benefit as he has given
so much over the years with Maynard. If this CD is successful
we have more amazing material for CD issues Vol 2 and 3.
Ernie has licensed them to "Sleepy Night Records"
to be released in the UK on September the 10th although we
have a special limited pre-order deal for the Maynard Ferguson
web site, $16+p&p. Also all pre-orders that we take will
go into a draw and one winner will receive a personal package
from Ernie's own private collection of MF memorabilia, original
programs, photos, publicity material and a bonus CD with a
track that will not be released in this series of CDs.
"These recordings are part of a historical musical document
and show just what a marvelous musician Maynard was and contain
fabulous trumpet playing throughout!
I have some great memories of my time with this amazing musician
and friend and I have written my memories down in the 16 page
CD booklet about the recordings of each track
On all these CDs you will hear Maynard as you remember him,
fantastic sound, amazing technique, and always swinging!"
Ernie Garside July 2007.
The One And Only Maynard Ferguson
Garners Praise from Critics July 26, 2007
Maynard's final recording, The One And Only Maynard Ferguson,
has been catching the notice of critics lately. Three
positive reviews have popped up in recent days:
Jazzreview.com
"...Maynard lives! He lives on through our memories
and his music, including this wonderful final recording,The
One and Only Maynard Ferguson...."
Allaboutjazz.com
"...trumpeter Maynard Ferguson led Big Bop Nouveau
and a handful of the group’s notable alumni into a
studio in Englewood, NJ, to record what is arguably his
finest album in years..."
Allaboutjazz.com
"...Longtime fans and those hearing him for the first
time will not be disappointed with The One and Only Maynard
Ferguson. It’s classic jazz for the modern day..."
"The Ballad Style of Maynard Ferguson"
Gets Domestic Release July 17, 2007
Today marks the domestic reissue of the legendary "Ballad
Styles of Maynard Ferguson" album. Wounded Bird Records,
who have reissued several Maynard albums in the past couple
of years, is responsible for this one as well. You can find
it at Amazon.com.
The Maynard Ferguson Tribute Concert
DVD Pleases Fans June 21, 2007
Following is a selection of quotes from forum members:
"Being wide screen and so clear, you can really see
a lot of what's going on with everyone in the band, their
facial expressions and all. Some are happy and yelling "Nice
job on the solo", and others are more sad looks (and
rightfully so)."
"...the sound is superior. You can hear every instrument
really clear and the first shot of the video is a sweeping
pan of the crowd before the show started and there I am right
in the 3rd row! How cool is that!"
"Watching the raw emotion of the night from all the
band members brought back a lot of that emotion for me."
"What a gem the DVD project turned out to be, it was
definitely worth the wait, bravo. It was amazing to see all
that talent together for one performance. Where do you begin
with the accolades, as so many of you have already said Wayne
Bergeron is Mr. Money, hits everything is sight with perfect
pitch and a big sound. I loved Eric's rendition of Give It
One and I also thought Roger was really outstanding with Watermelon
Man. Walter and Carl were great on jazz trumpet as well. The
bonus footage was definitely a trip down memory lane."
"The audio production is great. Live sound engineers
can learn a few lessons from this product. This was not a
studio production, but the quality sounds like one. Great,
great sound."
"The overall product production is great. When I received
"The One and Only" CD, I knew that the Tribute DVD
would be of the same high quality. Right down to the liner
notes and the layout of the insert, everything is top notch.
And the photos, the historical chronology, etc."
"Stan Mark's tribute was fantastic. He'd been playing
that tune with his bands before his retirement and it became
his theme song. I'm glad he got to do it there. I know it
meant a lot to him and he sounded great."
"Aside from being musically excellent, I was constantly
aware of how much emotion the musicians might have been feeling,
given the recent loss of their friend and mentor. It was great
seeing the guys support each other throughout the concert."
"I thoroughly enjoyed the concert and the bonus material.
For me, this DVD set is a tremendous tribute and will be a
nice thing to have when I wax nostalgic about my MF memories."
New Maynard and Chase Tributes On The
Way June 9, 2007
Three new Maynard Ferguson tributes and a Chase tribute have
been announced. Visit the Concerts
page for details.
Maynard Ferguson Tribute DVD Available
for Pre-Order June 8, 2007
The Maynard Ferguson Tribute Concert DVD releases on June
12th, but you can order your copy now! Visit the Maynard
Ferguson Store for more information.
New Maynard Ferguson Towels Now Available June 8, 2007
The Maynard Ferguson Store is now offering a Maynard Ferguson
logo towel, perfect for your instrument case, golf bag, tackle
box or anywhere at home. This towel is white, measures 15"
x 18"and has the MF logo printed on one corner. Visit
the Maynard Ferguson Store
for details.
New Double-CD Maynard Compilation: "The
Essential Maynard Ferguson" May 26, 2007
Sony has just released a 2 CD set (30 Tracks!) titled "The
Essential Maynard Ferguson" that truly spans Maynard's
career from his early straight-ahead big band work through
his more commercial pop-flavored 70s work and ending with
some of his recordings with Big Bop Nouveau. Details are at
Amazon.com.
"The One and Only Maynard Ferguson" is now on iTunes. May 25, 2007
Today, which would have been Maynard's 79th birthday, is
finally here. The official release date of Maynard's final
studio recording, The One And Only Maynard Ferguson has
arrived. Order yours now.
Photo Used on Cover of New CD Available
for Purchase May 4, 2007
As noted in the liner notes of "The One And Only
Maynard Ferguson," John Barclay is the photographer
of the photograph used for the cover of the album. Now, John
is offering a unique opportunity to own a piece of history.
John is offering two very special limited edition photographs
which can be seen on his site www.barclayphoto.com.
The edition will be limited to 500 of each image. A portion
of the proceeds will be donated to the "Maynard Ferguson
Scholarship Fund."
Music Legend Maynard Ferguson’s
Final CD to Debut this Friday, May 4th May 2, 2007
[Webmaster's Note: we are now taking pre-orders
for this CD on our music merchandise
page]
Contemporary Productions is pleased to announce the release
of The One and Only Maynard Ferguson Legacy CD. Recorded
at Bennett Studios in Englewood, NJ, following a sold out
engagement in New York City at the famed Blue Note Jazz Club,
this CD includes Ferguson's last recordings along with marquis
alumni from decades of jazz music they shared together. The
One and Only Maynard Ferguson will go on sale this Friday,
May 4th and will be sold exclusively through the Maynard Ferguson
website www.maynardferguson.com.
Retail cost is $20.
Ferguson, affectionately known as "The Boss,"worked
with hundreds of musicians worldwide throughout his more than
six decades in the business. He often enlisted the musical
and composition talents of notable and famous alumni including
Wayne Bergeron, Denis DiBlasio, Chip McNeill, and Steve Wiest
as well as many of his Big Bop Nouveau Band members.
These talented individuals are just a handful of featured
musicians on The One and Only Maynard Ferguson CD.
This recording contains nine tracks -- five are new takes
on old favorites including "The Days of Wine and Roses"
and "Besame Mucho," where fans will enjoy a dueling
trumpet duet between Ferguson and Wayne Bergeron. Other tunes
include three original compositions by Denis DiBlasio, and
an all new composition by pianist and Ferguson's son-in-law,
Christian Jacob titled "Lost Horizons" featuring
the beautiful flugelhorn played by Ferguson.
"The One and Only Maynard Ferguson is quintessential
of 'The Boss' and a very seductive collection full of original
pieces plus Ferguson's unique take on familiar tunes,"
said Dr. Herb Wong, an internationally respected jazz journalist,
historian, critic and concert producer. "The arrangements
by Denis DiBlasio and Chip McNeill are incredible and certainly
reflect that unmistakable Maynard Ferguson flair. Memories
of bygone performances stand out in this legacy CD, I could
hear how excited he was…Ferguson’s performance was
tumultuous."
Ferguson passed away just three weeks after The One and
Only Maynard Ferguson was recorded, at the age 78. What
was intended to be just one of many albums recorded, this
particular one has evolved into Ferguson's legacy piece. The
One and Only Maynard Ferguson is sure to secure Ferguson's
deserved standing as a legend in the history of American Jazz.
Maynard Ferguson Background:
Walter Maynard Ferguson, born May 4, 1928, in Montreal, started
his career at age 13 when he performed as a featured soloist
with the Canadian Broadcasting Company Orchestra. He opened
for some of the great Big Band Leaders of the 1940s including
Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie and Harry James,
and then went on to play with Charlie Barnett, Jimmy Dorsey
and Stan Kenton. In 1945 at age 17, Ferguson became the leader
of his own Big Band. The 78 year old musical phenomenon went
on to record more than 60 albums, receiving numerous honors
and awards including the GRAMMY® nomination for "Gonna
Fly Now" otherwise known as the theme from the movie
Rocky. In 2005, Ferguson was awarded Canada’s highest
civilian honor, the "Order of Canada" from the Right
Honorable Governor General Adrienne Clarkson. Additionally,
Ferguson has been the recipient of DownBeat Magazine’s
prestigious "DownBeat"award.
"The Boss" had performed for packed houses for
decades. In his final days, he and the Big Bop Nouveau Band
were touring the United States, recording what we now know
as The One and Only Maynard Ferguson and preparation
for a fall 2006 tour in Tokyo.
Maynard Ferguson was passionate about his music, his fans
and his family. An inspiration both onstage and off, Ferguson's
life was full of high notes. His dedication to his craft was
unparalleled and his vibrant presence on stage was legendary.
Maynard Ferguson will be greatly missed.
Maynard Ferguson: 5/4/1928 – 8/23/2006
###
MEDIA NOTE: For media interested in interviews, Ferguson's
Personal Manager Steve Schankman and Tour Manager Ed Sargent
are available for phone interviews upon request. High Resolution
Images and promotional copies (limited availability) can be
requested as well. All media inquiries should go to Kelly
McMahon, 314.721.9090 ext. 335 or via email at kmcmahon@contemporaryproductions.com.
Only 35 "Tonality" Copies
Remaining! May 2, 2007
Will Hammond's amazing print, "Tonality," has been
selling well, and only 35 remain! A percentage of the proceeds
goes towards the Maynard Ferguson Institute for Jazz Studies.
The long awaited release of The One and Only Maynard Ferguson
is finally here!!! The CD will be available for sale May
4, 2007, the date that would have been the great trumpeter's
79th birthday.
The CD will cost $20 (plus shipping and handling) and will
be available exclusively through the merchandise section of
this website. The tracks from The One and Only Maynard
Ferguson will also be available soon from major digital
distributors like ITunes
Track Listing:
Without A Song - Arranged by Chip McNeill
Besame Mucho - Arranged By Steve Wiest
Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone - Arranged
by Steve Wiest
Vita Bella - Composed and Arranged by
Denis DiBlasio
Dr. Fox Ph.D .- Composed and Arranged
by Denis DiBlasio
Lost Horizons - Composed and Arranged
by Christian Jacob
Surviving Soho - Composed and Arranged
by Denis DiBlasio
The Days of Wine and Roses - Arranged
by Denis DiBlasio
The Double DVD Tribute Package, including the Maynard Ferguson
Tribute Concert held September 20, 2006 at the University
of Missouri Touhill Performing Arts Center in St. Louis and
over 60 minutes of Historical Bonus Footage, will be available
for sale exclusively through the Maynard Ferguson Online Store
on Friday, May 25, 2007. Pre-ordering will begin on
Tuesday May 22, 2007. The price for this piece of music
history is $49.99 (plus shipping and handling).
The featured concert from St. Louis brought together more
than 30 alumni artists from Maynard's sixty plus years of
entertaining audiences around the world. In a manner of words,
the tribute was the ultimate symphony dedicated to a man so
many called "The Boss". The DVD of the concert has
a running time of over 120 minutes and also includes many
great photos of Maynard throughout the years
The second DVD includes more than an hour of bonus footage
excerpts, many of which have never before been seen, from
performances all over the world. Recorded between 1950-2006,
these excerpts demonstrate Maynard's trumpet artistry and
trademark exuberance as a world renowned bandleader.
A portion of the net proceeds from the DVD sales will go
to the Maynard Ferguson Music Scholarship Fund at the University
of Missouri-St. Louis.
On behalf of all the people involved in producing this project,
we hope you enjoy this tribute to a great trumpeter and legend,
THE ONE AND ONLY, Maynard Ferguson.
New Maynard Ferguson Tee Shirt Now Available April 18, 2007
A new Maynard Tee Shirt is now available in the clothing
section of our Merchandise pages. It's army green and
features a large black MF logo and the words "Maynard
Ferguson".
Alumni Update: Stockton Helbing (Drums)
April 10, 2007
Maynard's last drummer (and musical director...and producer
of MF's upcoming final studio album) was fan favorite Stockton
Helbing. Today Stockton is releasing his second solo CD, titled
For Nothing Is Secret. This album is of interest to
Maynard fans not only for Stockton's playing, but also for
some of his sidemen that we know: Chip McNeill - saxophones;
Steve Wiest - trombone; Brian Mulholland - Bass; Ken Edwards
- Trumpet. This album is being released on the Armored Records
label, which says of this album: "For Nothing Is Secret
demonstrates Helbing's merging of melodies with lots of hook,
a la pop/rock, while interspersing improvizational opportunities."
This album is available on Stockton's
web site, or on iTunes.
I've been listening to this album for the past several days
and it's a high energy, fun CD.
Footage from the Utah MF Tribute Now
Online April 10, 2007
Eric Schulzke at Musiqbase has alerted me to several very
high-quality videos of the Maynard Ferguson Tribute Concert
at BYU on their web site. You can see them on the Musiqbase
web site. The videos include heavy hitters such as Roger
Ingram, Bobby Shew, Eric Miyashiro, Denis Diblasio, and more.
Great stuff for those of you (like me) that couldn't be there.
Eric says, "Keep in mind that this was a rough, two-camera
shoot with one of them on a faulty tripod, so it's not going
to be perfect. But it does convey the fun and camaraderie
of the concert very well, I think, giving you a sense of having
been there."
MF Newsletters On Sale March 30, 2007
While supplies last, you can save $5 when you order issues
37-42 of the Maynard Ferguson Fan Club Newsletter as a six-pack.
More details can be found on our Maynard
Ferguson Accessories page.
Maynard's Daughter Still Collecting
Stories March 30, 2007
Back in December, Maynard's daughter Wilder asked fans to
send her stories of how Maynard and his music touched their
lives. She has received some wonderful stories and now wishes
that she had asked for photos to go with them. If you already
gave your story but could also provide a photo, get
in touch with Wilder. If you haven't told your story,
but have a good one (even if you don't have a photo), please
do so.
Alumni Update: Rick Petrone (Bass) March 23, 2007
Rick Petrone was a fan favorite in Maynard's band (he was
on the Live at Jimmy's album, after all), and he's still very
active musically. He's on a brand
new CD by the late Steve Marcus (tenor and soprano), who
was once with Buddy Rich. The album also features Bill Bickford
on guitar, and former Sonny Rollins drummer Joe Corsello.
Look for Rick on another CD in June with Carmen Leggio (former
sax player with Krupa and Goodman) called "Out in the
Field".
Alumni-Studded MF Tribute At Edinboro
University of Pennsylvania in May 2007 March 11, 2007
A two-day musical event dedicated to the life and music of
Maynard Ferguson will occur on May 2 and 3 in the Louis C.
Cole Memorial Auditorium on the campus of Edinboro University
of Pennsylvania. Musicians schedule to appear include Roger
Ingram, Serafin Aguilar, Walter White, Joey Pero, Michael
Manthey, Tom Garling, Reggie Watkins, Randy Purcell, Mike
Dubaniewicz, Julio Montarrey, Chip McNeill, Jeff Lashway,
David Throckmorton, Mike Freeland, Ed Sargent, and MORE!!
Details can
be found at the event's web site.
MF Horn 3, 4, & 5 Now Available
Domestically! March 1, 2007
Wounded Bird Records has reissued two highly sought-after
albums on CD: MF
Horn 3 and MF
Horn 4&5 (Live at Jimmy's). This is the first time
that these albums have been available on CD in the United
States. Both are available from amazon.com. Oracles
Music Network wrote a nice review of the MF Horn 4&5
reissue.
Update on Ebay Auction of Maynard's
Car March 11, 2007
The Ebay
auction of Maynard's car was ended early because the seller's
account was hacked. However, it has been relisted as a 7 day
auction.
JazzPlayerRadio.com Needs Our Help!
March 11, 2007
If you enjoy www.jazzplayerradio.com
as much as I do, please sign
this online petition to stop the increase of royalty rates
that will severely impact small stations like Jazz Player
Radio.
Maynard's Car is on Ebay March 1, 2007
Maynard's Cadillac is currently up for bid on Ebay. It's a
white 1994 Cadillac Sedan DeVille. His family has written
a nice description and included several pictures on
the Ebay listing.
Former MF Pianist Jiyoung Lee Releases
Debut CD March 1, 2007
Fan favorite pianist Jiyoung
Lee toured with Maynard in 2005 and 2006, generating lots
of positive emails to this website as well as buzz on the
MF Forum. Jiyoung has just released her first CD, titled "Confession".
All 10 compositions on the album are originals. You can find
the album at CDBaby.com.
Trumpeter Dan McMillion to Perform Maynard
Tribute on March 4 March 1, 2007
The Dan McMillion Jazz Orchestra will be performing a tribute
to Maynard on Sunday, March 4 in Marco Island, Florida. Proceeds
from the concert will benefit the Marco Island Branch of the
Collier County Library's Rose Hall Building Fund. Details
of the event can be seen at the Marco
Island Sun Times.
Final Edition of the Maynard Ferguson
Fan Club Newsletter Now Available February 24, 2007
The Maynard Ferguson Fan Club has put together Volume 42,
the final edition of the Maynard Ferguson Fan Club Newsletter.
The final edition is an 11 page commemorative look at the
wonderful life and career of Maynard Ferguson. It features
4 pages of color photos, as well as thoughts from former band
members and (of course) extended thoughts from former tour
manager and trusted friend Ed Sargent. Throughout the newsletter
is a timeline of some of the more noteworthy events of Maynard's
life and career. For those of you who have let your subscriptions
lapse, this edition and the four previous editions are now
available for sale in the Maynard
Ferguson Accessories portion of this website.
All Long-Sleeved Maynard Apparel On
Sale! February 24, 2007
For a limited time, all long-sleeved Maynard Ferguson apparel
in the Merchandise section
is 20% off. Fight the cold with some Maynard sweatshirts,
mock turtlenecks, and Oxfords! Also available for a limited
time, Maynard
Ferguson Sweatshirt 2-packs, which allow you to save big
on sweatshirt purchases.
Maynard Ferguson Tribute Planned For
Blues Alley February 17, 2007
Trumpeter Vaughn Nark,
the Alan Baylock
Orchestra, and some special guests will perform a tribute
for Maynard Ferguson at Blues
Alley on April 3rd. Guests are still being finalized.
The trumpet section for this event will be Brian MacDonald,
Nick Cooper, Rich Sigler, and Tim Leahey. Other trumpeters
will be there for features. Brian McDonald, Joe Mosello, Don
Junker are also confirmed as guest artists. More news will
be posted as I receive it...
Custom Maynard Ferguson Tribute Print
Sales Benefit Maynard Ferguson Institute for Jazz Studies
February 13, 2007
Maynard Ferguson fan and imaging wizard Will Hammond is offering
prints of his original Maynard Ferguson tribute image for
sale with ALL proceeds benefiting the Maynard Ferguson
Institute for Jazz Studies.
This album features 10 tracks from Maynard's excellent Concord
years (the late 1990s and early 2000s) including some of my
personal favorites, You Got It and Manteca.
More Details Emerge About Maynard's
Final Album January 24, 2007
Maynard's longtime friend and tour manager, Ed Sargent,
reports:
Greetings to all. I have the pleasure of sharing details
I assume you will find as exciting to hear as I find in giving.
The last recording by the Boss and company titled The One
and Only Maynard Ferguson CD is now in its final stages
as it has been mixed and mastered by Phil Bulla and replication
is around the corner. The answer to the Million dollar question
of when will this be available to you is- VERY SOON!!! Please
check the MF site for updates.
Here is the track listing:
Without a Song…. Arranger Chip McNeill
Besame Mucho …. Arranger, Steve Wiest
Aint No Sunshine When She's Gone… Arranger Steve
Wiest
Vita Bella… Composer, Denis DiBlasio
Dr Fox P.H.D…. Composer Denis DiBlasio
Lost Horizon… Composer Christian Jacob
Surviving Soho … Composer Denis DiBlasio
The Days of Wine and Roses… Arranger Denis DiBlasio
Darn That Dream… Arranger, Denis DiBlasio
I will have more details as we get closer to the release
date regarding the entire Tribute DVD project, including information
on bonus footage that is going to be included, but please
know and trust this project is progressing nicely. I have
spent many hours in the audio and video studio with Contemporary
Productions' producer Gus Whitelaw reviewing all camera positions
and potential footage. Although this task has been bittersweet
and emotionally draining, the evening's reverence and mutual
respect for our friend, mentor and most of all favorite trumpet
player is unmistakably apparent.
This is not a project that could or should be turned around
on a dime and for those who know Steve and his operation know
his commitment to producing the very best is paramount. We
recorded on Sept 20th and will have released in 8 months.
This project demanded this amount of time and I feel when
you watch and listen to it, you will know exactly why. As
we proceed to finalize the content I will be delighted to
provide more information.
ALSO………….BY THE WAY……..IT IS
REALLY GOOD!!!!!
Nevada Jazz Orchestra Playing Maynard
Tribute on 1/21 January 20, 2007
If you are in the Las Vegas area, you will want to check out
the Nevada Jazz Orchestra's "Remembering Maynard"
concert tomorrow (Sunday, January 21st). Details
can be found here, and you can read about the concert
in the Las
Vegas Review-Journal.
Wayne Bergeron's New CD (featuring MF)
Gets Good Review January 7, 2007
The Orlando Sentinel has just reviewed former MF trumpeter
Wayne Bergeron's second CD, and has nothing but good things
to say about it. The article specifically calls out the Wayne/MF
duet track as a highlight. Read
the full article here, and order
the CD here.
Even More Great CDs Available for Pre-Order January 3, 2007
The great music just keeps coming in the form of more Maynard
re-issues as well as new releases by MF friends and alumni.
The much beloved MF Horn albums are being released domestically
by Wounded Bird Records next month. MF Horn 2, 3, and the
infamous 4&5 (Live at Jimmy's) will be released on CD
on February 27.
Two "New" Maynard Compilations
Available for Pre-Order January 1, 2007
Maynard's passing has raised the public's awareness of Maynard's
music. We're starting to see the re-issues coming.
To my knowledge, neither of these releases contains anything
we haven't seen on CD before, but if you're a collector like
me, you'll want both.
"Caruso" Performed as a Tribute
to Maynard January 1, 2007
Werner Krausler is an Austrian trumpet player who is also
an MF fanatic. In fact, his
website boasts that he may have the largest MF CD collection
of anyone. He recently performed Caruso at a recent show as
a tribute to MF. I received the following email from him:
"...my tribute to the master of stratosphere I did
on 7th of December 2006 at Kunsthaus Weiz in Austria (Europe):
I announced, explained and played my favourite tune: Caruso
of the CD 'Brass Attitude' live for an ethusiastic audience
here in Styria with my great pianist Peter Winkler as a tribute
to my boss Maynard Ferguson!"
Werner included an mp3 of the performance as well as a
photo. I found it to be a touching tribute. MF's rendition
of "Caruso" can be found on the Brass
Attitude album.
New "Tribute Concert" Tees
Available January 1, 2007
Happy New Year, Maynard fans! We have a few "generic"
Tribute Concert tee-shirts available
in the MF Store. They say "Maynard Ferguson 1928-2006"
and they also say "Tribute Concert" on them. Available
in S, L, XL and 2XL in limited quantities.
Maynard Plus The Holidays December 22, 2006
Happy holidays, everyone! To tide us over until the CD and
DVD we are expecting in early 2007, we can be thankful that
Maynard recorded a great Christmas Medley with Big Bop Nouveau
on the Concord
Jazz Christmas, Volume 2 album.
Rare Promotion Maynard Photos Now Available December 10, 2006
New to the Merchandise section of this web site: Promotional
photos from Maynard's home. Photos from the 1960s through
the late 1980s can now be found in the "Accessories"
portion of the Merchandise area.
Several New Maynard Collectibles Now
Available December 6, 2006
Maynard's family has always appreciated the fans around the
world that loved the music of Maynard Ferguson. They, in partnership
with Maynard Ferguson Music, have made available several vintage
Maynard Ferguson collectibles from Maynard's own home in Ojai,
California. Visit the merchandise
pages to see new buttons, hats, stickers from the 1970s,
and even cassette tapes still in the original shrink wrap!
Share Your Maynard Story With Maynard's
Daughter December 6, 2006
Did Maynard and his music have a positive effect on your life?
Maynard's daughter Wilder
would love to hear about it.
MF tribute in Lindsborg, Kansas at Bethany
College on December 5 November 27, 2006
The Bethany Jazz Ensemble will be performing a few Maynard
Ferguson tunes at their December 5th concert. Details
here.
More Details about the December 6th
Philly Tribute Emerge November 27, 2006
The list of alumni performing has grown to the following:
Roger Ingram, Walter White, Dennis Noday, Reggie Watkins,
Rick Matt,
Chris Jensen, and Phil Palombi.
For information on the John Hoey Orchestra please look at
www.hoeyorch.com. For
information on the tribute concert venue look at www.mediatheatre.org,
or call 610-891-0100.
Limited "Grab Bags" of MF
Merchandise now Available November 23, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving! Now that we have officially entered the
Christmas shopping season, Maynard Ferguson Music and MaynardFerguson.com
have put together several limited "Grab
Bags" full of great Maynard Ferguson merchandise at discounted
prices. Some items have not been available before, including
bowling shirts just like the shirts that the MF alumni wore
at the Maynard Ferguson tribute concert in St. Louis in September.
Quantities are very limited on some of the packages.
Maynard Ferguson Tribute in Philly on
December 6 November 23, 2006
I recently received the following information about a Maynard
tribute concert on December 6th:
Philadelphia's official Maynard Ferguson Tribute Concert
will take place on December 6th at the Media Theatre in Media,
PA. The concert will feature MF alumni Roger Ingram, Dennis
Noday, Walter White, with more to be added later.
The core band for this event will be the John Hoey Orchestra.
John Hoey is a long time friend of Maynard Ferguson and Ed
Sargent.
For information on the John Hoey Orchestra please look at
www.hoeyorch.com. For
information on the tribute concert venue look at www.mediatheatre.org,
or call 610-891-0100.
Maynard Tribute Planned at the College
of Lake County on Oct 29 October 22, 2006
The College of Lake County in Grayslake, Illinois, is holding
a Maynard Tribute on Sunday, October 29th. Featured alumni
include Tom Garling, Nick Drozdoff, and Mark Colby. Details
can be found on
their web site.
Large Maynard Tribute Planned for February
2007 at BYU in Provo, UT October 22, 2006
We're still several months out from this Maynard tribute,
but the line-up so far is impressive. Bobby Shew, Roger Ingram,
Eric Miyashiro, Peter Erskine, and more! Their web site is
forthcoming, but in the meantime, take
a look at their poster.
Maynard Memorialized in Down Beat Magazine October 21, 2006
The latest issue of Down Beat magazine contains a nice four-page
article chronicling Maynard's life and career. Stan Mark and
Wayne Bergeron are quoted, among others.
Clips of Lisa Ferguson's MF Film Surface October 16, 2006
It has been widely publicized on this site that Maynard's
daughter, Lisa, is making a documentary film about Maynard's
life. In recent days, two teasers have appeared on YouTube
with some very intimate footage of Maynard at home. Teaser
1 Teaser
2
TrombonesOnline.com to Feature Tom Garling October 16, 2006
According to this
article from allaboutjazz.com, TrombonesOnline.com has
begun featuring the work of former MF trombonist Tom Garling.
You can see him here on TrombonesOnline.
Maynard Tribute in Denver on Tuesday,
October 17 October 16, 2006
The Denver Post is reporting that John Akal's Ultraphonic
Jazz Orchestra will be performing a tribute to Maynard at
the Lone Tree. Details
at the Denver Post.
St. Louis Concert Programs Now Available
October 10, 2006
Programs from the Maynard Ferguson Tribute Concert held in
St. Louis are now available in the Maynard
Ferguson Store.
Steve Wiest's MySpace Profile October 9, 2006
Former Maynard Ferguson trombonist and fan favorite Steve
Wiest now has a MySpace
profile to promote his new album.
Maynard Photo Sales Support the Maynard
Ferguson Music Scholarship October 8, 2006
Just a reminder that Barclay Photo is selling these
beautiful Maynard Ferguson photos at a reduced cost, and
a portion of each sale goes towards the Maynard Ferguson Music
Scholarship at the University of Missouri - St. Louis. Take
a look.
Maynard's daughter has a web site October 7, 2006
Maynard's youngest daughter, Wilder, is married to former
Big Bop Nouveau pianist Christian Jacob. Wilder's company,
Wilderjazz, has a website promotion some of Christian's music.
You can visit it at http://www.wilderjazz.com.
Nice review of the St. Louis Tribute
Concert October 7, 2006
Here is a wonderful review of the Maynard Ferguson Tribute
Concert on a blog called "The
Musings of Kev."
Commemorative MF Merchandise Available September 24, 2006
The tribute concert was an unbelievable experience. A truly
first-rate send off and celebration of Maynard's life and
legacy. It was also a trumpet player's dream. The entire concert
was professionally recorded for a future DVD release. As soon
as I hear details on a potential release date, I will spread
the word. Several fans have posted their thoughts on the concert
in the forum.
Additional Tribute Concert Details September 14, 2006
Several commemorative items will be available for purchase
at next week's tribute
concert. Cash and checks will be accepted, but the staff
will be unable to take credit card payments.
Additional Tribute Concert Details September 13, 2006
New additions to the line-up of the tribute
concert: Kris Jensen, saxophone player
Additional Tribute Concert Details September 12, 2006
Tickets to next week's Maynard Ferguson Tribute Concert are
going fast...as of today there are less than 300 tickets remaining.
Order
Now!
Just added to the line-up of the tribute
concert: Phil Grey, a trombonist who recorded on the Carnival
and Hot
albums.
MF Horn 3, 4 & 5 Coming to CD! September 10, 2006 Dutton Vocalion,
the company behind this year's MF Horn 2/Ballad Styles of
Maynard Ferguson re-issue, have just announced that MF
Horn 3 and MF Horn 4 & 5 (Live at Jimmy's) are going
to be released on CD this month. Visit their website for details.
[press release]
Additional Tribute Concert Details September 9, 2006
Just added to the line-up of the tribute
concert: Italian Trumpeter Andrea
Tofanelli.
Additional Tribute Concert Details September 5, 2006
We have an exciting update concerning a special guest artist
that will be playing at the tribute show:
Diane Schuur has confirmed she will be attending and performing
with the band for the tribute show. She will perform a few
tunes from the "Swinging
for Schuur" album.
Maynard Ferguson Tribute Concert on
Sept. 20 August 31, 2006
Additional details have surfaced about the Maynard Ferguson
Tribute Concert on September 20th.
A message from Ed Sargent (Maynard Ferguson tour manager):
The Venue:
The lobby of the Touhill will open 2 hours before the event
is set to begin for everyone to gather and visit if they wish.
After the event, the lobby will remain open until midnight
to also accommodate the wishes of the fans. There will be
a cash bar available.
The Alumni:
We have assembled a Core Band with some additional guest
players and former Musical Directors to represent a variety
of different eras.
It is our plan to present a "Tribute in Music"
to our friend, Boss, Father, and Band Leader.
It will be impossible to include every alumni that comes
to the event musically but we would like to recognize them
all by way of an Alumni Pass. I request to have all alumni
attending the event contact me (Ed) via email. Please email
Ed at esargent@contemporaryproductions.com.
In this email please include the year/years you were in the
band and also if you expect to be bringing a spouse or significant
other.
This does not circumvent ticket purchase as the proceeds
go into the Maynard Ferguson Schlorship fund at the Univ.
of Missouri at St Louis.
HOTEL INFORMATION TO COME!!!
THE CORE BAND:
CONFIRMED TRUMPET PLAYERS:
PATRICK HESSION
SERAFIN AGULAR
WAYNE BERGERON
ROGER INGRAM
CONFIRMED SAX PLAYERS
MATT WALLACE
MIKE DUBANIEWICZ
CHIP MCNEILL
DENIS DIBLASIO
CONFIRMED TROMBONE PLAYERS
STEVE WIEST
TOM GARLING
REGGIE WATKINS
KEITH OSHIRO
JOE BARATI
CONFIRMED RHYTHM SECTION
STOCKTON HELBING- DRUMMER/MUSICAL DIRECTOR
BRIAN MULHOLLAND- BASS
JEFF LASHWAY- PIANO
CHRISTIAN JACOB - PIANO
ADDITIONAL CONFIRMED GUEST PLAYERS:
PETER OLSTADT
CARL FISCHER
ERIC MIYASHIRO
ERNIE HAMMES
STAN MARK
DANNY BARBER
St. Louis to Host Maynard Ferguson Tribute
Concert
TICKETS ON SALE TODAY at 10am to Honor the Jazz Legend at
a Special Performance on September 20th.
ST. LOUIS (August 29, 2006) - The Maynard
Ferguson Family, in association with Steve Schankman and Contemporary
Productions, will present a tribute to Maynard Ferguson on
Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing
Arts Center on the campus of University of Missouri - St.
Louis. The concert will be dedicated to the life and music
of legendary musician and band leader, known as "The
Boss," who passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2006
at the age of 78. Artists performing at this special concert
will include the current Big Bop Nouveau Band and some of
the many lead trumpeters and soloists from Maynard Ferguson's
alumni. Those who have confirmed attendance include Wayne
Bergeron, Denis DiBlasio, Mike Dubaniewicz, Carl Fischer,
Chip McNeill, Peter Olstad, Reggie Watkins, Steve Wiest and
many more to come. To find out new additions to the show,
please continue to check www.maynardferguson.com for complete
updates.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 20th ONE NIGHT ONLY! 7:30
pm
WHERE: The Touhill Performing Arts Center
One University Boulevard (on the campus on University of Missouri-St.
Louis)
TICKETS: Tickets are priced at $50, $40,
and $25
All net proceeds to benefit The Maynard Ferguson Music
Scholarship at the University of Missouri - St. Louis
For more information or to purchase tickets:
Call the Touhill at 314.516.4949 or toll free at 866.516.4949
Tickets may be purchased at the Touhill Box Office, Monday-Friday
10:00am - 6:00pm. The Box Office is located at the Touhill
at One University Blvd.
MAYNARD FERGUSON BACKGROUND:
Maynard Ferguson, born May 4, 1928 in Montreal, started his
career at the age of 13 when he performed as a featured soloist
with the Canadian Broadcasting Company Orchestra. He played
with some of the great Big Band Leaders of the 1940's including
Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Barnett,
Jimmy Dorsey and Stan Kenton. In 1945, at age 17, Ferguson
became the leader of his own Big Band. He went on to record
more than 60 albums, receiving numerous honors and awards
including the GRAMMY® nomination for "Gonna Fly Now"
In 2005, Ferguson was awarded Canada's highest civilian honor,
the "Order of Canada" from the Right Honorable Governor
General Adrienne Clarkson. In addition to those accolades,
Ferguson has been the recipient of DownBeat Magazine's prestigious
"DownBeat" Award.
Mr. Ferguson had recently returned home to California from
New York after several sold out performances in July at the
famed Blue Note Club. During this time, Ferguson and his Big
Bop Nouveau band also recorded a new album at Bennett Studios
in Englewood, New Jersey. This, his latest and last recording,
will be released later this year as a legacy to the life of
Maynard Ferguson.
MEDIA INQUIRIES:
To schedule an interview, for more information about the tribute
concert or Maynard Ferguson, please contact Cindy Tangaro
at (314) 721-9090 ext. 203 or via email at ctangaro@contemporaryproductions.com.
The Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center
The Touhill Performing Arts Center is located on the north
campus of University of Missouri-St. Louis on Natural Bridge
Road, just 10 minutes from Clayton. From I-170, exit at Natural
Bridge Road (exit 6); from I-70, exit at Florissant Road (exit
240). There is plenty of complimentary parking and a Metrolink
Station just steps away from the Touhill front door.
Now in its fourth season of presenting the finest in the
performing arts to the St. Louis region, the Blanche M. Touhill
Performing Arts Center opened its doors in September 2003.
The $52 million facility designed by Pei Cobb Freed and Partners,
features the 1,625-seat Anheuser-Busch Performance Hall and
the 350-seat E. Desmond and Mary Ann Lee Theater. The not-for-profit
Center is the jewel of the University of Missouri-St. Louis
campus and is the first impetus and focal point for creating
an arts district for students at the University.
Maynard Ferguson Tribute Concert on
Sept. 20 August 25, 2006
The Maynard Ferguson Tribute Concert has been set for September
20, 2006 in St. Louis.
Maynard Ferguson Tribute Concert
September 20, 2006
Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center
(on the campus of University of Missouri – St. Louis)
8001 Natural Bridge Road
St. Louis, Missouri 63121
Details regarding line-up, ticket prices, etc. will be forthcoming.
Stay tuned to the website for further information.
Donate to the Maynard Ferguson Scholarship
Fund August 25, 2006
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Maynard Ferguson
Scholarship Fund at the University of Missouri - St. Louis.
You can do so two ways:
Via check or money order to:
"Maynard Ferguson Music Scholarship"
University of Missouri – St. Louis
C/O Dr. Dixie Kohn
8001 Natural Bridge Road
407 Woods Hall
St. Louis, MO. 63121
Or online.
Just follow this
link and click on "Make a Gift". Then, choose
"Maynard Ferguson Scholarship" in the Gift Designation
drop-down menu.
Maynard Ferguson May 4, 1928 - August
23, 2006 August 24, 2006
Maynard Ferguson passed away yesterday, at the age of 78.
Here is the statement released by Maynard's management.
LEGENDARY MUSICIAN MAYNARD FERGUSON DIES
Grammy Nominated Trumpeter Known for "Gonna Fly Now"
Theme To Movie "ROCKY" was 78
Ojai, CA (August 24, 2006) - Walter "Maynard"
Ferguson, one of the most influential musicians and band leaders
in the history of Jazz, passed away August 23rd at 8:00 pm
Pacific Time at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, California.
He was 78 years old. His death was the result of kidney and
liver failure brought on by an abdominal infection. Mr. Ferguson's
four daughters, Kim, Lisa, Corby, Wilder and other family
members were at his side when he passed away after this brief
illness. He spoke by phone with his friend and manager Steve
Schankman from St. Louis, longtime tour manager Ed Sargent,
and friend, and fellow trumpeter Arturo Sandoval.
Mr. Ferguson had recently returned home to California from
New York after several sold out performances in July at the
famed Blue Note Club. During this time, Ferguson and his Big
Bop Nouveau band also recorded a new album at Bennett Studios
in Englewood, New Jersey.
Maynard Ferguson, born May 4th 1928 in Montreal, started
his career at the age of 13 when he performed as a featured
soloist with the Canadian Broadcasting Company Orchestra.
He played with some of the great Big Band Leaders of the 1940's
including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie
Barnett, Jimmy Dorsey and Stan Kenton. In 1945, at age 17,
Ferguson became the leader of his own Big Band. The 78-year
old musical phenomenon went on to record more than 60 albums,
receiving numerous honors and awards including the GRAMMY®
nomination for "Gonna Fly Now." In 2005, Ferguson
was awarded Canada's highest civilian honor, the "Order
of Canada" from the Right Honorable Governor General
Adrienne Clarkson. In addition to those accolades, Ferguson
has been the recipient of DownBeat Magazine's prestigious
"DownBeat" Award.
"The Boss," as Ferguson is known, has been performing
for packed houses for decades. His recent DVD release, "Live
at The Top," captures one of his most memorable performances,
a concert held at the Plaza Hotel in Rochester New York in
1975, with Ferguson performing alongside fellow music pioneers
Stan Mark, Ernie Garside and Bruce Johnston. Most recently,
Ferguson and Big Bop Nouveau Band had been touring the United
States. He was preparing for a Fall Tour beginning mid-September
in Tokyo, Japan. He had also been invited to play for the
King of Thailand's 80th birthday in January.
Mr. Ferguson's body will be cremated in his hometown of Ojai,
California. Memorial contributions can be made to the Maynard
Ferguson Music Scholarship Fund at University of Missouri
- St. Louis, which was established by Steve Schankman at Maynard's
75th birthday celebration. Mr. Schankman and the Ferguson
family are planning a memorial concert to take place in St.
Louis which will feature many of the band's alumni and friends
who Mr. Ferguson performed with during his more than 60-year
musical career.
Mr. Ferguson's latest, and last, recording will be released
later this year as a legacy to the life of Maynard Ferguson.
MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Steven F. Schankman will be available for interview August
24th. Please contact Cindy Tangaro at (314) 721-9090 ext.
203 to book a time.
Maynard Merchandise Now Available! August 19, 2006
The long-anticipated MaynardFerguson.com
Store is now open for business! Visit our merchandise
section to find t-shirts, sweatshirts, the new MF Horn VI
CD, the Live from Seattle DVD, shot glasses, and more!
Maynard Records New Album with BBN and
Alumni August 19, 2006
In late July, Maynard and Big Bop Nouveau recorded 11 tracks
for an upcoming studio album at Bennett
Studios. MF Music, Inc. is hoping for a late 2006 release
date.
Big Bop Nouveau trumpeter Serafin Aguilar posted these
comments on the MF
Forum about the session:
"Not much to say about the recording other than it was
truly inspiring to play with such wonderful musicians. Boss
played his tukus off and had some very beautiful musical moments
(look for a certain harmon mute solo). The alumni that filled
out the band were and are all stellar players and it was an
honor for me to share the stage with them and be in the studio
with them. I can't stress the latter enough. In particular
I was completely blown away by Chip[McNeil]'s fire. He plays
with such fire and conviction that it was contagious. As for
Wayne [Bergeron], well what can I say? He came into the studio
and was absolute nails. Impeccable time, style, intonation,
and yes, solo chops. Dennis [Diblasio] and Steve Weist are
both great talents with lots of charisma (Denny was a riot
on stage at the Blue Note). And you all will be pleased to
hear some new arrangements of which Steve wrote a few knock
outs. All in all, I am very proud to be a part of this musical
endevour. I hope you guys enjoy it."
Maynard Ferguson band alumni Steve Wiest had this to
say:
"What a treat! Serafin gave you all the basic details,
so all I have to add is that it was an absolute joy to work
with this great collection of artists. We all love Boss and
I think he could tell he was surrounded by friends and family.
He came through and played some really beautiful stuff. In
short, I think this will be considered one of his best recordings.
For all of you trumpet guys on the board, you will be in heaven
when you hear this section. Wayne, Patrick [Hession], Serafin,
and Ken [Edwards] did a masterful job and were swingin' every
step of the way. Wayne especially tore up my chart on Besame
Mucho. Wow! What a great musician. Stockton [Helbing] did
a great job as producer/drummer and my pal Phil Bulla was
the ultimate engineer and will no doubt put together his signature
perfect mix on the whole thing."
See some great
photos of the session here.
Press Release for new Ballad Style of
Maynard Ferguson and MF Horn II re-issue June 1, 2006
British record company Vocalion has sent me their press release
announcing their re-issue of two of Maynard's most sought-after
recordings from the late 1960s and early 1970s, "The
Ballad Style of Maynard Ferguson" and "MF Horn II".
Read the press release here,
in pdf format.
New Exclusive Maynard Ferguson Pictures May 27, 2006
MF Fan and friend Skip Spiro sent in some Maynard Ferguson
pictures from his personal collection. They were taken in
1962. Says Skip, "I just found these old photos (circa
1962) from a show with my 12 piece band I formed while in
Jr. High. Maynard brought along his rhythm section at the
time (Mike Abene, Linc Milliman, and Rufus Jones). I'd love
to share these with the guys on the forum and the website."
[see more pictures from this
set]
5-Year-Old Trumpet Prodigy Loves Maynard May 16, 2006
5-Year-Old trumpet prodigy Geoffrey Gallante loves Maynard,
and mentions him in this clip
from NBC. Here are a couple of pictures.
The Boss has a Birthday May 4, 2006
Maynard turns 78 today! Happy birthday, Maynard!
Alumni Update April 13, 2006
Former MF trombonist Reggie
Watkins has a new web site.
Maynard's new album, MF Horn VI, is
here! April 6, 2006
Maynard's new live album is now available in the merchandise
section!
The Maynard Ferguson Tribute Page has
moved to MaynardFerguson.com! April 6, 2006
The Maynard Ferguson Tribute Page, formerly at maynard.ferguson.net,
has officially moved into it's new home at MaynardFerguson.com.
Stay tuned for updates and additional merchandise!
January 28, 2006
In a recent interview with Jazz Player Radio, Maynard's tour
manager, Ed Sargent, announced that Maynard's next album will
be a live album recorded in London and entitled "MF Horn 6"!
This album will be available in mid-February and will be initially
available only on this web site and at concerts. More details
as they arrive...
December 27, 2005
Maynard's lead trumpeter, Patrick Hession [bio],
isn't just sitting around during Big Bop Nouveau's December
break. He's playing with classic rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd on
December 30th in Michigan! Details
of the show are here.
Former MF trumpeter (and fan favorite) Carl
Fischer has just been hired by none other than Billy Joel
to perform with him on his upcoming tour. Carl will be playing
trumpet and superbone.
The MF Tribute Page has had a pretty decent quarter in its
partnership with Amazon.com so far. But there are only a few
days left in Q4! If you have any Amazon shopping to do, I
would ask you (as a favor) to do so from any of the Amazon
links on this site or from this
link to Amazon.com.
Some of you may remember Jazz DVD Marketing. They are a great
company that was the first to offer Maynard's "At
The Top" DVD. They've recently launched their new website
and have quite a few jazz DVDs available for purchase. Because
we've had a good partnership with them in the past, they are
offering us a few promotions right now. To check them out,
visit them at this
link and enter one of the coupon codes below at checkout:
d537485: Buy 5 DVDs and get the 6th free s748593: Free shipping on orders of $100
or more
November 27, 2005
Do you love MF and have some artistic ability? I'm looking for someone to design a few MF wallpapers that will be made available as free downloads from this site. Contact me at matt @ ferguson.net (no spaces) if you're interested.
Here are some updated bios of MF's current personnel:
Patrick Hession - Trumpet
Patrick Edward John Hession was born on April 29, 1968, in Lafayette, Indiana and began playing trumpet at age twelve. Patrick enrolled at Ball State University in 1986, where he studied with trumpeters Paul Everett, Larry McWilliams and Jeff Anderson. In 1991, he won Outstanding Lead Trumpet at the Elmhurst College Jazz Festival with the Ball State University Jazz Ensemble I. Hession joined the Lionel Hampton Big Band as the third trumpeter in 1992, where he apprenticed the lead trumpet book with Tony Barrero. Hession then played lead and solo trumpet for Lionel Hampton on various tours over the next four years. In 1992, Hession accepted a full music scholarship to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he studied with trumpeters Michael "Rocky" Winslow, Tom Porrello, Bobby Shew, Stan Mark, Walt Blanton and William C. "Billy" Hodges. Patrick also studied with Keith Whitford, Bob Schlatter and Martha Ream.
In 1996, Hession joined The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, where he was the lead and feature trumpeter for almost three years. Hession then realized his dream in 2000, when he joined Maynard Ferguson's Big Bop Nouveau Band, where he has been the lead trumpeter for over the past five years. As well as being an active sideman, Hession has played with Marty Allen & Steve Rossi, Paul Anka, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Susan Anton, The Association, Randy Brecker, Ray Brown, Conte Candoli, Charo, Pete Christlieb, Denis DiBlasio, Vince DiMartino, The Temptations Review Featuring Dennis Edwards, Michael Feinstein, Carl Fontana, The Four Freshmen, The Four Tops, Heart, Steve Houghton, Jerry Lewis, Frank Mantooth, Rich Matteson, Rob McConnell, Don Menza & The Don Menza Big Band, The Mills Brothers, Bob Mintzer, The OJ's, Diane Reeves, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Rufus Reid, Mavis Rivers, Lalo Rodrigues, Ed Shaughnessy, Diane Schuur, Bobby Shew, Marvin Stamm, Dave Steinmeyer, Spyder Turner, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Ben Vereen, Joe Williams, Phil Woods Quintet, Snooky Young, the International Symphony Orchestra, recorded with Diane Schuur & Maynard Ferguson, "Swingin' for Schuur", 2001, Reggie Watkins, "A-List", 2004 and Kenneth Robinson's debut classical CD,"Festive Masterpieces for Trumpet and Organ", where Patrick played 2nd piccolo trumpet in A and 4th, 5th and 6th trumpet in G. He has authored a book in 2003, "For the sake of lead trumpet playing - HESSIONS SESSIONS Guide to consistent, reliable and sometimes, Invincible Chops!" Also in 2003, Patrick subbed on 3rd trumpet for "The Producers". In 2005, Patrick played lead trumpet for "The Rat Pack Returns in The Tribute to Frank, Joey & Dean". Hession plays Monette Trumpets and Mouthpieces exclusively and is a clinician for the David G. Monette Corporation.
Peter Ferguson - Trumpet
Peter Ferguson grew up in upstate New York performing with many different groups including Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus. Peter was also the musical director for the Great Escape Amusement Park Circus in Lake George, NY. Peter then went on to study with Lou Soloff at the State University of New York at Purchase. After college, Peter joined Carnival Cruise Lines, performing and conducting in their show bands onboard over ten different Carnival vessels. Peter went on to become a Musical Supervisor and band leader for Carnival Cruise Lines, and worked with them for eight years. Peter moved to Las Vegas in 1996 where he has performed in all the major venues, and with many headliners as well as local acts. In 1999, Peter joined Maynard Ferguson and Big Bop Nouveau, touring and recording for three years before returning to Las Vegas. Peter can be heard on the Concord release "Swingin For Schuur", featuring Diane Schurr, Maynard Ferguson, and Big Bop Nouveau. In 2005, Peter returned to Maynard Ferguson and Big Bop Nouveau, with which he is currently touring.
Jamie Hovorka - Trumpet
Jamie completed his Masters in Jazz Studies this spring from the University of North Texas, and was lead trumpet in the One O'Clock Lab Band from 2004-2005. Jamie has traveled the world with various jazz, classical, Latin, pop, and blues ensembles. Being from Vancouver, Canada, Jamie has been enjoying learning to say "huh" instead of "eh"!
Reggie Watkins - Trombone
Reggie Watkins was born and raised in West Virginia and has played trombone for eighteen years. After attending West Virginia University for Music Performance he moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to become a staple on the music scene. There he began playing and recording with various groups such as The Roger Humphries Big Band, The Kevin Frieson Ensemble, Dr. Zoot, and many others. In 1999 Reggie joined Maynard Ferguson and is currently Trombonist, Musical Director, and Arranger for the legendary jazz musician. In 2003 Reggie was selected as one of only eleven semi-finalists chosen to perform at the prestigious 2003 Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Competition in Washington D.C. There he performed with an all-star jazz group consisting of pianist Eric Reed, bassist Bob Hurst, and drummer Carl Allen. In 2004 Watkins released his first solo CD as Band Leader, Trombonist, Composer, Arranger, and Producer entitled A-LIST. The album features sixteen musicians, all original compositions and arrangements, and is part of The Maynard Ferguson Presents series. Reggie is also featured as Trombonist and Arranger on the 2001 Maynard Ferguson/Dianne Schuur release 'Swingin For Schuur'. Reggie can be heard performing most often with Big Bop Nouveau and his own group The A-List Octet.
Julio Monterray - Sax
Julio Monterrey was born in Managua, Nicaragua but left at a young age with his parents to Miami, Fl in search of political asylum and the American Dream. At the age of 15 he was introduced to the magic of song. Something drew Julio to the saxophone which has become the fountain of his inspiration. Jazz came soon after where he immersed himself in the classic recordings of Charley Parker, John Coltrane, Louie Armstrong and many others. While attending Florida International University, Gary Campbell and Mike Ortta were great influences in his musical beginnings. At this time Julio was also experimenting with his own acid jazz group, winning several local polls. In 1999 Julio was admired by the New School. A year later he found himself drawn back to his boyhood home of Miami where he has written and sold many highly acclaimed original compositions to a local record label. Julius is a lover of many styles of music and is always in search of fresh ideas.
Matt Parker - Tenor Sax
Matt was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, FL, where he picked up his first saxophone at the youthful age of 14. After graduating high school, Matt found himself in New York City - that sleepless American metropolis, wherein he could finally devote his practice to a unique collection of resources, energy, and culture. In this fertile yet chaotic arena, he acquired a degree in jazz performance from the New School. Matt has since played with artists such as David O’ Rourke, Junior Mance, Phil Woods, and Reggie Workman to name a few. He carries a sundry pallet of both bold and delicate tones, which compliment a powerful yet warm presence on the stage. Matt is currently composing and recording original music for a variety of artistic venues, ranging from film to dance.
Jeff Lashway - Piano
Jeff Lashway, originally from Pittsburgh, PA. has performed all over the U.S, Canada, and Europe. Formal training consisted of 11 years of private, classical piano before branching out into jazz and pop music on his own. Having lived also in Indianapolis and New Orleans, Jeff has incorporated many styles of playing into his own unique style. In addition to Maynard, Jeff has played with Slide Hampton, guitarist Joe Negri, and legendary New Orleans cornetist Connie Jones.
Brian Mulholland - Bass
Hailing from Anderson, SC, Brian Mulholland is the bassist for Maynard Ferguson. Despite starting on piano at age 3, he switched to the bass in fifth grade. After only three months, he substituted for the high school jazz band bassist. Befriending Victor Wooten at age 12, Brian performed with Grammy® winner Béla Fleck after learning his repertoire. Brian has gone on to share the stage with Darol Anger, Chris Potter, Terri Lyne Carrington, and David Haynes, to name a few. He has performed at International Association of Jazz Educators and International Society of Bassists conferences, toured Europe with the USC Left Bank Big Band, and transcribed Bass Day ’98: Victor Wooten for Hudson Music. Brian holds degrees from the University of South Carolina (B.M.) and the University of North Texas (M.M.).
Stockton Helbing - Drums
Since the fall of 2003, Stockton Helbing has been the drummer for Maynard Ferguson. While working with Maynard, Stockton has toured and performed throughout the United States and in Germany, Thailand, Sweden, England, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, and St. Lucia.
Stockton recently released Lodestar, his debut album as a bandleader. Lodestar, a NohJoh Music release, is an all original music project that also features Stockton's contemporaries Ken Edwards, Tom Luer, Noel Johnston, and Brian Mulholland. Lodestar was selected by Maynard Ferguson to be the newest album in his MF Presents series.
Stockton graduated from the University of North Texas with a bachelor's in Music in May 2003. He attended the highly esteemed jazz school from the fall of 1998 until the spring of 2003. During those years Stockton studied with world renowned drum set teacher Ed Soph. Stockton was also a member of the Grammy award winning One O'clock Lab Band, under the direction of Neil Slater. Stockton appears on two of the One O'clock Band's albums, LAB 2002 and Lab 2003.
Mike Freeland - The "Sound Guy"
After training his musical ear by working as a full time professional guitarist for over 25 years, MIKE FREELAND, has been mixing Front of House or Monitors for a wide variety of artists including The Lettermen, Diane Schuur, the Count Bassie Orchestra, the Tubes, Loretta Lynn, Little Richard, Sha Na Na Na, the 2005 Vocal Group Hall of Fame Inductions, which included The O’Jays, The Jordaneires, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, to name just a few. Mike has over 600 shows under his belt mixing MAYNARD FERGUSON.
Ed Sargent - Tour Manager
Immediately following 5 years as a percussion / business major at the University of Tennessee; Ed Sargent began working with Maynard Ferguson in the spring of 1982. Ed began his tenure first as the valet, working directly as a personal assistant to Mr. Ferguson while shortly afterwards, Ed assumed the task of Stage Manager / Lighting Director and the Fall of 1984 the Tour Manager job came be.
Ed actively produces around 200 live shows a year with the great Maynard Ferguson. Over the years Ed has had the opportunity to produce / Tour Manage acts like, Art Blakey, Diane Schuur, Heart, Dizzy Gillespie, Marlena Shaw, Billy Eckstein, Dr. Lonnie Liston Smith, Al Hirt, Billy Cobham and more.
Ed has also been actively involved as the Executive Producer of many of Maynard Ferguson projects over the years namely. “Foot Path Café”, “Live From London”, These Cats Can Swing”, “One More Trip To Birdland”, “Brass Attitude” with DVD projects including “At The Top” and also Directing and Executive Producing on “Live at the King Cat Theatre in Seattle, Washington with Diane Schuur”. Ed has also been actively involved in the Maynard Ferguson Presents Series as Executive Producer for the projects with Tom Garling, Christian Jacob, Carl Fisher and Maynard’s current Musical Director, Reggie Watkins.
,
Maynard's classic live album recorded in June of 1959 (Maynard
was 31!) has just been reissued by Blue Note Records. This
amazing album is available at 
