Trumpeter
Maynard Ferguson led
his greatest big band during the years that he was signed to Roulette
and all of the music from his 13 Roulette LPs (plus 11 previously
unissued selections) are included on this deluxe limited-edition ten-CD
box set. Although three of the LPs were originally recorded as dance
records (and stick close to the melodies), this box as a whole finds
Maynard at his peak and with an orchestra that includes such talented soloists as trombonists
Slide Hampton and
Don Sebesky (both of whom contributed arrangements), altoist
Lanny Morgan, the tenors of
Carmen Leggio,
Willie Maiden,
Joe Farrell, and
Don Menza, pianists
Jaki Byard and
Joe Zawinul, and drummer
Rufus Jones
in addition to the leader. The music is very jazz-oriented and
contains more than its share of classic moments, particularly the
sessions that resulted in A Message From Newport and Newport Suite.
Walter Maynard Ferguson (May 4,
1928 – August 23, 2006) was a Canadian jazz trumpet player and
bandleader. He came to prominence playing in Stan Kenton's orchestra,
before forming his own band in 1957. He was noted for being able to play
accurately in a remarkably high register, and for his bands, which
served as stepping stones for up-and-coming talent.
