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.
University of North Texas MF
Tribute Artwork September 28, 2008
Trombonist
Nick Lane Inducted Into Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Hall
of Fame September 28, 2008
Trombonist Nick Lane performed, recorded and composed
with Maynard for several years in the 1970s. In the
years since, Nick has worked with some major rock
acts, including Rod Stewart, Tom Petty, No Doubt,
and The Who. Nick Lane was raised in Marshalltown,
Iowa, and last month he was inducted into the Iowa
Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame. According to the Iowa Rock
and Roll Music Association, Nick "recently released
a CD 'Songs for the Heartland' featuring music he
composed for orchestra, chorus and solo trombone for
the Central Iowa Music Festival held each summer in
Marshalltown".
University of North Texas to
Host Maynard Ferguson Tribute in Fort Worth September 13, 2008
Less than a month after we learn that the Mayanrd
Ferguson Music Library was moving to the University
of North Texas, their first musical tribute has just
been announced. The show is titled "Dreaming
of Birdland" and Steve
Wiest has made the following announcement on the
MF Forum:
The University of North Texas will be hosting a Maynard
Ferguson musical tribute in Fort Worth, Texas at McDavid
Studio on October 17!
Here are the details:
"Dreaming of Birdland"
A Tribute to Maynard Ferguson featuring the UNT One
O'Clock Lab Band with special guests Pete DeSiena
and Stockton Helbing (more guests to be announced
soon!) For info on McDavid Studio (part of Bass Performance
Hall), to buy tickets, and to stay on top of developing
details go to: http://www.basshall.com/mcdavidStudio.jsp
We will be playing the killer music of the Birdland
Dream Band era as well as a taste of Big Bop Nouveau
(Besame Mucho for sure, and some surprises). Pete
DeSiena is one of the greatest living players of Tenderly
and will no doubt play that and then some, while our
man Stockton will be featured on Besame and then take
it from there! I am working on one more major trumpet
soloist as well. More on that soon.
The One O'Clock Lab Band will be fueled by a great
lead trumpet player: James Blackwell, and the whole
band is burning this semester, so it should be a blast!
Other members of the MF "extended family"
are trying to clear their schedules e'en as I type,
so I will alert you as soon as things firm up.
Here is a chance to breath life into this great collection,
and I hope you all will be able to be there! The place
will sell out soon, so go grab some tix and spread
the word! More later...
The Maynard Ferguson Collection
Finds a Home August 19, 2008
The following is a press release announcing the future
of the Maynard Ferguson Collection:
The Maynard Ferguson Music Library and
Memorabilia Find a Home at UNT! By Kim Ferguson Exon
The entire music library of jazz legend and trumpeter
Maynard Ferguson and the extensive collection of his
lifetime of memorabilia, horns, wardrobe, awards,
and much more have just found a brand new home. The
Ferguson Family is delighted to announce that Maynard's
decades of big band and small band charts will soon
be housed at The University of North Texas, alongside
the historically significant library of Stan Kenton,
one of Maynard's dearest fellow bandleaders and the
giant who introduced him to America in the early 1950's.
At the same time, the entire MF Collection is en route
to Bill Collins III of the Collins-Binkley Foundation,
destined to be the focus of a newly unveiled Jazz
Museum in Denton, Texas. Orchestrating this perfect
score, together with the Ferguson's, was Steve Wiest,
currently the interim director of the One O'Clock
Lab Band at UNT. Through his understated perseverance
and vision, Wiest made this fantasy a reality. Steve's
first hand knowledge of this library unfolded in the
1980's when, as lead trombone and composer for Maynard
for many years, he had the joy and privilege to perform
many of these charts with one of the hottest bands
on the planet, and to get to know the man himself.
Wiest had an emotional moment, when, upon inspecting
the collection, found his own original notes and compositions
still in the music book in storage since shortly after
he had left the band in the 80's. He considers himself
blessed for the experience, as do so many who passed
through the jazz wing of UNT.
For many years, whenever Maynard needed a new band
member, the first call would go to Neil Slater, the
director of Jazz at UNT for 3 decades, who only recently
retired. North Texas was one of Maynard's favorite
schools, always delivering some of the best musicians
and resulting in a long list of MF Band alumnus. The
Ferguson Family is thrilled to see Maynard's library
being launched for a second career where others will
have the opportunity to study, experience, and perform
the charts that were the identity of Maynard Ferguson,
and continue the legacy of a man who brought tremendous
joy to the world with his infectious power and passion
for life.
Former MF Trumpeter Carl Fischer
Performing With "Organic Groove Ensemble" August 19, 2008
Carl Fischer, a long time trumpeter with Maynard's
Big Bop Nouveau Band and a current trumpeter with
Billy Joel, has some new dates coming up with his
band, the "Organic Groove Ensemble" (former
MF pianist Ron Oswanski is also a member of this group).
The group is performing at Mirelle's in Westbury,
NY on August 27. A recent date at Mirelle's was documented
in a rave review that can be read at AllAboutJazz.com
in which the author states, "The jazz spirits
that haunt this historic venue were probably smiling,
swinging and reaching for a cool one last night as
phenom jazz trumpeter Carl Fischer and his terrific
group, Organic Groove Ensemble generated a veritable
jazz-funk firestorm."
Press Release from the Organic Groove Ensemble:
World-Renowned Billy Joel Trumpeter Carl
Fischer Performing With “Organic Groove Ensemble”
August 18, 2008 – Locust Valley, NY - As the
song goes, the “joint will be jumpin’”
on Wednesday, August 27 at Mirelle’s in Westbury
as Internationally-acclaimed jazz and scream trumpeter
Carl Fischer will lead his own exciting group, “Organic
Groove Ensemble” in a single-show appearance.
Fischer and his group, which plays a high energy array
of jazz, funk and rock-oriented selections, have recently
received rave reviews from critics, media and fans.
“I’m excited about the enthusiastic reaction
we’ve received from music fans in the Metropolitan
area,” Fischer stated in a recent interview.
“Organic Groove Ensemble,” its musicians
and repertoire reach across a very broad range of
audience – I’d guess it’s due to
the fierce drive and inventiveness that the band displays,”
he added.
Fischer’s comments are incredibly modest, given
the fact that he is a current stalwart in the Billy
Joel Band and a former featured jazz trumpeter for
the great Maynard Ferguson. “Organic Groove
Ensemble” includes some of the country’s
finest musicians who themselves have performed with
Billy Joel, Tower of Power, Maynard Ferguson, Celine
Dion, and other stars. All have recently received
high acclaim from the media. A recent review in All
About Jazz stated: “Carl Fischer and “Organic
Groove Ensemble” will leave you breathless as
they explore new jazz-funk improvisational vistas.”
In addition to leading “Organic Groove Ensemble”
Fischer, a Baldwin/Freeport native, now tours worldwide
with Hall of Fame star Billy Joel, who hand-picked
Fischer as his trumpeter. The venue for this performance,
Mirelle’s, was once decades ago a world-famous
jazz club called “The Cork ‘n’ Bib,”
where acts such as Maynard Ferguson, Miles Davis,
Dizzy Gillespie and others regularly performed.
“It’s really a treat to perform here
on Long Island where my roots are,” Fischer
said. “And, to perform with my own group in
a venue where some of the greats performed
is really an honor,” added Fischer.
Carl Fischer and “Organic Groove Ensemble”
will perform live on Wednesday, August 27 at 9 PM
at Mirelle's, located at 170 Post Ave. in Westbury,
NY. For reservations and further information, please
call Mirelle’s at 516-338-4933 or visit http://www.mirelles.com.
Carl Fischer, http://www.fischmusic.com
is the leader of “Organic Groove Ensemble.”
He is a Yamaha Trumpet Artist who has performed and
recorded internationally with Billy Joel, Maynard
Ferguson’s “Big Bop Nouveau,” Wynton
Marsalis’s Lincoln Center Orchestra, Blood,
Sweat and Tears, on Broadway and with many others.
He is currently performing and touring with Billy
Joel. Fischer is also a clinician, an educator and
the author of the acclaimed trumpet method, “Chop
Maintenance.”
Tennessee Radio Station to Play
48-Hour Maynard Marathon August 19, 2008
Kingsport-based WCSK-FM is planning to host their
2nd Annual Maynard Ferguson marathon this weekend!
If you don't live in the area, you can listen
online.
From WCSK:
WCSK-FM 90.3 to host 2nd Annual Maynard Ferguson
Marathon And a 24 hour Stan Kenton Marathon
As we did last year, WCSK-FM 90.3, the Voice of Kingsport
(TN) City Schools will host our 2nd annual Maynard
Ferguson marathon, celebrating the life and music
of the great jazz trumpeter. This year, because August
23rd falls on a Saturday, station manager Jeff Hall
has agreed to do 48 hours of non-stop programming,
which will include albums from Stan Kenton, Charlie
Barnet, Buddy Bregman, Vido Musso, Wayne Bergeron
and Tito Puente, all of which feature Maynard, as
well as tribute tracks from Arturo Sandoval and Andrea
Tofinelli, and the new Eric Miyashiro tribute album
“Pleaides.”
For those of you who live outside WCSK’s Upper
East Tennessee/Southwest Virginia broadcast area (which
will be most of you!), tune in via the internet to
hear the “Screamin’ Stream):
Click on the “Listen Live” button at
the top left, and enjoy!
The following Saturday, August 30, WCSK will feature
24 hours of Stan Kenton. Maynard features prominently
in much of Kenton’s work from the early 1950’s
which will be played, but there is a significant amount
of later Kenton work that will be included as well.
The playlist for both of these shows is attached,
or may be downloaded directly from the WCSK website
at the link given above.
Please contact Station Manager Jeff Hall at jhall@k12k.com
with comments, suggestions for future MF play lists,
or just to say thanks for sponsoring 48 hours of Maynard!
Maynard Ferguson Store Now Offering
More CDs August 18, 2008
The
Maynard Ferguson Store has expanded its CD offering.
In addition to the CDs and DVDs that have always been
available in the store, Maynard fans will now find
the entire MF Horn series (including a discounted
MF Horn set), New Vintage, The Ballad Style of Maynard
Ferguson, and the new Chase re-issue that includes
all 3 Chase LPs on a 2 CD set.
Verve is Reissuing "Maynard
Ferguson Octet" Album July 7, 2008
On July 29, Verve is reissuing a remaster of Maynard's
1955 Emarcy album, "Maynard Ferguson Octet".
Based on the cover image that Amazon
is displaying, they are using the original album
artwork.
"As for highlights: pick a track, any track.
The charts, as noted, are admirable, the band likewise,
while Miyashiro's trumpet work is, in a word, breathtaking.
It's albums such as this that make reviewing a pleasure,
as there's absolutely nothing one can write that is
less than complimentary. A strong candidate for anyone's
annual Top 10 list. "
Chicago-Based Brian Patti Orchestra
to Pay Tribute to Maynard July 7, 2008
On August 1st, the Brian
Patti Orchestra will be performing a show celebrating
the music of both Maynard Ferguson and Buddy Rich.
The show is in Hodges Park in Park Ridge, Illinois,
and is free to the public. More information can be
found in the Park
Ridge News.
Alumni Updates July 7, 2008
Trombone player and Grammy nominated composer/arranger
Steve Wiest has been appointed
the Interim Director of the 1:00 Lab Band at the
University of North Texas following Neil Slater's
retirement. Of the appointment, Wiest says, "It
will be for one year and during that year we will
sort out how things will continue. Needless to say,
I am thrilled! The 1:00 Band is simply one of the
best big bands in the world, a professional-level-killin'-swingin-sight-readin'
MACHINE! So I am gearing up for one of the happiest
years of my professional career." Tim
Ries (saxophone) is quoted in a recent
article about Slater's retirement.
West Point Jazz Band Will Pay
Tribute to Maynard June 18, 2008
The United States Military Academy jazz band (The
Jazz Knights) will pay tribute to Maynard on June
29th with a concert titled "The Maynard Ferguson Legacy".
This concert is a part of their Music Under the Stars
series and is open to the public. The concert is in
West Point, New York. Details can be found on the
West
Point web site.
Trumpeter Eric Miyashiro Releases
"Pleiades: A Tribute to Maynard Ferguson"
CD May 30, 2008
Tokyo-based trumpeter Eric Miyashiro has recorded
a truly remarkable Maynard Ferguson tribute. The 10
tracks on this album are comprised of one original,
five classic Maynard tunes, and four charts that Maynard
played on the road but never ended up on an album.
The never-before recorded tracks include a Nick Lane
composition, "River Whale", a Denis DiBlasio
arrangement, "O Que Sera", a Chip McNeill
composition, "Close the Deal", and the famous
Jay Chattaway arrangement of the "Tommy Medley".
With beautiful packaging, comprehensive liner notes,
and testimonials from Bobby Shew and Maynard's daughter
Wilder Ferguson Jacob, this is the most impressive
Maynard Tribute I've ever heard. Eric manages to capture
Maynard's joyful spirit without ever simply imitating
Maynard's style. Available now in the Maynard
Ferguson Store.
Former
Maynard Trumpeter Peter Olstad Endorses New Trumpet
Trombonist
Nick Lane Inducted Into Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Hall
of Fame
