MaynardFerguson.com

The most current news is found on the home page of MaynardFerguson.com.

Amazon.com Now Offering Maynard Ferguson MP3s
October 20, 2007

Amazon.com is now offering MP3s for download, including 83 (so far) Maynard Ferguson MP3s. These MP3s are priced at 99 cents or less and are DRM free (this means they can be put onto any MP3 device). This is a great way to get some of the lesser-known Maynard recordings such as A Message From Birdland.

Blogcritics Magazine Publishes Glowing Review of "The Essential Maynard Ferguson"
October 20, 2007

Blogcritics Magazine recently published a very favorable review of the recently released Maynard compilation entitled "The Essential Maynard Ferguson". In his review, author Michael Jones says, "As wonderful and iconic as Armstrong, Miles, and Coltrane were as horn players, there is no denying the sound of Ferguson's horn as it glides and slides around a piece of music. It is all at once classy, classic, soulful, playful, respectful, and extremely deserving of respect." The entire article is available on the Blogcritics Magazine web site.

Sleepy Night Records Closes in on Lost Tapes Sales Goal
September 23, 2007

Sleepy Night Records, publishers of the newly released "Maynard Ferguson: The Lost Tapes" CD, have announced that they are only 40 orders away from hitting their sales goal, thus ensuring the release of Volume 2. If you haven't ordered yet, DO SO. Following is a message from Sleepy Night Records:

"On behalf of Ernie and myself, a big thank you to everyone that ordered this CD, we are knocked out at the comments on the forum and to tell you we are 40 CDs away from our target and once reached we can look forward to Vol 2! We are a small record company not run by "suits or accounts" yes we need to make money to live on also we need to put some back into other projects but we would like to be known as a company that is fair and takes care always putting out the best quality CDs and DVDs... especially the MF series after all it is only what Maynard deserved. The response was amazing, we are both delighted that this CD has been appreciated.

Thank you all........... Vol 2 anyone?????

Gary Gillies and Ernie Garside."

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New Albums Pay Tribute to Maynard
September 23, 2007

Two trumpet players have recently released albums that are either dedicated to or pay tribute to Maynard Ferguson. Florida-based trumpeter Dan McMillion's album, "High Octane" is dedicated to Maynard's memory and features several Maynard charts such as "Get it to Go" and "Latino Lovewalk". A review from allaboutjazz.com states that "the title of the album could not be more apropos, for the music thunders throughout the entire session." It can be purchased at SeaBreezeJazz.com.

In another corner of the country (Washington state), Rich Wetzel's Groovin Higher Jazz Orchestra has just released "The Mayn Thing, A Tribute to Maynard Ferguson and more" featuring several Maynard tunes such as "Chameleon" and "Coconut Champagne". It can be purchased at CDBaby.com.

"Boy With Lots of Brass" Coming to CD
September 6, 2007

Recorded in 1957, "Boy With Lots of Brass" is the latest classic Maynard Ferguson album to appear on CD. It's available for ordering now at Amazon.com, with a release date of September 25, 2007.

MaynardFerguson.com Now Offering RSS Feed
September 3, 2007

MaynardFerguson.com is now offering an RSS feed. Subscribe to this feed to stay current on all things Maynard.

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.

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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

There are only 3 more days or receive a discount on the upcoming Maynard rarities CD, "The Lost Tapes". Order before August 24 to receive the discount. Sound clips are available here.

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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

In the September 2007 issue of Down Beat Magazine, Maynard's final studio album, the recently released "The One And Only Maynard Ferguson" receives a 4-star review.

Maynard Ferguson
The One And Only
****

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.

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Ernie Garside Presents.....

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.

Log on to www.sleepynightrecords.com/media.php to hear a few samples of these great recordings.

Order now!

"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 album is available through our Maynard Ferguson Store.

"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

Participants on the Maynard Ferguson Forum have been raving about the newly released Maynard Ferguson Tribute Concert DVD.

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

Maynard's final CD, which has been receiving raves from fans, is now available on iTunes.

It's HERE!!!!!
May 4, 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.

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"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.

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.

Download the press release [pdf]

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.

Get the full details here.

Maynard CD and DVD Details
April 20, 2007

The CD:

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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
Darn that Dream - Arranged by Denis DiBlasio

The DVD:

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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).

Please take some time to watch the trailer of this awesome show now. (windows media file)

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."

Maynard's Stratospheric Career - Amazon.com Style
April 7, 2007
Maynard fan Steve Frazier has assembled a chronological list of all of the Maynard albums currently available on Amazon. He put together a list of FORTY CDs. Very impressive.

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.

Get the full details here.

"On a High Note: Best of the Concord Jazz Recordings" CD Now Available
February 13, 2007
Concord's new Maynard compilation, "On a High Note: Best of the Concord Jazz Recordings" is now available!

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.

"MF Horn 2" Coming February 27
"MF Horn 3" Coming February 27
"MF Horn 4&5: Live at Jimmy's" Coming February 27

Two other albums that many MF fans will be interested in:

Wayne Bergeron's "Plays Well With Others" Coming January 9 (featuring a Maynard/Wayne duet called "Maynard and Waynard")
Jim Manley's "Splendor in the Brass 2" Available Now!

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.

"On a High Note: Best of the Concord Jazz Recordings" Coming February 6
"Wow-the Formative Years" Coming February 27

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.

MP3: Caruso.mp3 (7 Meg)

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 proceeds of the concert will be donated to the Maynard Ferguson Institute of Jazz Studies at Rowan University in New Jersey.

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 Ferguson Tribute in Philadelphia on Oct. 25
October 22, 2006
According to a recent press release, The Jump City Jazz Orchestra will be performing a Maynard Ferguson tribute on Wednesday, October 25th at Chris Jazz Cafe in Philadelpha, PA.

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.

New commemorative merchandise was made available at the concert, and some of that merchandise is now available on this web site. Specifically, you can now find commemorative Maynard Ferguson Tee-Shirts as well as commemorative Maynard Ferguson picture frames/clocks.

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.

Additional Tribute Concert Details
September 11, 2006
Just added to the line-up of the tribute concert: Trumpeters Walter White and Lew Soloff.

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
Online at www.touhill.org.
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.

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.

For more information or to request images of Maynard Ferguson, please contact the same number or email ctangaro@contemporaryproductions.com

[download the entire release] (pdf)

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 Recor