Until the early 50s, Maynard Ferguson's fantastic technique was often said to obscure every other aspect of his work. With the tracks at hand, he revealed himself as a fine all-round musician, band leader and brilliant soloist, both in trumpet and valve trombone. Bill Homan whose works can be considered as some of the most representative of the West Coast school of jazz once said, "I've always tried to write things that sound like jazz, not like Bach revisited." Thanks to his arrangements and to the exceptional musicians who perform them, Ferguson expresses himself in a way he had never previously found possible.
Tracklist
Total time: 97:56 min.
CD 1
01. Finger Snappin' 3:51
02. Autumn Leaves 3:15
03. What Was Her Name? 5:03
04. My New Flame 4:04
05. 20, Rue de Madrid 5:05
06. Inter-Space 3:34
07. Super-G 7:29
08. Yeah 6:52
09. I Have But Two Horns 3:41
10. Breakfast Dance 3:59
11. Slow Stroll 2:41
12. Wonder Why 3:28
13. Egad, Martha 3:50
CD 2
01. The Roamin' Showman 3:34
02. Open Sesame 3:10
03. C'est La Blues 3:57
04. Wildman 3:14
05. Dancing Nitely 3:45
06. Ain't Life Grand? 3:13
07. Idyll 3:19
08. Well, Hardly Ever 3:29
09. Dreamboat 2:50
10. Never You Mind 3:27
11. Mrs. Pitlack Regrets 3:11
12. Pork Pie 3:26
Album details
All tracks composed by Bill Holman, except CD 1 #2 by Kosma-Prevert-Mercer and #12 by Brodzsky-Cahn
Sources:
CD 1, tracks #1-8, from the album "Maynard Ferguson And His Octet" (EmArcy MG 36021)
CD 1, tracks #9-13, taken from the album "Dimensions" (EmArcy MG 26024)
CD 2, tracks #1-12, from the album "Around the Horn" (EmArcy MG 36076)
Personnel on CD 1· Maynard Ferguson and His Octet
Tracks #1-6: Maynard Ferguson (tp, v-tb), Conte Candoli (tp), Milt Bernhart (tb), Herb Geller (as), Georgie Auld (ts), Bob Gordon (bs), Ian Bernard (p), Max Bennett (b), Sid Bulkin (d). Recorded in Hollywood, April 25, 1955
Tracks #6 & 9: Same personnel but Red Callender replaces Max Bennett (b), Shelly Manne replaces Sid Bulkin (d).
Recorded in Hollywood, April 27, 1955
Tracks #10-13: Maynard Ferguson (tp, v-tb), Conte Candoli (tp), Milt Bernhart (tb), Herb Geller (as), Nino Tempo (ts), Bob Gordon (bs), Lorraine Geller (p), Red Mitchell (b), Gary Frommer (d). Recorded in Hollywood, August 26, 1955
Personnel on CD 2 · Maynard Ferguson and His Orchestra
Tracks #1-4: Maynard Ferguson (tp, v-tb), Buddy Childers, Ray Linn (tp), Milt Bernhart, Bob Burgess (tb), Herb Geller (as), Georgie Auld, Bill Holman (ts), Bud Shank (bs), Lorraine Geller (p), Ray Brown (b), Gary Frommer (d).
Recorded in Hollywood, November 7, 1955
Tracks #5-8: Same personnel but Alvin Stoller replaces Gary Frommer (d).
Recorded in Hollywood, November 10, 1955
Tracks #5-8: Same personnel but Buddy Clark replaces Ray Brown (b).
Recorded in Hollywood, May 12, 1956
Photos © Fresh Sound Records
Liner notes adapted by Jordi Pujol
Produced for CD release by Jordi Pujol
Hi Fi · Digitally Remastered
Blue Moon Producciones Discograficas S.L.
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All tracks recorded at Capitol Studios, 55156 Melrose, Hollywood
