Contemporary Productions has announced 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 http://www.maynardferguson.com. Retail cost is $20.
Ferguson, affectionately known as "The Boss," worked with hundreds of musicians worldwide throughout his more than six decades in the business. He often enlisted the musical and composition talents of notable and famous alumni including Wayne Bergeron, Denis DiBlasio, Chip McNeill, and Steve Wiest as well as many of his Big Bop Nouveau Band members. These talented individuals are just a handful of featured musicians on The One and Only Maynard Ferguson CD. This recording contains nine tracks -- five are new takes on old favorites including "The Days of Wine and Roses" and "Besame Mucho," where fans will enjoy a dueling trumpet duet between Ferguson and Wayne Bergeron. Other tunes include three original compositions by Denis DiBlasio, and an all new composition by pianist and Ferguson's son-in-law, Christian Jacob titled "Lost Horizons" featuring the beautiful flugelhorn played by Ferguson.
The One and Only Maynard Ferguson is quintessential of 'The Boss' and a very seductive collection full of original pieces plus Ferguson's unique take on familiar tunes," said Dr. Herb Wong, an internationally respected jazz journalist, historian, critic and concert producer. "The arrangements by Denis DiBlasio and Chip McNeill are incredible and certainly reflect that unmistakable Maynard Ferguson flair. Memories of bygone performances stand out in this legacy CD, I could hear how excited he was ... Ferguson's
performance was tumultuous."
Ferguson passed away just three weeks after The One and Only Maynard Ferguson was recorded, at the age 78. What was intended to be just one of many albums recorded, this particular one has evolved into Ferguson's legacy piece. The One and Only Maynard Ferguson is sure to secure Ferguson's deserved standing as a legend in the history of American Jazz.
Maynard Ferguson Background:
Walter Maynard Ferguson, born May 4, 1928, in Montreal, started his career at age 13 when he performed as a featured soloist with the Canadian Broadcasting Company Orchestra. He opened for some of the great Big Band Leaders of the 1940s including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie and Harry James, and then went on to play with Charlie Barnett, Jimmy Dorsey and Stan Kenton. In 1945 at age 17, Ferguson became the leader of his own Big Band. The 78 year old musical phenomenon went on to record more than 60 albums, receiving numerous honors and awards including the GRAMMY(R) nomination for "Gonna Fly Now" otherwise known as the theme from the movie Rocky. In 2005, Ferguson was awarded Canada's highest civilian honor, the "Order of Canada" from the Right Honorable Governor General Adrienne Clarkson. Additionally, Ferguson has been the recipient of DownBeat Magazine's prestigious "DownBeat" award.
"The Boss" had performed for packed houses for decades. In his final days, he and the Big Bop Nouveau Band were touring the United States, recording what we now know as The One and Only Maynard Ferguson and preparation for a fall 2006 tour in Tokyo. Maynard Ferguson was passionate about his music, his fans and his family. An inspiration both onstage and off, Ferguson's life was full of high notes. His dedication to his craft was unparalleled and his vibrant presence on stage was legendary. Maynard Ferguson will be greatly missed. Maynard Ferguson: 5/4/1928 - 8/23/2006
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