This past August the Jazz world lost yet another legend with the passing of trumpeter, Maynard Ferguson. He had just completed a studio album, which has brought his discography to over 70 albums throughout his career.

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JAZZ: Big Band, JAZZ: Traditional Jazz Combo



Details:
Music Legend Maynard Fergusonâs Final CD to Debut this Friday, May 4th
âThe One and Only Maynard Fergusonâ to go on sale on what would have been his 79th Birthday

ST. LOUIS (May 1, 2007) â 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 Fergusonâs 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 âThe Boss,â 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. This recording contains nine tracks -- five are new takes on old favorites including âThe Days of Wine and Rosesâ and âBesame Mucho,â 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 Fergusonâs son-in-law, Christian Jacob titled âLost Horizonsâ featuring the beautiful flugelhorn played by Ferguson.


The One and Only Maynard Ferguson is quintessential of âThe Bossâ and a very seductive collection full of original pieces plus Fergusonâs unique take on familiar tunes,â said Dr. Herb Wong, an internationally respected jazz journalist, historian, critic and concert producer. âThe 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 CD, you can hear how excited he was to play. â

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 Fergusonâs legacy piece. The One and Only Maynard Ferguson is sure to secure Fergusonâs 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 âGonna Fly Nowâ otherwise known as the theme from the movie Rocky. In 2005, Ferguson was awarded Canadaâs highest civilian honor, the âOrder of Canadaâ from the Right Honorable Governor General Adrienne Clarkson. Additionally, Ferguson has been the recipient of DownBeat Magazineâs prestigious âDownBeatâ award.

âThe Bossâ 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, Fergusonâs 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 â 8/23/2006