CD Review
Maynard Ferguson -
The One and Only Maynard Ferguson
What an honor it is to have the opportunity to review this CD.
Available exclusively at www.maynardferguson.com, The One and Only Maynard Ferguson is the last recording by who has to be considered a jazz legend. After a sold out engagement at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City, Maynard and his Big Bop Nouveau hit Bennett Studios in New Jersey to record what would turnout to be his last CD. Three weeks after recording was complete, Ferguson passed away very unexpectedly.
Let’s get started:
The CD opens with the jazz standard “Without A Song” arranged by Chip McNeill. Unlike the original recording, this version features an up-tempo feel. Maynard wastes no time showing off his famous range with great ease. What’s more impressive to me is that he never lost his ability to truly lead a group, no matter what style he’s playing. “Without A Song” is a fine example of how a trumpet player can lead an ensemble without having to scream. Young trumpet players should really take note of this.
Next is Conseulo Velasquez’ “Beseme Mucho”. I love this arrangement. It starts out with a tasteful drum solo followed by a screaming intro with a great trombone riff. The melody lays very well over a multi-layered texture that is nicely crafted by arranger Steve Wiest. My favorite part is the ultra funky horn feature. I love the baritone sax and I get to hear plenty of it here. Finally, the original melody is played, followed by an epic trumpet duet by the Boss and Wayne Bergeron. Did I mention I love this tune?
Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone” follows. This is also a Steve Wiest arrangement. This is another in the long-line of arrangements specifically created to showcase Maynard and his talents. I really like the different grooves and different colors that we get to hear. This songs starts out with a very heavy drive, next thing you know, your listening to a very cool trombone solo that reminds me of the Miles Davis (and others) “Cool” period. This arrangement allows the trombone and tenor sax soloists to really stretch out and explore before Maynard gives us his contribution. I’ve always admired Maynard for allowing his very talented band members to shine. Maynard never appeared insecure about allowing other top-notch musicians to show their stuff on his time. This has to be one of the reasons; he had such a loyal following not only from his fans, but from his fellow musicians.
“Vita Bella” represents the first of four original compositions on the CD. This piece is composed by baritone sax hero, Denis DiBlasio. Mr. DiBlasio writes in the liner notes that this composition has taken on new meaning since Maynard’s passing. Listen to the tune and read the complete liner notes. You will see and hear what he means.
I am skipping ahead to “The Days of Wine and Roses” (I, as always, refuse to give it all to you...just know that skipping ahead does not diminish the next three cuts in any way). This chart starts out with a hard-swinging intro, followed by Maynard laying out the foundation by delivering a bluesy head. Then we get to hear Denis DiBlasio at his finest. He displays a great range on the baritone sax. His sound quality in the lower range is very good. I love it when guys cover the whole instrument. A very tasteful and driven piano solo by Jeff Lashway follows. Then, of course, Maynard brings it to a climax with a trumpet solo that only he can deliver. It has the feel, range and joy that makes the listener smile. I’ll never grow tired of this tune.
The CD appropriately concludes with “Darn That Dream”. This arrangement starts with Maynard playing along with a piano accompaniment. The song builds to a full band climax and appropriately ends with Maynard playing his beloved instrument to his loyal listeners one last time with not a screaming high note, but a great middle tone that to me, states, “it’s been great knowing you.”
His last recording was certainly not his least.
Buy it and let me know if you ride the same emotional rollercoaster that I did.
We miss you MF.
06.07.07