TPIN Maynard Ferguson Tribute Postings
Placed here in the order they were submitted from 8-24-2006 to 9-3-2006

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Mike Vax
I just got off the phone with Stan Mark. (Maynard's lead trumpet and road manager for about 8 years - sort of my counterpart when I was with Stan Kenton.) We have known each other for 40 years, since our time in the Navy, and stayed good friends all these years.

Stan got to talk to Maynard at 5:15 PM yesterday. Maynard couldn't really
talk, but was coherent and knew that it was Stan on the phone. His daughters were with him, and Kim told Stan then, that Maynard would not make it through the night. As you can imagine, Stan Mark and I laughed, and cried a lot, and we talked about how Maynard was really the LAST of the original big band leaders, and an IMPORTANT part of Stan Kenton's legacy and feelings towards jazz education.

Talk about the end of an era!!!!! While I never played on his band, I did consider him a friend and of course, one of the biggest influences in my life as a musician. I feel honored that I got to play parts on The Stan Kenton Orchestra that had Maynard's name on them.

This is a day that will live in my memory as much as the day that Stan
Kenton died, and Dick Shearer (Lead trombone on the Kenton band for 12
years, and my co-leader of the Kenton Alumni Band until he too passed away) and I spent a couple of hours on the phone reminiscing about our time with Kenton.

Jeff Helgesen
News of Maynard's passing was quite a shocker. I was told by folks
involved with his recent recording session that he was looking and
feeling very good and playing really well.

Maynard was a big influence on me. Lots of my fellow high school
trumpet players were into the latest Maynard album (Live at Jimmy's,
Conquistador, etc. etc.) but I was really drawn to the 1954 octet
recordings he did where he really got to blow over changes. These are
still some of my favorite recordings of Maynard.

I hope the media does him justice when the wires get the story out.

RIP Boss!

Doc D'Errico
I just caught the S.Fox back in March when he was last here in New
England... I've always believed in Kharma and after years of missing his
road show, I now know it was no mere coincidence that I bought the tickets.
Although he didn't play as much as he did when I first saw him back in 1977,
I treasured the experience just as much.

Thx, Mike, for the great background, and the linkages. The community is
small, but man, what a hell of a band is forming up in heaven!

GV Forsyth
I used to skip high school classes to hang out across the street from
Wakefield High School in Arlington to listen to Maynard records and goof
around on our trumpets with a section buddy. That when all the school buzz
was about the Beatles Are Coming.

Tim Phillips
Maynard has had a full life with experiences many of us can't come close
to imagine. He touched so many lives over the course of his career with
the universal language of music. I had not heard that he was ill, but I
hope this all happened quickly and mercifully for him. We will miss his
energy and presence in world of music, but I can rest in the knowledge
he's in a better place.

Having grown up in the 60s and 70s, hearing the great playing on all the
variety shows and cartoons of that era, this barely prepared me for that
day in the fall of 1973 when I came in from marching band rehearsal and
Tim Hodgin (a student teacher from Applachian State) had MF Horn 2
playing on the stereo in the band room. Our band director had told some
of the trumpet players that a trumpet didn't play above high D, so
hearing "Give It One" was a real ear and eye opener. He was playing at
App on October 19, and I really wanted to go, but alas - it was one
month before my 16th birthday and the upper classmen who had licenses
didn't want freshmen tagging along with them and their girlfriends and
my parents though traveling 30 minutes to a concert was preposterous.
I didn't hear MF live for several years after that, but in the meantime,
as soon as I got a job, I went to the local record stores and bought all
the MF lps I could find. I worked to extend my range on euphonium and
even picked up my old starter Cleveland King Cornet and tried to play
along... All homes didn't have air conditioning back then, so me with
the stereo blaring and cornet blaring with the windows open terrorized
my neighbors. :) MF continues to be one of the greatest influences on
my views toward lead playing, commercial lyricism, and trumpet playing
in general. There has never been another, though there are many great
players with other gifts still in the world, but I doubt we will ever
see his like again. I'll miss you MF, RIP.

Lux æterna luceat eis, Domine, cum sanctis tuis in æternum, quia pius
es. Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine; et lux perpetua luceat eis.

Michael Goode
What a shame Maynard is gone. The trumpet and the music world has lost
an inspiring legend. I am glad that I was lucky enough to see him
perform live. I still remember the first time I heard one of his
recordings. What a talent!!! My sympathy goes out to his family.
Too bad we can't send a group condolence card to his website from the
TPIN listers. I don't know how to do such a thing. Is it possible?

Ron Lipka
Friends; Maynard has been an unflagging inspiration to me since I
was in high school around 1949. I've never forgotten the local
record shop guy calling me up with a "you've gotta hear this"
message. It was Maynard with the Charlie Barnet band playing "All
the Things You Are." We wore out that 78 rpm copy and had to get
another plus a 45 before Cole Porter's widow forced Capitol records
to take it off the market. Then, what a thrill it was to hear and
see Maynard with the Stan Kenton Orchestra at Rainbow Gardens in
Cincinnati's Coney Island! Later, I remember standing in front of
the band stand for four hours straight at Cincy's Castle Farms
studying just how Maynard held the horn (he held it any old way he
grabbed it at the time). He actually broke a valve stem that night
and borrowed a horn to finish the gig. At that time critics were
saying...."he'll never last, he'll blow himself out in a couple of
years.. ruin his lip, etc. I guess most of those critics are dead by
now. Then the great concerts with Kenton's big orchestra
featuring"Maynard Ferguson." We visited with him last at Rio Rancho
High School with the Big Bop Band a couple of years ago and at the
Camel Rock Casino outside Santa Fe. Just last week the Rio Rancho
band director, Brad Dubbs, told me that they had booked Maynard for
Janaury 29. 2007. We immediately moved other dates to open that
Monday for all to attend The Boss. Sadly, we will now just remember
all the great moments. They live in our memory forever. Thanks,
Maynard for all the great times.

Flip Oakes
I'm really lost for words, as we have lost one of the Greatest Trumpet
Players, and Entertainers of all time. He truly was a Great Ambassador for
both the Trumpet, and the Music he played. I met Maynard in 1973 in Buffalo
NY, I had followed his band to many different concerts for years, and heard
him many times through out South Western New York State until 1977, when I
moved to So. Ca. He was, and always will be a great inspiration to me, as
I'm certain most every trumpet player, who has ever played the trumpet. He
truly was a GIANT, and I will miss him greatly. Sadly, I really don't know
what else to say...

David Arndt
Yes. Nomatter what your aspirations were as a young player - jazz, rock,
commerical, classical - Maynard was always there reminding us that there are
no limits...

Even though we all knew he approaching 80, it's still hard to believe.

Leon Merian
So sorry to hear about the passing of Maynard. I took his
place on Rugolo's band and of course new him as a friend....He'll surely be
missed in the business. GOD bless him and be with him
high up there next to Gabriel

Gin Glockwood
My high school band director was a trumpet player and our hs jazz band played many MF charts. In the early 90's, our school district constructed a beautiful arts center for concerts and plays that was attached to my old high school. In 1993, my director was still there and Maynard was coming to the arts center to perform. My girlfriend and I went and the band director was able to get us 3rd row seats. I'm sure we were baptised with some sweat or spit. We could hear the horn - not the amplified horn. It was the best concert I ever attended. Since we had the connection with the hs band director, we were able to meet Maynard backstage afterwards and he signed a CD for me and I got a picture with him. It was a total thrill. I have had that picture prominently displayed since that performance. I'm so glad I got to see him - even if it was only once.
Another piece of kismet, last night, my big band had a mid-week gig. Somewhat unusual but I'm glad I was with my silver axe when the silver fox passed on.

Peter Brady
This is very sad news and he will be sorely missed.
It's only three days ago that I was prompted to post a query on this forum about flugel horns which was inspired by his brilliant flugel performances. I first heard him in Newyork in 1962 and he has been an inspiration ever since.
Sincerest sympathy to his family on their sad loss.

Paul Cacia
Maynard Ferguson, for those who knew him,
was what most every trumpet player aspired to be,
the king, there were many pretenders to the throne,
but there will never be another Maynard.
It is a dark day for the multitude of trumpet players
around the world that are inspired by him. His mark is an
indelible part of our lives. With a heavy heart I say farewell
to this magnificent soul and wish him a blessed journey.....

At least we have the memory of the sizzling electricity of his live
performances, those coming up behind us will not, they will never know
what it is like to hear Maynard live.

Maynard has left us his legacy, the hard part, for those of us who are
left, is to carry on.

Nick Drozdoff - Former Band Member
The Impact of Maynard Ferguson on My Professional Life as a Trumpeter:

It is 2:50 on August 24, 2006. I just taught 90 minutes of classes putting
on a happy face even though I was struggling with a sense of sadness at just
hearing of the passing of trumpet legend, Maynard Ferguson. I got through
it, and will be fine, of course. More on that, later.

Now, folks who know me well may ask, „Why are you so bothered by this? You
only really did three complete tours with him! You didn&Mac226;t even finish a full
year!‰ Well, these queries deserve answers.

First, I left when I did, by and large due to the fact that I was a newlywed
when I went on the road with Maynard. My new wife was very supportive of the
move onto the road. She knew how important to a young trumpeter it was to go
on the road with Maynard Ferguson. However, I felt I had to come home when I
did. This was made easier due to some personal challenges (which had NOTHING
WHATSOEVER to do with Maynard!) I was facing on the road.

Next, those three tours I did with Maynard Ferguson were some of the most
cherished moments of my career. My life would not have been the same without
them. I learned a great deal about trumpet playing, musicianship, jazz and
humanity that I would have missed had I not had that experience. I learned
as much about me as I did one of the greatest jazz trumpet legends who ever
lived.

Maynard has had a huge impact of the lives of virtually every trumpeter, in
some way. Certainly, the legacy of high notes is there. However, Ferguson
brought a sense of musicianship and artistry to that aspect of trumpet
playing that has only been approached by others. I recently posted a comment
in a forum about Maynard&Mac226;s version of Gershwin&Mac226;s „Summertime‰ on a recording
with Max Roach, Dinah Washington and Clifford Brown. In listening to that
piece, one can only stand in sheer awe at the power and majesty of his work.
I was more than just an athletic event. It was beautiful music in the hands
of a master trumpeter.

For me, The Fox will live on forever in his recordings, of course, but also
in the memories of the conversations I had with him during my brief tenure
on his band &Mac246; his words of encouragement and advice through some rough
patches I had along with his stories about his experiences with other jazz
greats. His jovial and kind nature will never be diminished in my mind.
Those moments in hanging out with him on the band bus, on the airplane to
Japan, on bullet train platforms, the rehearsals in Orlando Florida, his
joking around with us, will always be with me. I&Mac226;ll never forget the time he
met my wife and then treated her to my getting to trade solos with him on
Latino Lovewalk at Rolling Meadows High School. When Alan Wise dubbed me
„Studio Man,‰ Ferguson was like another little kid with that, too! I could
go on, but I&Mac226;ll spare you. I may have only done three tours, but oh what a
three tours those were!


In short, I am a very privileged man. I got to be on the road with one of
the greatest jazz legends of our time. Certainly, he&Mac226;ll be missed, but
rather than morn his passing, I am going to celebrate his life and all the
beauty and joy he brought us.

Much gratitude is due to Maynard Ferguson, for my part.

Bryan Edgett
Some people seem as if they will live on earth forever. So I saw
Maynard Ferguson until today, one of my early trumpet heroes and the
first trumpeter to redefine what I thought that the trumpet could do.
A friend's mom, a trained soprano, had gone to school with Maynard in
Canada and she was eager to see him again. It was winter in 1974 and
we drove a little more than 1/2 hour to see Maynard and his band
perform at Upper Moreland High School.

The gap between recording and live performance has not been closed in
my view since. I had heard some of Maynard's recordings but nothing
prepared me for the visceral, powerful, and remarkble sound I heard
that night. I saved a few bucks to hear him again the next time he
was nearby.

Maynard's band played a dinner theater in the summer of 1975. A buddy
and I thought that it would be worthwhile to spend whatever they were
asking at that time, have a good dinner, and hear Maynard. Man, what
a dominating sound.

I saw him again in subrban L.A. when i was playing in the Marine
Corps Bands in 1977. We drove 2-1/2 hours to his show, and 2-1/2
hours back on a Saturday. The following Sunday, I drove nearly the
identical route to take my regular trumpet lesson in Glendora.

I saw Maynard several times since, the last time having been only a
few years ago. I took my trumpet playing daughter who also had heard
him on recordings but never live. I am not exaggerating to tell you
that she sat through virtually the entire concert with her mouth
open. The band simply smoked and Maynard played remarkably well.

I feel the loss of a musical hero, a prominent influence on
generations of musicians. I am experiencing a sadness rivaled by what
I felat at the passing of Dr. C. John Miller, one of my most
influential pastors. I hadn't thought about Maynard much recently,
much like I hadn't thought much about Dr. Miller at the time either.
As I found it then, so I find it now, unable to believe that he is
gone. I just can't believe...

I am thankful to have heard Maynard live on several occasions, to
have experienced the unbridled enthusiasm and front line energy that
he and his band brought. R.I.P. Boss.

Clyde Hunt
I still clearly remember the day, if not the exact date, when my uncle
Lorin, also a trumpet player and five years older than myself said,
"come in here and listen to this trumpet player in the Kenton Band!" He
was playing records, as was his custom, on the Admiral 78 record changer
in his bedroom. The tune was, "The band Ain't Draggin'", a novelty
number on a 10" Capitol 78rpm recording, on which Maynard did the vocal
as well as the feature trumpet solo. As near as I can recall, it was c.
1948-49-50.

Does anyone remember the Bob Graettinger's (sp?) THIS MODERN WORLD
composition for Maynard and the Kenton Band ....simple, "A Trumpet". It
needs to be heard....!

Later, about 1954, we caught Maynard with the Kenton Band at Idora Park
Ballroom, Youngstown, Ohio. Man....does anyone remember those "loud"
plaid jackets the band was wearing then ? (grin)

I also had the great pleasure of seeing/hearing Maynard in a Quintet
setting at BLUES ALLEY, Washington D.C. That would dispell the erroneous
notion, sometimes heard, that he was not a "jazz" player.

And finally, I had the good sense to arrange to have His band at Robert
E. Peary High School,
in Rockville, MD (greater Washington DC) I believe the year was
1980/1982 (??)

Yes.... a "Super Nova" has come into our collective lives, and now is
gone, from our midst.

"And even unto the grave we sing, Allelui, Alleluia, Alleluia!" "Thanks
be to God!)
(Book of Common Prayer)

RIP.... Maynard Ferguson

Jeff Roberts
I first heard Maynard when my band teacher brought a couple of his albums to
a stage band practice. Hearing Maynard opened a whole new world of trumpet
to me. The sheer excitement of the high notes and the overall musicality of
his playing was a revelation.

I saw Maynard and the MF Horn band in Vancouver around 1973 or 1974 at the
Cave nightclub. We had to sneak in as we were underage but we sat and
nursed a beer all night and got to see the most amazing live performance I
had ever experienced.

I had just gotten a new Buddy Rich album that had a stellar trumpet section
including Lin Biviano and Jeff Stout. The Rich band wasn't about trumpets
but these guys really gave Buddy's band a huge trumpet sound. Maynard
played a couple of tunes and then introduced the band and his trumpet
section included Lin Biviano and Jeff Stout! He had scooped Buddy's whole
section. Boy could those guys play.

After the show I was in shock from the experience. Such incredible energy
and beautiful playing. I spotted Maynard standing just off-stage and ran up
to him, grabbed his hand and shook it and blurted out "that was the most
amazing concert I have ever seen". He thanked me and I left knowing I had
shaken the hand of my hero.

I had hoped to see him again and had been watching his touring schedule to
see if he would up to this area but sadly that didn't happen.

Maynard set a new standard, there are many amazing high-range trumpet
players out there but none seem to have the magnetism of Maynard.

RIP

Derek Reaban
I remember when I was in the 6th or 7th grade my Mom and I were in
an Osco drug store. I had been playing the trumpet for several years
and my Mom said, "go see if you can find a Maynard Ferguson album
and I'll buy it for you". I remember finding the album with the trumpet
on ice in the big glass container and thinking, "this one looks cool".
Then I turned it over and saw that Star Wars was on it. Star Wars had
only just come out several months earlier. I had to have this album.

I'll bet I listened to every one of those songs until I absolutely wore
out the album. And they were all really good:

This was my first Maynard experience. Then in High School a big
group of us traveled down to Sunny Side High School in Tucson to
hear Maynard with his band. WOW! I was just blown away as
was everyone that I went with. I'll never forget the Hey Jude
arrangement with the entire trumpet section walking out into the
audience.

The next year when we went to hear the Maynard concert I was
prepared with an album for him to sign for me. It was a white
album with a sketch of Maynard playing (I think it was called
Stratospheric). After the show we got out to the tour bus and
got to go in one at a time. I remember he was very nice to spend
a few minutes talking to me and I will treasure the album that
he signed for me!

Great memories! Thanks for all of your great music Maynard.
You were the greatest!

Ray Burkhart
I showed up in high school in 1975 at the tender age of 13, and during
the summer band courses before school started, I was introduced to MF's
Chameleon album. Only months or a year before, I recall looking at A
above the treble clef staff and wondering what the heck it was.

Hearing Chameleon, and not at that time knowing anything about anything,
certainly not about current music or anything remotely jazzy or popular,
I didn't understand it at all. I wasn't sure I should listen to it! It
even took awhile to realize how amazing the high notes were. But I
couldn't get around it, since the older students played the album a lot
in the band room, and I began to listen and learn. I quickly learned how
to play up to high Gs and in the next four years of late-1970s high
school, I played almost all of his charts which were published and
available at that time. I think I can still play the last page of Hey
Jude from memory. And I used to play Mendez's Virgin de la Macarena and
MF's Rocky on the same band programs during my senior year. Point being:
he was a huge influence for me, as he was for almost every trumpeter at
that time. I loved his sound, I loved his sidemen, and I loved his
showmanship.

I have most of his albums and loved to hear him live when possible. I
once waited for an hour or more after a concert in Paradise, CA to get
his autograph, and since I drove, my friends just had to wait along with
me. Then when I was at Univ of So Cal doing my master's degree, Maynard
was scheduled to play on campus on the same night as Trumpet Master
Class. Ed Tarr was teaching the class that semester, and we all wondered
how he would handle it. We got word of the concert pretty late, and Ed
canceled the class immediately, so that we could reconvene at the
concert venue. We all got seats down front, along with Ed, and we had a
great time. Best trumpet class ever! To hear him live was an
unforgettable experience.

Anyway, I'm really grateful for what MF gave to the world, and today is
a good day to say so.

Ben
My wife and I saw Maynard in the late 70s (when we were both still in high
school) at the old Meadowbrook in Cedar Grove, NJ. Those were the Bobby
Millitello years -- yes, I know he was a flute player, but I don't remember
the horn section at the time. We had a blast, and still remember that
concert.

One observation about Maynard over the years: Why is it that you NEVER heard
him on the radio (except for that brief period when Rocky came out)? He has
recorded a tremendous variety of music -- big band, small combo, disco-y pop
music, avant garde stuff, movie themes, etc -- and yet I cannot remember
EVER hearing him being played on WBGO, or XM Satellite Radio, or on any
station. You hear tons of other trumpeters on the radio, from Louis to
Wynton and a multitude of others in between, but never Maynard, and yet he
put out some of the greatest music of all time. I don't understand it.

Given that (unfortunately) some of the greatest musicians get the most
recognition only right after they have died, do you think we will get to see
some of Maynard's recordings finally issued on CD? I'm thinking of Live At
Jimmy's,. my personal Maynard favorite.

Robert Eye
In my senior year in high school (1974-75), a drummer
friend of mine told me to listen to Maynard. I bought a
copy of Chameleon within the week. Nothing was the same
since.

I went to hear him in the summer of 1975 at Wolf Trap in
Virginia. Great all around show - his playing and the rest
of the band were tremendous. And his soprano sax solo (with
no one else playing) at the beginning of Hey Jude was not
to be forgotten!

I got to hear him a few years later at Vanderbilt
University's Rites of Spring annual jazz concert series
(for free on Alumni Lawn). Again, tremendous. We played
some of his charts in Jazz Band - we didn't sound quite the
same. :-)

Skip way ahead. I had quit playing from 1979-1995, so I
didn't attend concerts or keep up much with music. Once I
started back, I went to see Maynard and his band in 1996 (I
think) at Brookhaven College here in the Dallas area. Then
again a few years ago at Allen (TX) High School.

Every time I heard him and the band was a delight. The
audience ranged from kids to retirees. The music was well
done. The energy high. Maynard's joy in the music, the
band, and the audience was heart-felt, honest, and
contagious. (Something I can't say about every concert I've
been to.)

I am truly grieved to hear of his passing. My condolences
to his family, his friends, and his fans.

Kevin Bowen
I was at that Vanderbilt concert too, Bob.....had a handheld cassette
recorder with me, and taped the concert. I listened to that concert
until I wore the tape out.

Later, somehow I found out that the MF band was doing another concert in
Nashville before it was publicly announced....got tickets ON THE FRONT
ROW...the 'live' sound was something that even now I can't begin to
describe in words.

We also had the MF band for a concert at Tennessee Tech when I was a
student there. The band came over to the Phi Mu Alpha House after the
gig....very cool memories.

Very sad today....going home to listen to some Maynard...

Gregory Curry
First time I heard Maynard was while sifting through albums in the band
room. "What's this, 'Message from Newport' ?" I thought. Soon found
out!!!

Three years later I had the awesome experience of playing in what may
have been his biggest back-up band, the West Chester State College
marching band. After hearing him and his 'Brit band' blow the roof off
the college auditorium Friday night, Maynard played the half-time show
Saturday, MacArthur Park. WOW! Talk about filling the stadium! HUGE
sound! Had the good fortune to do it again the next season, this time
Bridge Over Troubled Water. Somewhere in there was 'People', too.
Changed my life. Met him backstage briefly, and as a young,
enthusiastic Maynard freak, had the weird notion to ask him to
autograph my bootlegged cassette of the concert. After giving me a
quizzical expression and offering some significant glances toward his
manager, smiled and signed it and offered me encouragement in my
trumpeting. A gentleman, for sure.

One of a kind. Thank you, MF.

Ralph Moore
My first trumpet hero was Chuck Mangione (it still "Feels So Good"). I was
then introduced to Wynton Marsalis (the lead player in my HS was taking
private lessons with him). Next in line was Herb Alpert (enticed by the
trumpet guy in the Janet Jackson video).

As you can tell, my sound early models did not even begin to scratch the
surface of the great trumpet players available. What can I say? I was
young.

Any way, one day, I was introduced to MF. WOW!! Needless to say, my whole
concept of trumpet playing shifted into "HIGH" gear. The best way I can
think to characterize the impact is this:

When I listened to Chuck, Wynton, and Herb, I played along trying to
immitate and emulate, but when it came time to listen to "da Man" the
trumpet was put down so I could soar with him--even if only in my
imagination. Of course no slight is made of the others, for they helped me
practice. But, Maynard helped me dream!

Thank you, sir!

Galen Tromble
I loved Maynard and everything he stood for -- touring
on the road, playing live for people, bringing young
musicians into the business, and most of all, enjoying
the hell out of what he did.

I'd heard Maynard's recordings since the 60's, but
first saw him live in Seattle just a few years ago. I
was seated at the first table in front of the stage --
about 5 feet from the end of his horn -- what a Blast
that was!

Since then I'm gone to see Maynard and the BBN
whenever I could, most recently in May. I'm sorry
that I won't get another chance, but I'll always
remember the energy, charisma, and positive energy
that he emanated. Truly one of a kind, and a man who
exemplified the saying "Do what you love, and love
what you do."

Jim Winsor
I never met Maynard although I listened to his music avidly during the
early '70s. As a young music major and trumpet player, Maynard
represented my goals, but I never had a chance to hear him play live,
only on albums. In college, I suffered from chop damage (Satchmo's
syndrome) and ended up pursuing other directions. (Today, I work in the
computer industry) I had put all my Maynard Ferguson albums away as
they were too painful to listen to until a few years ago when I started
playing again in a community band.

When I heard of this loss, I went back through my old albums, and found
all of the albums I had listened to during the '70s. MF Horn 1 2 and 3,
Conquistador, Chameleon, Live at Jimmy's, etc. Then, I called my wife
and thanked her. She is an employee of the Plano School District, and a
year ago, Maynard came to our High School to perform. She surprised me
with tickets to the concert, and I finally got to hear Maynard live! If
she hadn't done this, I would have never had the experience.

Rick Hunnel
The first time I saw the man, he and the band were holding a clinic at Orange Coast College in Coasta Mesa, CA, 1974. I sat in the back of hall. WOW! On the way home I stopped and picked up "Live at Jimmy's". WOW! In '76 & '77 he played at Anaheim High School. Both times I was in the front row. WOW! The last time I saw him was at Disneyland back in the day they had the "All That Jazz" weekend over Memorial Day, and I also saw Dizzy that day. BIG WOW!

I will greatly miss the Boss.

Giz Bowe
I'll never forget the hearing him in the mid-70s - NEVER had I heard such
playing, even on record, as my exposure to jazz at that point was nil. The
band was great, with Stan Mark. A couple of us caught Stan between sets and
asked him how he played so high. With a twinkle in his eye, Stan said,
"Boys, the secret is [deleted]!" We all laughed, even if we weren't
enlightened. I was lucky enough to catch Maynard several times after that,
and my enduring memory of him is Maynard just BOUNDING on stage, playing
incredible trumpet (or valve bone), and making it seem so easy.

The MF Horn series is still my favorite Ferguson, with the Kenton stuff a
close second, although as they say, it's all good!

RIP, MF - shanti shanti shanti.

Doc D'Errico
Reading all the posts today has been real therapy for the soul. Although I
never met the man personally, I was literally front-row-center for this stop
in RI back in March, so I had to dig up my post...

I got home from work and have had tears welling up in my eyes all day. I
went downstairs to the basement where I keep my horns and just couldn't get
the nerve to blow...

Then I pulled out Birdland on CD and cried.

The world's a little quieter today, but man, what a hell of a horn section's
up in heaven right now.

Maynard's meant the world to me. Unquestionably one of the first major
influences in my picking up a horn back in the 1960's, although I didn't
actually see him live until 1977. I caught him at least once every year
after that for at least a decade, then didn't see him again for quite a
while. Now I know that there was a higher reason that last year I looked
for a local show and bought the tickets 6 months in advance.

I was champing at the bit for this show and as you can see below, I was
anything but disappointed.

Thank-you, Nick Drozdoff for your touching post about your time with the
Fox. And yours, Mike Vax, about your common threads with Stanny K...
Thinking of guys like you and Waynard really gave me the courage to put the
hurt aside and remember that the music transcends and Maynard is channeling
through all of us now.

It doesn't matter that I'll never be your caliber - it's time to jam.

Thank-you, Maynard, for being a real influence, an inspiration, a role
model, and for making the horn not only un-real in how you handled it, but
real for so many.

Joe Johnson
I, too, feel the sense of sadness expressed by so many on the list
today. What has struck me most about all the tributes and
reminiscences is that Maynard was the inspiration for literally
generations of trumpet players. People that were in school in the
50's, 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's have all said what an influence he
was. That's pretty amazing. We all seem to have basically the same
story and it stretches over an incredible span of time.

I first heard him around 1977. I was in junior high school and was
blown away. One day when my dad came home from work he told me to get
in the car to go run an erand with him. When I got in the car he
handed me a copy of MF Horn 3 and tickets to see Maynard that night
at the Cape Cod Melody Tent. Needless to say it was fantastic. I
believe Carnival had just come out, and the band included the likes
of Stan Mark, Joe Mosello, Denis DiBlasio, Biff Hannon, Peter
Erskine, etc. What a show!

Thankfully my high school band director in Needham, MA was a trumpet
player, so we played a bunch of Maynard tunes: Gospel John, Give it
One, La Fiesta, Country Road, Rocky, Pagliacci, and Hey Jude are the
ones I remember. What a great time we had trying to sound like
Maynard's band! Later on I got turned onto the older stuff from the
50's and 60's. It's great stuff and I listen to it all the time.

I saw Maynard a number of other times and each time was as exciting
as the first. The last time I saw him was in Framingham, MA and both
Maynard's band and Buddy Rich's band played. It was very cool.

That Bud Herseth (my other uber-hero trumpeter) spoke so highly of
Maynard speaks volumes. I could never aspire to play like Maynard,
but I sure have been digging his playing for the last 30 years of my
life.

It feels odd knowing that I can never go hear him again, but his
music and legacy will live on. His recordings will continue to
inspire and amaze.

Here's to you, Boss. Thanks for everything!

SiegTrmpt
Aside from his legendary trumpet style and abilities the thing I admired
most about Maynard was his obvious zest for life. Long after most people his age
hung up whatever they did Maynard was on the road living life to the fullest
playing music and connecting with young and old alike. What a great way to
have lived.

Nick Mondello
I think I was about 10 or 11 the very first time I saw him. There was a rather well-known jazz club out here on Long Island called the "Cork 'N Bib." (It's STILL there today - same bandstand and all - as a dance club. So spooky to visit there now.) Maynard played there frequently as a "long-term" gig, say 3 or 4 nights a few times a year. My dear friend, Jai Florada's Dad would take us both, get us in there somehow as minors, buy us Cokes and pizza. We were awe and hero-struck. From our recurring visits, we got to know the band members and MF rather well (Jai was even asked to be "band boy."). The Boss had a full big band in those days. He played many of the heads over the horns and soloed his tail off. The band included Nat Pavone, Chet Ferretti, Dusan Goykovicz, Don Rader, Willie Maiden, Lanny Morgan, Frank Hittner, Rufus (Speedy) Jones and others. It was the early 60's Roulette days, so we heard "Got The Spirit," "Fox Hunt," "The Pharaoh," and many other classics LIVE. Don Sebesky and Slide Hampton did many of the charts. It was truly "trumpet heaven." I think one time my Mother, God love her, made me bring my horn to one of his dates for Maynard to "bless!" True.

Jai and I would go home, run to a store called "Korvettes" and grab Maynard '61, '62 and all the MF sides we could get our hands on. The LPs would be worn to scratches from incessant playing on the new/old piece-of-furniture stereo. Two young trumpeters playing along with the Boss (or feebly trying), having all the fun a young kid can have and not having a care. It was "Ole" all day.

Maynard also did the theme music to a 60's TV show which ran on ABC Channel 7 in NY called "Straightaway." He did an album on it, too!

Over the nearly 50 years since I first saw him, he has been an inspiration, a hero and all-around great guy to speak with and be around. I was blessed to see him many times and even play with many of his band members over the years. I spent a few moments chatting with him at the Blue Note a few weeks back before the show. (He played his tail off! Have pics if anyone would like).

I don't think I'm alone in admitting I cried today. I lost a dear trumpeting friend. Then I realized that as long as there are trumpeters and musicians who seek to stretch limits, be consummate professional artists, love quality music and play "God's Instrument," as I heard him once call it, The Boss will always be with us. After all, we've "Got The Spirit!"

God bless Maynard Ferguson, The Boss!

Mike - Ackman13
My emotions have been all over the place today. First, I heard Maynard was ill and then I learned he had passed. I was, and still am, stunned. I didn't think it would effect me quite as much as it has. Maynard was such an inspiration to me from when I first heard the recording of Ole' in high school. A few months later I heard him live and I was so excited I couldn't sleep a wink that night.

I have talked to several trumpet players today and it is amazing how many emotions Maynard's passing evokes. Why is this I wonder? I believe it was because Maynard was bigger then life. Besides being a great player - he was also a leader and a teacher. His playing always sent shivers down my spine, I am sure the same thing happened to other trumpet players as well. We all hoped there was a little Maynard in all of us.

Through the years there have been many players who could play in the stratosphere (many played in his band) but something special happened when Maynard did it. You could always tell when he was playing. I was lucky enough to see him in concert twice in the last three years. His passing has left a big void in the trumpet world.

Godspeed Maynard, Godspeed!

Michael Anderson - TPIN Admin
Well, I guess it is my turn to try and put my thoughts and feelings into
words...... Not easy... I've been reminiscing all day.

In 1974 I walked into my band director's office because he called me in
there. He was there with Rob Smeets our college student teacher who was a
trumpet player and practical joker. They were grinning from ear to ear and I
felt like I was walking into a lion's den. I just knew they were up to no
good and that I as going to be the brunt of their joke. I cautiously walked
in and the BD said. "sit down and listen to this." Then they put on Live at
Jimmy's and sat there and giggled as they watched my face react to what I
was hearing. Had I been a bit younger I might have wet my pants. :-)

I already loved the trumpet at that point, but everything changed from that
point forward. I was a resident of a tiny town - 1100 people in the middle
of nowhere, but I was fortunate to have great teachers who knew what to do
to turn us on to the finer things in the musical world. Soon after this
experience I got my first Chase album. Soon after that I heard my first
Reiner/Herseth recording. Then came the Instrumentalist interview where Bud
said Maynard was the greatest brass player of all time. It was a surprise to
me that an orchestral player would say that, but we never had any problem
believing it.

To say we worshipped Maynard and his recordings is not an exaggeration in
the least. One of my college friends had a lamp that every time you turned
it on it played a Maynard lick. Rigging this sort of thing up in 1977 took
ingenuity, dedication and a high level of fanaticism.

I wish I could remember all the times I've heard him live. I put those times
in my memory right up there with my trips to hear the CSO in the 80's.. Very
meaningful and exciting as hell.

The last time I heard Maynard was several years ago when a big band in Omaha
I was playing with and directing opened for him at a local high school. It
was a thrill to play on the same concert with him. Dave Monette was there
and I was fortunate enough to go out for dinner at the local Indian
restaurant with Maynard, Dave, Ed Sargeant and the trumpet players in our
band. It was a great night and lots of fun.

Although I don't play his kind of music on a regular basis, his sound and
approach to music is burned into my being. I can bring it to mind any time I
want... It is just there, ready to go when I want it. There is no substitute
and there won't ever be one.

I pity those who weren't able to experience his genius like I did. His is
the stuff of legends and in this case the Emperor has plenty of clothes!

Vic Nutt
I had to work at my desk with a lump in my throat, and fighting back a
tear for a little while today.
The first recording I heard [ca. 1974] blew me away - my friend's "MF
Horn III" record. My 10 LP's are still in my cabinet.
He even got me to enjoy a couple of classical pieces.
I first saw him in '77: What a show! My teenage son, also a trumpet
player, went with me to hear Maynard about six months ago. Mission
accomplished; my son saw the legend.
Thanks, especially to all of you who knew him, for your stories.

Eric Bittner
I first heard Maynard by accident. WOW what an experience. My High School Jazz Band was playing "Hey Jude" and our director asked us if we wanted to hear it performed by a real professional band. She played MF2 and our world was completely blown away. I wore out that record and went through another. We played Rocky later that year and then Chameleon came out. Absoloute gold!!

In the Spring of 79 Maynard came to Houston and played in Jones Hall. It simply was a life altering musical experience. The band played conquistador at the start of the second half and as luck would have it, Stan Mark did his fanfare right next to my seat. I was completely hooked. The Band was awsome. Maynard was an incredible showman and a truly gifted human being as well as an outstanding musician.

He brough a great amount of inspiration into this world and leaves an indelible legacy for the world to share. He made the world a better place for all whom he came into contact with. Just as there will never be another Sachmo or Dizzy, there will never be another trailblazer of the likes of Maynard Ferguson. I feel as many of you do. His passing leaves me feeling empty and a bit lost, however, his music will fill some of this void. He loved music and gave to all of us a treasury of performances and albums to revisit. I send my condolences and best wishes to Maynard's family, friends, colleagues and fans. To Maynard, Thanks for the music, the thrills, the excitement and the priviledge of sharing your music and life.

Paul Kurtz
There are so many not-so-obvious things in looking
at Maynard Ferguson's history and legacy. Let's start when he came up in
the bands of the 1940s. He played with legends! But, those legends were
soon told they weren't as popular any more as they had been. Some of
them were still in their prime, but rock 'n roll was coming!! But,
Maynard kept the faith. He played with Kenton and then ran his own band
for a number of years!! He had excellent players in those bands!! And he
wasn't an older man when he managed all this, either!! As Stan Kenton
eloquently said, "...They look to me for many things including money!!"
Well, that's what Maynard shouldered, responsibility for others as well
as himself!

Then you come to the mid-late '60s when big bands weren't in demand and
were expensive and he started to do more stage band stuff. (admittedly,
not always) He had to change himself, his focus, and yes, say goodbye
for a while to people whom I'm sure were loyal band members and friends.
(You know if you go from a big band of 18 to a big stage band of 13, you
still lose 5!) And, regardless of what we may think about Chris Botti
and smooth jazz, he, Maynard, accomodated himself to new situations so
that he and others could eat and continue to promote wind instruments.
And this is all happening while still putting out quality products and
of course, **PRACTICING!!

During the 1970s he hit rock and later disco-type music, always having
that horn in the forefront! He adapted and continued to adapt as time
went along. And then, when he didn't have to, but wanted to, he came
back with Big Bop Nouveaux to go back to beginnings and do things some
more!

What a life and what a walking history!! And guys like Denis DiBlasio
whom I met in NJ in June are living tributes through their enthusiasm
(which is mighty in itself) to what he stood for. And without being
maudlin or anything, I have to ask myself just how much family and
personal stress did that put on through all these times?

And yet, he had great zeal, zest, and love for what he did. And he had
great technical ability in a number of horn areas, types of playing, and
of course, his great range! Paraphrasing Stan Kenton, he said Maynard
provided fire!!

Now, if I'm wrong about this, as a person who only knew him by his
music, I'd be happy to disavow any part of what I've written. But, I've
tried to put myself in his place, living through the musical times he
did, and knowing attitudes of other living musicians who did so as well,
and it only makes it that much more remarkable to me about the things he
did!! And it makes me value the iron men that are left such as Leon
Merian and Clark Terry just that much more!!

And I think of sitting in the Jacksonville University band room in the
early '70s and listening to their jazz band play Maynard music. (I had
no Braille available and since I wasn't a member of their band, I didn't
(and maybe couldn't at that time) break in and improv!) But, it put
something into my soul that I've never forgotten and I thank him for it!
And given the multitude of jazz programs that have sprung up over the
last 30-35 years, I have to believe he's done a great deal to light the
fires in many other people and set an example of sacrifice for the art
and love of music. So, below is part of Joe's message and the end of my
meager thoughts.

Eric Berlin - ITG 2007 Conference Host
Dear friends,

The message that I received this morning hit me like a ton of bricks
and nearly brought me to tears. I guess I just assumed that he would
be out there forever playing for every new generation. What a
terrible shame that it had to end. From my earliest days, Maynard has
always been one of my biggest heroes. I remember when my uncle gave
me my first Maynard album. The album "Hot" was strange to me as a
elementary school kid, but that playing intrigued me enough to make
me look for everything of Maynard's that I could get my hands on. In
college I found a used record store in Boston (Looney Tunes by
Berklee) and was able to find the precious early stuff with Kenton
and his early band that had eluded me. Maynard now occupies more
space on my record shelf than any single artist. I am listening to MF
Horn II in tribute as I write this and am reminded how many times
listening to him inspired me to practice or go for it just one more
time. How many of us had a walkman playing Maynard before a concert?
I sure did! I remember my whole high school marching band getting
fired up in the bus before competitions to my boombox blaring Primal
Scream, Conquistador, Chameleon etc.

Has there ever been an better model for fearless playing on the
trumpet? And what a physical talent on the horn! I believe that
Arnold Jacobs once said that Maynard Ferguson was the greatest brass
player alive. If you watch that old video of him on the Ed Sullivan
Show with Stan Kenton, you will see what appears to be in human
playing. Live and in person, even in his later years, the ease with
which he approached the upper register was astounding. For the
countless hours of enjoyment and inspiration he has given me, I can
not thank him enough.

I think it is important that people are aware that his contribution
has not gone unnoticed. Last spring I nominated Maynard for the ITG
Honorary Award and the ITG Board voted to approve it at the last
conference. From the ITG site: "The ITG Honorary Award will be given
to those individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the
art of trumpet playing." This award was well deserved and I only
wish he could hear the deafening ovation at its presentation. In May
of 2007, I will be hosting the ITG conference at UMASS. I was working
with his management to have Maynard and his band play at the
conference in addition to accepting the award there. To pay tribute
to him at the conference would have been a fitting gift for a man who
has given us his heart and soul through performance and education. I
am so sorry that it will not come to pass. If anyone from any of
Maynard's bands would like to participate in a tribute, please
contact me off list at berlin@music.umass.edu.

Maynard is probably at this moment giving Gabriel a heart attack in
the great beyond and that just makes me smile. ;-)

Au Revoir Maynard, we will miss you.

Sean Reisdorf
I heard the news early this morning.

Here it is 14 hours latter and I'm still a lost for words.....


For me Maynard was my first true trumpet love and you never forget your first true love!

Over the years, (1981-present), I've seen many concerts and bought every LP and now CD I could get my hands on.
I even have my very first ticket stub from the Rialto in Joliet IL
To this day, I can flip the radio on at any time and just know when I hear Maynard.
There is just something about his tone and power that perks me up every time!

While I am sadden with his passing I can at least rest soundly knowing that his music will live FOREVER and that there is another CD coming soon!


Maynard, may your spirit fly as high as your music!

Richard Waddell
It's October, 1963, in Denton, Texas, and the Fall Lab Band concert
is about to begin at NTSU. Mr. Haynie has recently told me that I should
be sure to go to that conert, since there was to be a guest trumpeter
who was very good. So my mom's taken me and another 6th grade
friend to the old Auditorium Building where these concerts have
been going on for years...

We were in the balcony, all the bands were fantastic, and Leon Breeden
came out before the One O'Clock band played to announce the
guest artist, Maynard Ferguson. I did not know who he was then.
After he played Maria with the band, I never forgot who he was.

I was stunned at what he did, and I now know the excitement he expressed
was more than just so many high notes. As Nicholas Drozdoff wrote earlier:

<< ...about Maynard's version of Gershwin's “Summertime” on a recording
with Max Roach, Dinah Washington and Clifford Brown. In listening to that
piece, one can only stand in sheer awe at the power and majesty of his
work.
I was more than just an athletic event. It was beautiful music in the
hands
of a master trumpeter.>>

Those are very good characteristics to note:

POWER
MAJESTY
BEAUTIFUL MUSIC

And I think that because he expressed so musically and
so passionately, you could not forget how that touched you.

That's inspiration. And from all the posts of those who toured
with him, it sounds like the life experience that could only come
from a person who had love at his deepest level, that was freely shared.

Clint “Pops” McLaughlin
Maynard lived and loved music. He passed that love on to many of us.
He will be missed.

Rob Jonas
Well, I only heard yesterday that Maynard had been ill. It wasn't until I
got home this evening after work and running some errands, that I had a
message left on my voicemail from a friend of mine, that he has passed. It's
probably been over 20 years since I saw him live. It was always a blast and
he was a HUGE influence on me working at being a lead player and still
retaining a good tone and control. I'm still in shock. I have known a few
people, personally that played in Maynard's bands over the years, including
Glen Koster(bari)and Ken Edwards(trumpet). I just got an email from Ken. He
toured with Maynard last Summer and I think was possible looking forward to
playing with him again, but alas , it's not to be. I will think about
Maynard everytime I play, as I use a Holton 308s(the ML bore version of the
XLB model 307). His name is engraved on the side, so a part of him will
always be with me.

My prayers and thoughts go out to his family.

Jim Donaldson

Back in the early 70s, before there was an ITG, each summer the University of
Denver sponsored the National Trumpet Symposium, the precursor of the ITG
Conference. In 1973 (I think it was) one of the featured guests was Maynard and
his big band, the band that had Lin Biviano as the lead player, as has been
mentioned previously. I was a student there then and the lead player in the big
band. We trumpet players were the 'staff' of the conference. Because I was the
resident high note guy, my assignment was Maynard. I met him at the airport in
my very little car and drove him to the conference hotel, with the band bus
following. I picked him up each morning, and drove him back to the hotel
whenever he wanted to go. I mostly hung with him, trying to be helpful without being
a pest, for the couple of days he was there, making myself available to take
him anywhere he wanted to go and to help make his stay as comfortable and
uncomplicated as possible. I helped coordinate his concert and was backstage
before and after it.

This was pretty heady stuff for a 20 year old trumpet player.

He was the nicest, most personable guy imaginable. He treated me with
unfailing kindness and courtesy and I got to see first hand how well he treated
everybody else, when there were times I am sure he wanted nothing more than never
to see another trumpet player again.

I asked him lots of questions about breathing and he had me lie down and put
a book on my stomach and breathe in and out slowly making the book move up and
down, showing me how to breathe with my whole abdomen and control my air like
a bellows. It was a marvelous experience.

When he would come through Denver in the intervening 30 years, I'd try to
make it. He often played at high schools and there would be no publicity other
than the trumpet player grapevine. As a result, I sometimes missed him, only
hearing about it afterwards. Even then he pretty much sold out every concert.

Even so I saw him every chance I could get, because there was just nothing
like it.

There are lots of high note players around, and he wasn't even really the
first. He was just the best. No one had the style, the bravura, the charisma.
That really was why we listened.

Rick Price
I heard an NPR journalism show last weekend on that theme. It concerned
the sense of sudden profound reality altering loss and how it affects us and
leaves it's mark on us after it's passing.

That quote was inscribed on a antebellum tombstone and the author of the
piece used it as a point of departure for a treatise on unexpected demise.

Maynard was such an integral part of my musical life from the time I was
about 15 years old, that it's hard to quantify the riches he bestowed on me
through his music.

I found out about his passing at one of my schools, while surfing the web.
It came up when I googled him, which I usually do just to see what's new and
I thought I'd find out if there was more about his canceled tour. And there
it was.
I was at an open house at one of the schools I teach at for new students and
their families so I couldn't show any emotion (I'm not really the effusive
type anyway usually) but I fought back tears until I got in my car to drive
home.

Om Sai Rom. Mr. Ferguson. Thank you for illuminating our world with your
talent.

I am forever in your debt for showing me what is possible with enough purity
of spirit.

Our world is a poorer place for your passing. Of that I'm doubtlessly
convinced.

Our loss is heaven's gain, though. With Bill Chase and Cat Anderson on
split lead as well the aforementioned contractor Gabriel.

(The Roof trusses on THAT joint are shuddering tonight!)

Rest in peace my friend.

You will live forever in the hearts of your admirers and musicians
everywhere.

Wayne Trager
WOW---I am without words. I got word early this morning and was totally stunned. I am still in total disbelief, and have been depressed all day.
I first saw Maynard Ferguson in concert when I was five. My father who played trumpet, for some strange reason tried to interest me in learning how to play the drums when I was seven, but after hearing Maynard, I knew I wanted to play the trumpet. I have seen Maynard in concert throughout the years, and I have seen the influence of his recordings on all of my students. Maynard was one of my inspirations. May he rest in peace. My condolences to his family.

Bruce Zeiger
Jim,
I was at that Symposium! His playing was absolutely phenomenal. I remember
Lin Biviano played on the band (the reason I remember him is he stood right
next to me in the audience when the trumpets came out to play Hey Jude), and
as he played higher, Maynard would do him not only one better, but louder.
His power and control was stunning. A year before the Symposium, I was in a
clinic with Bill Chase, and he was asked how he became a lead player - he
said he turned on the radio one night as young teen and happened to pick up
a CBC broadcast featuring Maynard Ferguson. He'd never heard of him until
this point. He said his world turned upside down, and he had to learn to
play like that. My current teacher is a studio guy in Nashville who
essentially got started the same way - listening to MF Horn II. I'll bet all
of us have worn that recording out.

Maynard will be sorely missed. The tributes today have been so moving - it's
like we've lost a close relative. God bless you, Maynard.

Dwight Bird
I first heard him when I was 12 at the Hotel Utah. My dad took me. He was
a highschool band director and trumpet player and had been teaching some
Maynard tunes to his band. I hope they get to meet each other on the other
side.

* My first High G, playing along with the intro to Schaherazade
* First time I put my horn down discussed with my abilities, after listening
to Airegin on the same 8-track :)

Happy trails,

Wayne Bennett
I saw Maynard twice in two consecutive years in Augusta, GA - probably '96
and '97 (or '95 and '96). At one of the shows, Maynard set up a table at
the front of the stage following the show and signed autographs for nearly
an hour. He didn't even take a break after the show - as soon as it was
over, even though he was exhausted and still sweating heavily, he took time
to sign headshots, meet fans, and have a few inspiring conversations with
aspiring trumpet players. I'll always remember that.

Brian Vessey
I just recently found out about Maynard's passing. It is extremely moving
to me because I know I would not be where I am today with out Maynard. I
was in high school and really had no direction. I wasn't really into band
yet and had no plans for the future. My band teacher let me borrow a
Maynard cassette form him, Maynard Ferguson (Columbia) release, and my life
changed. I suddenly found out how exciting trumpet and music in general
could be. My life took a new direction and I knew from then on that I had
to be involved in music in my life. My life has gone through many different
twists and turns, but I recently graduated with my Bachelors of Music and I
am starting my first year as a band teacher. All this thanks to one man on
one tape.

John Hines
I was first introduced to the sound of Maynard Ferguson's trumpet when I was in high school. My brother and my high school music teacher both played me some Stan Kenton records that featured Maynard. Even if I wasn't a trumpet player, I think I would have been drawn to the excitement of his sound.

A couple of years later, I found myself out of school with no particular direction in my life. I was still dabbling in music, but had stopped playing the trumpet for about 6 months. I found out that Maynard and his band was playing at Gloversville High School in upstate New York (God bless Norm Clo for bringing them in), and decided to go to the concert. It turns out that the band at that time was essentially the same band that recorded the "Live at Jimmy's" album.

All I can say is WOW. To this day, it was the most thrilling concert I've ever seen. The sound and power of Maynard's trumpet, the energy of the band, and a skinny kid named Lynn Nicholsen who came out in front of the band to play the middle section to "Mac Arthur Park" were just so amazing to me.

To fully explain what that concert meant to me can be stated fairly simply. The day after I saw that show, I started playing my trumpet again, and since then I've never stopped. It's been quite a haul for me, but I am now making a living as a freelancer in New York City. I've established myself as a lead trumpeter and I'm managing to stay busy. If I hadn't seen Maynard and the band all those years ago, my life might be very different right now.

I've seen Maynard perform many times over the years. I just saw him a few weeks ago at the Blue Note. Although I didn't really think at the time the Blue Note show would be the last time I'd see him, I feel fortunate that I got to see him and I'm grateful for the opportunity to see him that one last time. He was a great inspiration to the trumpet playing community. Right now I can think of no greater understatement than that Maynard Ferguson will be missed.

Russ
I remember Maynard coming to my town a few years ago...my town not being
that musically...inclined, I suppose, it was a huge deal. I showed up 2 hours
early..simply to get a front row center seat. I sat there in shock, the entire
time. Ever since, I've loved his stuff. Our jazz band got to play his version
of Chameleon, and it was an honor to play his part...though I wish I could
have had his help on it. :) That double C at the end is tough. As it is...we've
been having our week long summer band...and today in sectionals, we played
through Birdland. Not quite the same, but you get my drift. It's guys like him
that make you just want to grab the horn and make some music! It wasn't just
the high notes, it wasn't anything in particular, other than...just the way
he played. What passion. Maynard will always be my favorite...as someone said
earlier...the Earth just got a bit quieter, but Heaven sure sounds a lot
higher! May his family be in everyone's thoughts...

Becky Gish
Reading everyone's posts helps deal with the grief and certainly brings
back many happy memories. Although I work in education, its not in music,
so few of my coworkers understood why I had trouble getting through the day
without becoming teary-eyed a few times myself. But you, the TPIN
community, understand and obviously share the same sense of personal loss.

I probably heard Maynard for the first time in the early 70s when I was in
high school. He even toured through the little towns in Kansas back then,
and played the Wichita Jazz Festival a few times. In college, I was
privileged to hear him live a few more times. My trumpet teacher, Cliff
Sproul, had at least one student that ended up in Maynards band. I remember
joining all the area trp players at the concerts, feeling the electricity
Maynard and his band produced, the many times of "experiencing" Hey Jude in
quadrophonic sound when his trp section would spread throughout the
audience. I remember taking some band members out to breakfast after the
gigs (the waiter at Denny's didn't know them until I said "have you heard
the theme song to Rocky?") or to some jazz clubs after they were finished
and just chatting about music, life in the band, etc. and getting to ride
the MF band bus to one of the rural HS concerts. I remember listening to
Maynard warming up on the bus - playing scales up to the 7th, then stopping
-- leading the rest of the band to beg him to resolve it! I remember that
Trumpet Symposium in Denver and everyone trying out different trps by
playing the beginning of Give It One.

Tonight I sat my kids down (9yr and 11yr) and told them who Maynard
Ferguson was and how important he was to so many people. I told them about
my memories of him and played a couple of my favorites, Fox Hunt and Over
the Rainbow. He was in the area last year but I didn't take them because we
had something else on. "We'll catch him next time.." I had said. I told
them how important it was to hear "the great ones" because there's so few
still around and from now on, we aren't going to "catch them next time".
Instead of being distracted by other things, they actually sat and
listened. I think they got it.

Sorry for the long post, just wanted to share with those who "get it".

Condolences to his friends, family, and fellow trumpeters. What an
inspiration to so many. Thanks, Maynard!

Simon Richards
Whilst I'm not a big jazz or screaming high note fan I do recognize Maynard as
a trumpet icon and am saddened by his death. I wish I'd gone to see him at
Ronnie Scott's last year now.

Gordie
I was first introduced to Maynard Ferguson and his music via the Primal Scream album back in the early '70's. It changed my entire direction of musical thought (and my trumpet playing), forever.

Maynard, you are, and will always be, one of the greatest musicians, ever. I love you and thank you. God Bless.

My thoughts also go out to Maynard's band; the guys playing with Maynard up to the end; What a tough gig.....Kudos...and God Bless to you all also.

You all probably saw or felt this coming....thanks for sticking to your guns and doing what you do.

May Maynard smile upon all of his band members....past, present AND future. Play well.

Floyd Crawford
I was a freshman in collage about 1973 and three of us drove from Texas to Northwestern State in Natchitoches, Louisiana to see Maynard. After the concert everyone was gathered around Maynard and I asked him what mouthpiece he used. I guess he had already been asked that about one million times because he had it in his pocket and just handed it to me. I could not believe it. I had by coincidence received a 14A4a just before leaving for the Maynard concert. The next day during jazz band rehearsal I managed to hit, for the only time in my life, a high A at the end of a chart. The director said," Floyd, what's got into you?". I replied that I saw Maynard last night and had a new mouthpiece. He suggested I do that every night.

Maynard, thanks for the excitement your music had given me!

Ray Chantler
Over the past 30+ years I saw Maynard about half a dozen times, mostly
at Ontario Place in the Forum, but once at the Palais Royale and the
last time at the Toronto Jazz festival a couple of years ago.

The Palais Roayle was a kick because there are no seats - it's a dance
hall and we were able to stand 6 feet in front of the stage and watch
Maynard up close. Nobody danced, everyone just stood watching the band
and grooving on the great sound and energy and joy coming off the
stand. It was like getting a transfusion.

I never saw Maynard when he wasn't totally into the music and fully
engaged. It was marvellous to see him a couple of years ago, well into
his seventies and still nailing it, with his big fat sound filling up
the room. And as always he was very gracious, featuring many members
of the band, spreading the credit around.

He was, is and will continue to be an inspiration to us all.

Thank you Maynard.

Jerry Cerchia
I was a freshman in high school in the fall of 1960. The assistant band
director at our high school (Freeport NY) was Chet Ferretti. For some
reason, Chet saw some potential in my playing, and took me under his wing as a student. At the time, Chet was Maynard's lead player. One day
,after school, he told me that he wanted to take me into NYC to hear
Maynard's band play(I had discovered Maynard 2 years prior)

Well, I think that I was about two feet off the ground! What I didn't know
at the time, was that Chet was taking me to a recording studio in NYC where
the band was recording some stuff for the Roulette record label.
When we got there, Chet introduced me to Maynard. Well I think that I needed oxygen at that moment. He was gracious, and flashed that exuberant smile of
his. He said he had a great spot for me to sit to check out what was happening. Chet introduced me to the rest of the trumpets.
..Rick Keifer, and I think the other one was Jerry Tyree. For the next 2
hours, they recorded what would become "Christmas for Moderns", and
"Ole"( Imagine my surprise when I bought the Mosaic CD set and discovered
that I was actually in the studio when some of those tunes were recorded!!!)
.During the break, Maynard walked over to me and asked if I

would hold his horn while he went for coffee. I was stunned, and in AWE! I
had never experienced anything like this in my life. Not only was

Maynard incredible, but Chet's playing was stunning. Maynard was and still
is larger than life to me. While Chet left us too soon, I am happy that
Maynard lived a long and productive life. I think that the common

thread that I have read thru all these posts, is that we all expected him
to be around forever. That we are all still stunned that he has left us. My
memory of Maynard will always be of a person who truly cared about

his music, the people around him, and the future of the music. He was
exuberant in life.He triumphed every time he picked up the horn. I will
mourn his death, but I , like you, will celebrate those triumphs, and his life, every time I listen to one of his recordings.

James Perales
About two years ago I made every effort to see Maynard and got the chance to see him out in Jersey.
I somehow felt that maybe beacuse of his age he would not be touring much longer, and had to see him so that I could also be among the many who would say, I remember when I saw Maynard play...
He was much older than in his heyday, but boy was he impressive. It was a bit different hearing him as an adult/older musician, nonetheless his charm, energy, chops and presence made the night a special event never to be forgotten.
I remember making a painting of him in high school, he was blowing the trumpet in his classic "leaning back" pose white suit and all.
As an impressionable young trumpet player you know I had to get that MFJetTone mouthpiece. When I got it I couldn't play it!
Maynard did so much to spread the gospel of music and trumpet throughout his life, bringing much joy to many doing so.
We should all learn to be as generous in giving and sharing they joy music and playing the trumpet gives.
May God grant peace and comfort to his family and friends in this time of his passing.

Jon Trimble
I don't think I've ever met a trumpet player who didn't know Maynard. I
think we all at one point played along, or tried to play along with some of
his records. His history will certainly be missed. From the greats cats on
his band and where they are today to how much he contributed to the musical
world. Many nights when I was feeling frustrated over a lesson or hit some
wall I was having a hard time getting thru, I would listen to some Maynard
albums.

It was over ten years ago I was in St. Louis and Maynard came to play with
the McDonalds band. I was scared to death but he made everyone so
comfortable. I finally had to ask him about his new high voltage band and
all the hype I was hearing about him. Having listened to a LOT of his old
recordings, his new stuff seemed to lack the intense bebop he once played.
He explained how he had to give the people what they want. He reminded of a
few recent recordings of his I did not have (my bad) and proceded to strike
up the band and burn some of the most intense bebop I ever heard him play.
Not one single high note and you still know it's Maynard....:)

Man Maynard did it right. With his malaria (sp?) some nights he would
feels not so good and seeing him in concert he featured Patrick a little
more. The nights he felt good, look out. Man that guy blew till the very
end. What a legacy!!!!! I hope and pray there will be at least one more
tour to promote his last album. I would like to see some of the alumni
featuring Patrick Hession. I know I'll be buying that album!!!!...:)

Nice run Gabriel....:)

Tim Hutson
While growing up in the 60's I had a trumpet hero. It was Al Hirt. I
know every note on his albums! After high school and not playing for
several decades, I took up the horn again. It was then that I
discovered Maynard. (I know.... I always was a late bloomer). Perhaps
10 years ago I attended my first Maynard concert and as soon as he
started blowing, he blew my mind right out of my head! Energy! Music!
Fun! ....my jaw dropped and my eyes opened wide: "Jeez! How does he
do that!"

I attended another Maynard later (I could call it a "concert" but I
think calling it a "Maynard" says it much better. ...More of an event
really.) and after the show I lined up to buy Maynard stuff including an
album. I waited until he came back out on stage and he patiently signed
everything that people put in front of him. He had a mouthpiece
impression on his lip and I had the distinct impression that he had been
back stage practicing before coming out. (?) It had been only recently
that Al Hirt had died and, while he was in the hospital, I wrote him a
letter saying how much he had meant to me and what he had given to me
without knowing. So, when I approached Maynard (butterflys flapping in
my stomach) I summoned up the courage to say "I just wanted to thank you
for all you've done for me and for trumpet players everywhere.". (I had
to repeat it because I talked too low. Nerves I guess.) He said "Well
thank you!". I was thrilled to have gotten to talk to him and even
more thrilled that he was a real person and responded kindly. Take a
look at the cover of "These Cats Can Swing!". That's a guy that enjoys
what he does! Of course, my copy is better than yours though. Mine
says "Maynard Ferguson" written in the Boss's own hand. :-)

Jim Phillips
Many years ago, I too, was able to go to a Maynard concert in Salina, Kansas. It was at a very large venue, with many attending. The band, as usual was incredible, but there was Maynard standing up there in front of the band filling up this large collisium.....what a wonderful experience.
Two years ago, one of my band parents came into my band room with what looked like a trumpet case and ask me to sit down to listen to a story...to make this short, he was a retired A.P. Photographer and in 1964 had been hired to do a "shoot" for one of Maynard's album covers....he was doing this while Maynard was at a high school big band clinic. One of the H.S. trumpet players didn't have a very good horn and was having trouble playing...Maynard pulled out some money from his pocket and told the kid (with his mother looking on) to go out and buy a decent trumpet. They came back with a Conn Connstelation, just like Maynard's. The mother was complaining about the price of horns, and Maynard said, here, take mine and give me that one. Well,....you know the rest. That boy grew up, became friends with the photographer for life, and gave him that horn...his son wanted me to have it (since he was a baritone player), and I have it! I have no reason not to believe him. Whether it is!
or not, Maynard was a wonderful educator and a great human being.

Bill Schmid
Now that I'm starting to wrap my mind around the fact that Maynard
has truly passed, a couple of thoughts keep popping into my head.

Maynard was my first inspiration to become a trumpet player - besides
my dad, that is. My dad played trumpet and, though he wasn't
particularly enamored of high-note playing, I remember him telling me
stories of going to hear Stan Kenton's band when he was in college
and hearing this young "kid" trumpet player who was absolutely
incredible in the upper register. He mentioned how he and his friends
would sit with their mouths hanging open and watch this "kid" - who
was barely older than they were at the time - perform unbelievably
and effortlessly in the upper reaches of the stratosphere.

My first exposure to his playing was MF Horn I. I know I wore out one
copy of it and had to replace it. I just couldn't believe what I was
hearing! I know that's what started my lifelong love of upper-
register and lead playing.

And then!! I finally got to hear his band live! It was the fall of
1975 and I was a high school senior in the Dayton, OH area. I had
broken my ankle a few weeks before and was in a cast and crutches. I
was enthralled the entire concert - Lynn Nicholson was his lead
player - and the band just smoked. I even got to hear Maynard play
soprano sax. But his trumpet playing - oh, I was in heaven!!! In
addition to his phenomenal playing, he just looked like he was having
the time of his life! And, that was so evident every time I heard him.

With my friends' help, we made our way to the band's bus, where I got
a chance to talk briefly with the man himself. And he signed my
cast!!! Needless to say, I kept that cast for years - until it
finally deteriorated.

My last time to hear him was 3 years ago, when he played in Savannah,
GA. He didn't play as much as in the earlier years, but when he did -
wow! After all those years, he still had that MF sound - huge and
full of life. And he could plaster a loud-as-hell double C against
the back wall!!

I had 2 students who attended the Phi Mu Alpha national convention
last month, where Maynard was honored by that fraternity. They had
their picture taken with him, and got his autograph for me. I'll
treasure those things along all the music and the memories and my
lifelong thanks for instilling so much love of music in me that I'm
able to (hopefully!) convey to my students.

Irony - I'm sitting here after receiving and processing the news with
my ankle that I broke a few weeks ago. Deja vu all over again?

RIP, Maynard.

Kurt Schulenburg
I actually heard the sad news from Scott Englebright. We haven't written in
a while and I was a bit surprised when an e-mail showed up from him... The
Subject was simply "Maynard Ferguson" and the text was nothing more than the
above link. I knew right then that clicking the link would bring me to bad
news.

I have to confess that I'm surprised by two facts: One, that he died so
"young" when his grandparents lived into their hundreds. (I'm not sure if his
parents are still around or not.) And, Two, that he managed to live as long as
he did when the obvious toll of a hard life on the road, as a musician, had
really taken the years out of his body.

I saw him less than a year ago... he looked great, had lost a little weight.
He seemed much sharper than I've EVER seen him, speaking directly and more
to the point than I'd ever heard. His energy levels on stage, while down
from the 40 year old Maynard I first saw in the early seventies, were still far
beyond any other performer I've ever seen. His playing was a little less
over the top, a little more paced and reserved. He seemed to have studied more,
planned for his moments in the sun. The range was still incredible,
unbelievable for a 77 year old man! And while there were certainly moments that could
have been executed a bit cleaner by a younger Maynard, there was no doubt
that this man was still the master of his game, still the "World's Greatest
Trumpet Man"!

And I guess that the most important tribute to my hero, my idol, is that,
right up to the end, he was still having fun, still doing what he wanted to be
doing and enoying himself to the fullest doing it. There was truly a life
well led!

I can't think of ANY other player who changed the way we ALL think about and
approach the trumpet as much as he did. Sure, there were other guys with
the range, there are stronger high note players out there today... but if MF
had stayed with the violin, would there be? Or would we all be squeaking 'em
out instead of blasting them to the back row? And, sure, there are
"classical" players who are quite content with their ranges, who stop at High C or D...
but check out the quotes from Bud Herseth and some of the classical
trumpeters when Maynard came on the scene. They all shook their heads in wonder...
and the next time they picked up their horns, you know they "gave it a
shot"... and most of them shook their heads again...

I know that my world is slightly smaller today...

So... life goes on.

Brian Bass
I must say, a very large piece me died when Maynard passed away.
He was my inspiration in playing lead and soloing in front of a band. What a
player, showman, gentleman; always willing to take time out to shake a hand
and talk to the kids. He has definitely done more for exciting the kids than
any other player I know of. I wonder how many solid lead players there would
be in the high schools of today, and in the past, if it weren't for him.
Don't know if I'll ever be able to play Maynard's "Danny Boy" with a dry eye
again. I know it's gonna be tough!
Thanks for everything Boss!!!!

Rich Willey - Former Band Member
Imagine my surprise when I got called to play for Maynard.

I was living in New York City, and it was September 15, 2001, days after the
World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked. My "broadway show" gig fell
through (a company was making a show out of Dirty Dancing and I got the gig
because I played trumpet and valve bone) and my calendar was light on gigs, to
say the least.

I had first heard a Maynard album in '73, the MF Horn album. I had already
become a confirmed Clifford Brown and Freddie Hubbard devotee, and while I was
stunned at the sheer chops of Maynard, it wasn't the direction I was headed,
and I didn't buy any of his albums.

When I was in the Army, we went and heard Maynard at a high school in Jessup,
GA, probably in '75 or '76. I remember Ron Tooley was on the band, and Stan
Mark, and Randy Purcell. I liked some of the arrangements, but it still didn't
"grab" me.

A few years later, after adding Clark Terry, Kenny Dorham, Lee Morgan, and
Woody Shaw to my list of favorite trumpeters, my college roommate Carey Deadman
played me a whole bunch of older, early Maynard sides. I still didn't go out
and buy any Maynard albums, but I went and heard the band again in, '79 or so
in Denton, TX. I remember leaving there not ever wanting to hear any high notes
ever again.

The years passed, and I got to know more players and listened to more people.
In '99 I heard that a couple guys I had done gigs with, Carl Fischer and Jeff
Rupert, were on Maynard's band, so I went to see what it was about. I actually
enjoyed myself that night (Adolpho Acosta was on lead and absolutely nailed
it), and talked to Ed Sargent afterward. I gave him one of my CDs with Rick
Shaw and Joel Frahm on it (I didn't know they had played with Maynard) and he
gave me a card and said to call if I was interested in playing on the band and
he'd see what it looked like.

I hadn't given it another thought. There I was, just finished my masters at
Manhattan School of Music, scuffling like a thousand other cats in NYC, and I
got the call.

Ernie Hammes was supposed to make the tour, but something about his passport
and the demise of the World Trade Center prevented him from making the gig, and
they needed a guy with a passport in a hurry. Jeff Rupert recommended me for
the gig, and Pete Ferguson called me, and sure enough, there I went.

I was 46 years old, and if it hadn't been for Jeff Lashway (one year younger
than me), I'd have been the only sideman over thirty. My roommate was Patrick
Hession. We started in Kansas City. Two or three days of rehearsal, then off
for a two-month tour. Turns out I knew the bass player (Joe Porter) from Tampa,
so they weren't all strangers. And Maynard was very welcoming toward me.

At night on the bus he'd come up to the front and hang out some. I asked him
questions about Mike Abene and Bob Graettinger and Slide Hampton and Wayne
Shorter, and he would launch into some great stories about those guys. I was
shocked that some of the younger guys on the band sorta rolled their eyes when
he'd start into a story they'd heard a hundred times; I enjoyed it. He was
quite the story teller.

I'm a bebopper, and not a real range-y player, and felt somewhat inadequate.
There was something that happened where I sorta felt like Boss and I connected
on a musical level, though: I'd hear him warm up, and he'd play a lot of old
tunes, *really* old, like "Sweethearts on Parade" old, and when I blew a solo
that night, I'd try to quote one of the tunes I'd heard him play when he was
warming up. I never watched him when I was blowing, but I got reports that he
used to laugh pretty good at times during my solos when I'd throw in those
quotes. About halfway through the tour, I began noticing that he started
improvising more in a bebop style than I'd been accustomed to hearing, and I
can't help but think that he was sorta playing musical ping-pong with me. It
might've been my imagination, but I'm a keen listener, and he certainly wasn't
playing that way earlier in the tour.

Anyway, we had been awake and travelling for about 24 hours, sorta dirty and
unkempt, and we were sitting in an airport in Puerto Rico, dead tired, waiting
for some kind of airport security snafu with all the equipment. He looked at me
with this blase expression and said, "Isn't this life glamorous?"

He told me about his brother Percy who had stopped playing hockey and shortly
thereafter had some health problems. Boss told me that's why he didn't want to
stop touring: he was afraid it'd kill him to leave the road.

I heard the band a couple times since then, and I spotted him with Ed Sargent
sneaking off toward the bus, and he said, "Hey, Rich!" I was blown away that he
remembered me.

I'll never forget him.

Dave Lee
I went to see Maynard when I was in college, sometime around 1972-3,
traveled to Stephenville, TX of all places to see the band...Maynard was
really into the yoga/breathing thing at that time, and when a few of us went
on the stage before the show to meet him, he took all kinds of time showing
us this breathing stuff...he talked about efficiency and pointed us to Lynn
Nicholson who was new with the band and a real "beanpole" at the time, but
boy could he blow the horn. Never will forget the big "Hey Jude" finale with
all the trumpet players scattered around the crowd...what an inspiration!

Luther Bolen
When I was in high school, I was able to buy
a 78rpm record entitled "Love Locked Out",
which I believe is a Ray Noble ballad. That
was one of the first times I ever saw "Maynard
Ferguson and his orchestra" on a record. It
was probably members of Kenton's band, letting Maynard put his name on the
record.
I mentioned this to the head of Maynard's fan
club, and he said he didn't know the record
existed----Mine doesn't---who knows what
happened to it----
I am going to really miss Maynard---I am
glad to say I got to hear him one last time this
year in a concert in Ohio---

Steve Evans
The stories are incredible. I've been reading them for two days now. And as I sit here
listening to Primal Scream and "No more rice krispies" :) I still can't believe he's
gone.

I grew up listening to big band music only because my dad loved it. I would roll my eyes
and switch the radio to a Motown station every chance I got. But I got hooked on Al Hirt
and Herb Alpert. And what trumpet playing kid didn't like Chicago, BS&T, Chase, and
Tower Of Power?

But then I went to college. I'll never forget my roomate, a clarinet and bari sax
player, putting on this brand new album - M.F.Horn II. Maynard Ferguson? Who was that?

I was floored. I had loved Lee and Lew and Chase and Mic but I had never heard anything
like this. WOW! And then a couple years later, I heard a recording from the 50's when
Maynard was first introduced with the Kenton band. And I thought I had heard it all.
Again, WOW! So now I've heard Maynard. Right? And along comes TPIN and "Hey, you should
check out this Dinah Washington CD, Dinah Jams." And as Nick said, Summertime is just
pure art. WOW! What can't this guy do?

So, back to college, of course we had to hear Maynard in concert. But we were college
freshmen with no transportation. So we con..., uh, talked the head of the music
department to sign off on a request for a campus van. We were taking an educational
field trip! If the university had known where we were going and who we were going to
see... Best leave that one alone.

That night was unbelievable. The band was so tight. The soloists were amazing. But the
trumpet section was just powerful beyond words. And oh yeah, Maynard played plenty of
high notes to amaze the kids. I think my mouth was hanging open from the opening notes
of Give It One to the last chorus of Hey Jude trumpets blaring from all around the
house. For the next 4 years, I never missed an opportunity to see Maynard and his
variuos bands whenever they got close to the Pittsburgh area. And it was a special treat
when our dear friend and flute player with perfect pitch would go along so we could say,
"What note was that? What note was that?" all night long. I think we now know who we
have to thank for several generations of trumpet players obsessed with high notes.

Thanks a lot, Maynard!!! :)

You know what really amazes me?

How the loss of someone I've never met could make me feel so empty.

To Maynard's family and friends, know that millions of musicians all over the world
share a bit of your grief today. And also know that we are still moved when we hear his
music. That is truly Maynard's soul and it will be with us forever. God bless. And as I
listen to Conquistador... Maynard's Gonna Fly Now.

John Cooper
I was introduced to MF in the 10th grade by my best friend Cory who was of
all things, a clarinet player. He told me that "you got to hear this LP of
a trumpet player named Maynard Ferguson" , it was the New Vintage album so I
said "okay what will this guy do?" . Keep in mind I was living in Los
Angeles at the time, so I had my daily dose of Doc Severinsen from the NBC
studio and many others. Well needless to say, the album played and Star
Wars was the first cut, and just like every other trumpet player I said
WOW!!! I too was changed forever as from that point I started to develop
my upper range chops. By my senior year I was playing constants C above
staff and it didn't matter long I have been playing that day (the days of
"chops of steel"). I've always wanted to see Maynard play in concert, but
unlike many small towns, when Maynard (or anyone else for that matter) came
to L.A., the ticket price became a little "steep". It was not until 2003
that I got to see my hero play (in Tulsa), being a bit "older" and now a
comeback player of 2 years, I was looking forward to see how time had
treated "The Boss". Man! The concert was just like I thought it would be,
MF blew his butt off and then during the concert he picked up his flugel and
played a new tune, stating that this was to prove that he could still "read"
music. I left there with a new determination of getting back to it and felt
about 20 years younger! I played Caruso on my flugel today and my mom (who
now lives with me!) said that was a pretty song and I said "it was a Maynard
tune"...

Jerry Cerchia
I've been sitting here listening to the Mosaic/Roulette set...When I
listened to Maynard play Willie Maiden's Arrangements of "Tenderly" &
"Bittersweet"...I just lost it. I believe that the essence of our feeling of
loss stems from the fact that we've lost the one trumpet player ( I know
that there are still many very fine players out there) that truly inspired
us because:

1) He was always EXUBERANT in his performance approach
2) He exemplified what setting the bar high meant in terms of playing
TASTEFULLY and POWERFULLY in the upper register.
3) He TAUGHT us ..by his words and his actions.
4) He INSPIRED us with his presence and his performance.
5) He showed us that when you do all the above and do it with great JOY, you
can enjoy a long life doing it.
6) And like Lenny said....We truly felt that he was one of US.

I don't know about the rest of you, but these words describe the essence of
a HERO. He was ours and now he's gone. I hope that we can someday look up to
another of the "young lions " out there to provide this kind of leadership.

Until then....Maynard ....we celebrate your life..and all that it gave us.

R.I.P....

Kurt Nystrom
My Hero. From the first time I heard Frame for the Blues as a kid and the first time I saw him at my all time greatest concert in 1974, I have followed and bought everything he produced. What an inspiration to me and so many trumpet players. I have my one photo of the two of us back stage after a concert to cherish.

Just the thought of touring at 78 should be enough for all of us. Humor, stage presence, and incredible talent. I knew that this day had to come sometime but I am stunned at the reality. Thank you, Maynard

John Campbell
Can you imagine what a charmed life Maynard lead? To be THE Trumpet Player! Everywhere he went no one even came close! I've been listening to my favorite MF tunes and am constantly thrilled by his energy and presentation. Just stunning! I wish Columbia would come out with a box set of the MF Horn series with outtakes and extra tunes if they are in can somewhere. That would be a real thrill!

And to think he was playing like that to the very end, just a beautiful life. Who among us wouldn't want to experience playing the trumpet in that manner for just one day!

Maynard we will miss you but you will certainly live forever. As Herseth said not only the best trumpet player of all time but the best brass player who ever lived!

Scott, Donald
I don't recall an outpouring of posts following the death of trumpet player that even approaches the extent of our commentaries about Maynard. Almost all of our notes are personal; either they recall a personal interaction with Maynard Ferguson or else simply describe a very personal emotion that still responds to his music.

Clearly, Maynard's musicianship *touched* everyone in the audience; those who were lucky enough to experience a personal relationship with Maynard have testified to his rapport and compassion for each individual no matter the age or station in life.

There is certainly a large message in this for all of us who want to contribute musical art that lifts each individual human spirit and improves our shared cultural life. It's obviously a matter of human love and concern for others that makes the technical skill work. Maynard was apparently an outstanding model for this. Let's learn from his example and from those among us who still live and demonstrate those qualities in their own lives.

Safety-man
You know, I feel kind of silly in saying this, but my emotions are getting to me. I didn't have a relationship with MF, except via tapes and cd's, like some of you had. In any case I'm mad and sad at the same time. I don't know why, but when I think about his passing it brings tears to my eyes and I want to cry. Then the mad comes because I never took the opportunity to see him in person. I was going last year to Austin, Tx to see him and things happend and I didn't get to go - so I'm mad. I'm sure it's pretty insensative and selfish of me to feel this way. I think we could all learn a lesson here (I know I could). We don't know when we will take our last breath or those around us. Say what you have to say before it's too late. See who you want to see and hear who you want to hear (concerts I'm talking about) before it's too late. I missed a chance to see and meet a great person in the music world! Don't do the same.

Dan Ostler
Wednesday night, I was having a hard time sleeping, so around 4 in the
morning I checked out the internet, and there was this post on Trumpet
Herald, something about Maynard possibly having passed on. Very eerie in a
silent house early in the morning. Like a personal message.

For me it was 1968. My girlfriend and I decided to take a year off studies
and head to Europe for a year. We were hanging out (where else??) in Earl's
Court, London, starving students. It was the swinging 60s. The sense of
freedom and potential was intoxicating. We were having the time of our
lives.

Maynard had newly formed his British band, and seemed to be playing all over
Europe, but not in London. One of the principal action items on the trip was
to see Maynard and with a negative travel budget, I had to learn a lesson in
patience. Finally a date at the 100 Club on Oxford Street.

My girlfriend dressed to the nines as the occasion deserved and off we went.
The 100 Club was a rather small venue on the basement level of trendy retail
Oxford Street. The good news was that there was no such thing as a bad seat,
and there was minimal amplification. So you got to hear and see what was
going on. It was like being in his living room............

London was grand, she was beautiful, the ambience of the 100 Club inviting
and the virtuosity extraordinary. Life just doesn't get any better than that
night in 1968.

Apart from that description, words fail me. I walked on air for about a week
afterwards.

I'm sure he made nights like that for 1000's of people worldwide.

I doubt if we will ever see anything quite like Maynard again. Virtuoso
players, for sure. But the inspiration and motivation of musicians and
concert goers worldwide for more than 50 years, playing a physically
demanding instrument. That will be a tough one.

So I send along this post just to say thank you, in case somebody up there
is listening.

Brendan Ball
Hi All,
It's been years since I last posted on TPIN. I was saddened to hear
about Maynard, but there were two very nice obituary tributes to him
in Saturday's Times [UK] & Guardian [UK]. They are probably still on
the respective websites.

I'm sure that Maynard's new album, due for release will be a fitting
'swan song' to one of my greatest heroes.

Mike Gibbs
Maynard came way down here to New Zealand two or three times.
When I went to his concert, and I had been playing Trumpet for
many years. I wasn't some star struck fan, but when I heard him
play I might as well have been. I went insane I was on my feet
screaming with Excitement, and as I was sitting on the aisle I was
one of the lucky one's who got to shake his hand as the band
walked down the aisle playing "Hey Jude". I had another chance to
see him in Australia when our Dunedin (NZ) city Jazz band opened
his Bands concert in Sydney.The last time the band came I had a
gig on the night, they didn't play in our city, but in another city 200
miles on down the road. Because I felt obliged as I was a member
of the group I was working with I didn't give up the gig and go and
see the boss, I shall regret that as long as I live.
In my opinion there as never been another trumpet player to play
with such raw excitement. But surely he will be fronting the band
up there, doesn't Gozzo do all the lead?
What a loss to his family, what a loss to us all.

John Campbell
The first time I saw Maynard live was in I think 1973. He played a concert at Bowling Green State University and gave a clinic in the afternoon before the concert. He had Lynn Nicholson, Stan Mark, Ron Tooley and Dennis Noday on trumpet.

The clinic was awesome, the whole band opened up with Pocahontas from MF III and then they split everyone into groups and if you played trumpet you went with Maynard and the section. It was standing room only and Maynard was at the top of his game still athletic looking and when he played I NEVER knew a trumpet could play that loud! Lynn Nicholson demonstrated playing a double C on a moments notice and they played a slow unison section off of Give It One that was just incredible the overtones with those five lead players going at it!

The concert that night was icing on the cake. Shortly after that I saw Buddy Rich and then Don Ellis with an extended band including strings and all the electronics, then I saw John McLaughlin and Mahavishnu!

One heck of a year!

Karen Stober
He was the nicest man. Last time I saw him he took nearly two hours to
come out for autographs. But he did. I had a list of questions from TPIN
people about his Firebird. A small group of us waited it out. Each of us
got invited for a private audience and autograph on his tourbus. I don't
quite remember what happened, but the kid playing lead for him at the time
joked around and got us all laughing. I was so hoping to see MF again so
he could autograph this really early record album I have (Bananas Record
Warehouse in St Petersburg, Florida has everything. They are not in the
'Net, but Goldmine magazine often has ads from them. They ship.) where he
looks like he's 17 or 18 year old kid. I'm sure his lead player would get
a real kick out of that!

When I posted to TPIN, there was disappointment ---- I had, gasp!,
forgotten to ask WHO MADE THE FIREBIRD.

Upon hearing the news, I pulled out my Music Minus One with Maynard
Ferguson and practiced those notes above the A above the staff. I got a
real Frank Green/Maynard Ferguson horn ),
"http://www.skyweb.net/~kstober/MUSIC.HTM"), so I know the horn can do it,
it's just me ... not (yet)!

Mike Stewart
Let's just start by saying that he's the reason I continue to play trumpet. I
started playing trumpet in 1978. In the spring of '79, I heard I my first Maynard
recording. From the opening strains of "Conquistador" as he played the opening solo
with the guitar, to my first "Dubba D" later in the tune, I was hooked. I heard him
live for the first time two years later. I was familiar by then with several of his
albums, and the band opened with "Give it One" from MF Horn 2. I laughed SO much
with joy that evening. Hearing Stan Mark play "Hey Jude" just a few seats over and
Maynard finishing the romp from the stage is one of my best musical memories.

This is what I think Maynard's true legacy is. How many of us play and love big band
jazz BECAUSE of his energy, musicianship, and playing style? Was he or his band the
quintessential jazz style??? Certainly not, at least not after 1965 or so. He WAS,
though, the reason I was able to get into the more "serious" or "esoteric" musicians
in big band jazz - Kenton, Toshiko, McConnell, Thad Jones, and then later newer
classical musics of Stravinsky, Penderecki, Schwantner, and Ligeti, among others.
Maynard was the stepping stone from which all my musical tastes have so widely
evolved. His name, style, energy, and sound will never leave my memory.

Tom LeMay
Like some many others here on the list, Maynard certainly influenced my
trumpet playing and philosophy. Prior to 1975, my trumpet hero had been Al
Hirt. By eighth grade(1975), my junior high band director, William Gale,
mentioned an upcoming concert by Maynard Ferguson at Walt Whitman High
School Field House. Mr. Gale explained who Maynard was and why he felt it
was important for our musical development to go hear and see Maynard live in
concert. So, Maynard Ferguson was the very first live professional trumpet
player I got to go see and hear live in concert.

Well, I went to the concert and was never the same again!!! Maynard walked
out on stage in his classic white jump suit to play the walk on for Blue
Birdland. As soon as Maynard started to play Blue Birdland I was in a
trance. My mouth fell open and I was in awe of his ability. Moreover, I
noticed that MF also played Firebird, Superbone and a host of other
instruments that night. MF then went on to play Give it One, Don't Let The
Sun Go Down On Me, Country Road, McArthur Park, Nice n Juicy, Primal Scream,
the Cheshire Cat Walk and Paliagci. There were other tunes he played as
well but these were the ones I remembered. From that point on, I bought
every MF recording I could get my hands on. Over the years, I went to see
and hear MF as often as I could. One constant of each concert was that it
was jam packed full of energy and excitement!

Because Maynard was so open about education, I learned about Hatha Yoga and
meditation. I watched the Mark Of Jazz programs and noted MF's reference to
J. Krishnamurti and his book The Essence of Change. After years of
searching, I finally got that book last year! I took up yoga and meditation
as a way to increase my lung capacity for trumpet playing and improve my
flexibility for marathon running. So, Maynard has really made a strong and
positive influence in my life in a number of ways. I thank Maynard for
providing so much raw energy, excitement and enthusiasm for music and life!
I thank Maynard for sharing his gift of music and zest for life with all of
us.

Travis Wilson
I have a bit different view then that expressed by a lot of folks here.
Maynard was not my favorite trumpet player. I don't own a single one of
his albums.
I recognize his greatness as a player, but much of what he played simply
did not "resonate" well with my tastes.

BUT, after what I have learned about him from Bob Odneal, and read about
him elsewhere, and learned about him again from all these posts, my
since of loss is not the loss of a great trumpet player, but of a
wonderful human being. The life he led of openness and sharing with
others sounds incredible, not just for him, but for all he touched.

each of you who knew him must feel both blessed and a profound sense of
loss.

Dave
I was about ready to send my personal message about Maynard when Travis nearly said what I was
going to say.

I'm primarily a classical player (I decided not to say "legit") but I do some big band work and I do
appreciate good jazz playing.

For a long time, my impression of Maynard was a negative one because I blamed him for all of the high
school players who thought that the only important thing about playing trumpet was whether or not
you could squeak a higher note out than the other guy.

After seeing him in person, I realized that more importantly than being a "screecher" (remember the
term "screech trumpet"?) he was a great jazzer and a great guy.

I found myself sniffling and wiping away tears as I listened to "MacArthur Park" last night.

I'll admit that I'm a narrow-minded Maynard fan (I only own one album -the one with MacArthur Park),
so I could use some enlightening as to what are outstanding Maynard tunes to listen to. I'm not as
much interested in high-power high stuff as I am in beautiful, emotional playing.

Dan
If you can find any of it, the early material he recorded in the 1950s
on the Roulette label is phenomenal.

As a followup to MF Horn (which MacArthur Park came from), I suggest
the newly released 2-on-1 "MF Horn 2 + The Ballad Style of Maynard
Ferguson." It's on a British label; I think I paid $23 or so for mine.
MF Horn 2 is my alltime favorite album of his; then again it was the
very first Maynard album I ever heard back in the 1970s...

Lee Best
First, I'd like to extend my condolences to his family
and to all those who knew him...

I almost feel as if I have little right in writing
this having never even seen Maynard live, but I guess
I'm a great example of the impact that Maynard
Ferguson and his music had on young players both in
person and in spirit. I bought my first Maynard
Ferguson album at the end of my senior year in high
school, in early 1999. At first, I honestly didn't
know what I was listening to. Up to that point I had a
healthy collection of albums by Arturo Sandoval and
Doc Severinson, and I had never heard anyone open up a
trumpet like I heard on that one CD. It took a while
to sink in because it completely redefined what I
thought could be done on the trumpet. Without ever
meeting me, let along speaking to me, Maynard taught
me a valuable lesson that is still the basis for my
philosophy on playing the trumpet: You can do ANYTHING
on our beloved instrument. You can sing through the
trumpet in any register... You can play the most
touching ballads... You can blow a hole through the
back of an auditorium... And you can do it all with
impeccable style and sound.

I've been reading everyone's memories of Maynard, and
I truly feel touched at the out-pouring of support
from the musical community. I truly envy those who
took advantage of opportunities to see him live and
learn from him, and I certainly can't imagine the
thrill of those who have shared a stage with The Boss.
Maynard Ferguson's impact on the world of music will
resound for years to come. An era has truly come to an
end, and now it is up to us to continue in his
tradition of loving music and forever expanding the
boundaries of what it is we do, from the weekend
warriors to the professional musicians blowing set
after set on the road. For Maynard, let's keep on
blowin'.

Thank you, Maynard.

Lenny Buttitta
I watched in shock last week as the first word of Maynard's death hit our news group. First the
disbelief as the "is it true?" posts were batted back-and-forth. Then, by late morning (on the
West coast at least) it had been confirmed. We were now to live in a world without Maynard.

I fully realize how trite and even ridiculous that sentence sounds, but at 40 years old, Maynard
always has been in my life, from the first time I heard a worn copy of the Conquistador LP back in
'77, to a few weeks back while I was downloading some of his tracks off of Itunes. The world
evolved and so did Maynard.

Maynard was the last living tie to the classic big band era of Basie, Kenton, Woody Herman, etc...
All gone. Only recordings and ghost bands survive to perpetuate the legacy of a once proud era.
Yes, I'm aware that great big bands still exist, (Harry Connick comes to mind) but they are the
simply offspring of the originals.

And even though recordings of the great bands exist, the fact is that the technology used to
create them, while state of the art at the time, is horribly inadequate for today's digital
reproduction capabilities. In other words: they suck, and because of this, they simply don't stand
a chance at grabbing the attention of any new audiences.

To be sure, a person in their 20's who is already conversant in the language of jazz will continue
to seek out these amazing snapshots of artistic greatness, but their contemporaries, the other
kids in their dorm for instance, will never give these recordings a second chance, simply because
they are too hard to listen to. It's that fact, and that fact alone that made Maynard a monstrous
force in the history of Jazz.

Maynard was a rock star.

All 300 roly-poly pounds of him. At 78 years old, Maynard was STILL making 14 year-olds lose their
friggin' minds on a nightly basis. If you could just get the kids past the hurdle of going to a
"Jazz" concert (god forbid, I'm sure they'd all rather go to the dentist than THAT!) they would
walk out of the show with a different opinion of the idiom.

Jazz IS cool, and Maynard delivered that message. For decades. To millions.

Maynard always talked about the importance of change. He didn't want to be the same old dance band
leader that he was in the 50's, so he set out to always populate his band with musicians farmed
straight out of school. For one, they tended to work cheap and were free to travel, but more
importantly they brought him new ideas and kept him emmersed in what was going on in our culture
TODAY, not forty years ago, back when he was "popular".

Maynard took risks that most other band leaders dared not. Most times this paid off in spades, but
he wasn't immune to failure either ("Rocky 2 Disco", anyone?) That's the price you pay to be a
pioneer. Maynard always had the steel to try.

Maynard was also an incredibly spiritual soul. So much so that he incorporated music from his
adopted philosophy into his stage show, as well as his recordings. (You remember them: all of the
indian-influenced songs that you always left off of your compilation cd's and tapes) This was a
bold and daring move on his part, where he risked alienating a good portion of his audience. But
even if his attempts fell on deaf ears, perhaps he planted the seeds of acceptance with those
songs, and perhaps those tonalities don't sound all that foriegn to us anymore as we hear them
incorporated more and more into modern music.

That being the case, here we are. It is simply stunning to see the enormouse, hearfelt reponses
that have come since the time of his passing.

Maynard touched us all.

Maynard created many of us.

I'm sure we'll be back to debating the validity of high-note playing within a few weeks time, but
for now, it's great to see everyone come together to remember and pay respects to a man that has
been a cherished part of my life, as well, I expect as he has for yours.

Also, I love the fact that he had his one last trip to Birland a little while ago. Man, that cat
could swing!

Pancho Saenz
DEL FONDO DE MI CORAZON:

" GRACIAS MAYNARD "

Jai Florada
> I was 10 when my father first took me to see Maynard in the legendary
> club "Birdland" in New York City. It was love at first hearing. Every
> Maynard Ferguson lp Roulette released was in our home, and got played
> endlessly. He performed on Long Island at a small club called "Cork n
> Bib" and we saw him there too, many times. Over the years He had
> several "incarnations", and I listened and watched as the bands and
> music changed, but the fire, the power and the majesty was always
> there, center stage.
>
> When he made his return to the U.S. in 1971, at Town Hall in New York
> City, with his all-European band and tie-dye/love bead/vested garb I
> was there, along with every trumpet player for miles. We all wondered
> if he still "had it". After the first tune, there was no doubt. Not
> only was he back, but he was better! Stronger, more at ease, having
> fun. It was infectious. And I was lifted up, with the rest of the
> crowd. Several great Columbia lp's followed, as we all know.
>
> When Maynard played at one of the thousands of high school gigs, I
> was there one evening to see him introduce a young teen who "sat in"
> that night, as he didn't live too far away and happened to be his
> nephew, Peter. I wished I could have traded places with him, up
> there in the trumpet section. First time I was ever jealous of a kid.
>
>
> Hearing/watching the band go into the audience and play while Maynard
> played back at us was a wonderful experience. Stan Mark, Lin
> Nicholson, Denis DiBlasio and the rest of the great band members would
> play their hearts out for us and left us energized, thrilled and
> exhausted.
>
> When he performed in Schenectady at a club just a few years ago, he
> allowed a fan to interrupt the show and propose to his girlfriend. I
> later found out it wasn't the first time he was that gracious.
>
> We watched in awe over the years at this amazingly talented man, who
> did his thing, better than it had ever been done. The anticipation of
> a concert and hearing "Blue Birdland" is a feeling we all shared:
> goose bumps and a stupid grin we sometimes couldn't hide. We saw him
> many times interrupt his own solo, to allow the crowd to acknowledge
> one of the band members who had just soloed.
>
> We were fortunate to have seen and heard and known this great man and,
> as others have said, to think of him as family.
>
> My heartfelt sympathy to the Ferguson "family", including Ed Sargent.
> The music will live forever, but things will never be the same.

Richard Meyer
Thanks, Jeanne. The man sure knew how to play a song and make it
beautiful. In directing newbies to the best of Maynard, up near the top
of my list has always been the MF Horn III recording of 'Round Midnight.
It's got it all: beautiful melody, phrasing, and core of sound in all
registers. I never knew that the arrangement went so far back, nor that
a live version existed. I think that's the best live MF performance I
have yet to see. Thanks for sharing!
To me Maynard was at his best when he was playing a simple melody line.
Didn't matter if it was below the staff or above--up to double C and
beyond--he knew how to keep it full and beautiful everywhere.

My Maynard introduction was similar to so many others I've read here:
7th grade, end of the school year, 1974, Penns Valley Area High School
(rural central Pennsylvania). In the bandroom, someone put on MacArthur
Park. Less than two minutes later, on that first high A that ends the
melody line, my world was forever changed. Within a few days, my
parents, tired of my constant badgering, took me to the nearest record
store 25 miles away, and I rifled through the MF bin and came up with
two albums with MacArthur Park: MF Horn and Live at Jimmy's. Money being
what it was back then, I opted for the less-expensive MF Horn (Live at
Jimmy's, a two-album set, was a couple dollars more). For that entire
summer, that album played non-stop. First, it was Side A: Eli's Coming,
Ballad to Max, and MacArthur Park. Then at some point I did manage to
flip it over and wear out the grooves on the other side with L-Dopa, If
I Thought You Would Ever Change Your Mind, and Chala Nata.

I saw him live in 1977. My parents drove me half-way across Pennsylvania
to see him at Kings College in Wilkes-Barre. In addition to Hey Jude, I
think they also came out in the audience for Pagliacci. Trumpet section
was Stan Mark (sporting that glorious afro), Dennis Noday, Joe Mosello,
and Ron Tooley. Needless to say, that concert is one of the greatest
memories of my boyhood.

My all-time favorite MF chart is still If I Thought You Would Ever
Change Your Mind. Keith Mansfield wrote such a beautiful arrangement of
the John Cameron ballad, and Maynard is at his soulful best on flugel
and trumpet (not to mention the solo by Peter King, one of the great
alto sax players of all time). What's most amazing to me about that
chart is that it has some of the most exciting upper-register use of any
tune I know, yet it tops out at a "mere" high G. I guess that's called
great playing...and great arranging.

My condolences go out to the Ferguson family, the band, and all of the
trumpet community (i.e., his "extended" family). My undying gratitude
also goes up to Maynard: thanks for being a most wonderful part of my
life.

Bill Bridges

I first saw Maynard on September 6, 1964 at the first, and only, Ocean City
Jazz Festival in Ocean City Maryland, on a very chilly evening. It was held
the weekend AFTER Labor Day at the Ocean Downs Raceway (horse racing) in Ocean
City, Maryland. Bad timing, as you'll see.
The promoter had set up, if memory serves correctly, some 5,000 seats or so,
in addition to the seating in the grandstand, which was also considerable. I
think they expected 10,000 folks in attendance.
And practically nobody showed up. In those days, everything at the beach
closed down after Labor Day, but the promoter thought he knew better.
I think there were maybe 75-100 people in attendance.
My Dad had agreed to take me ... a 10th grader at the time. Our tickets were
$2.25 apiece for general admission. I still have them framed on my wall ...
one autographed by Maynard.
We were sitting in the front row of the grandstand, as close as our tickets
allowed, but still about 100 yards from the bandstand, which was set up in
the infield. Several small-name groups played, then there was an intermission
before the headliner, Maynard Ferguson.
Just before introducing Maynard's band, the promoter gave up on anyone else
showing up and buying reserved tickets, and invited those of us in the
grandstand to come on down front, sit close, and enjoy, which we took him up on
immediately.
At that point, I was not only blown away by the power of his playing, and
that of the band, but was also introduced to the epitome of professionalism.
Maynard and his band could easily have played a short set, gathered their
check, and hit the bus. Instead, they played their tails off for two full
hour-long sets, while those of us in the "crowd" thundered and screamed our approval.
We may have been small in numbers, but we were large in enthusiasm. And the
band really seemed to appreciate it.
At the break between sets, Maynard walked to the concession stand to grab a
drink. I managed to blurt out something like, "May I have your autograph? You
play with such power and fire."
He looked right at me, a 15 year-old kid, signed my ticket, smiled, and
said, "Thank you."
They played the second set to wild applause after every chart, and played
two encores. The last, in the 50 degree weather, was the pyrotechnic, "Ole." I
could not believe the guy's chops, ending the concert on that glissando from
double C to double E and back!
Unbelievable. All this for maybe 75-100 die-hard, enthusiastic fans, versus
the thousands he and his band played for at Newport and other venues each
year.
In any case, that was my first experience with Maynard. What a talent,
inspiration, and lesson in class.

Rick Rangno
I've been unable to write my thoughts down as I've been on tour and this is my first chance to share my thoughts on Maynard's passing.

My wife reached me the morning after Maynard died and gave me the awful news. Like so many others the thought that he would no longer be with us never crossed my mind. How could someone with so much boundless vitality, love for life and giver of joy ever die? The whole idea was an impossibility in my mind.

Words cannot convey the shock and utter sadness that overcame me at that moment. Maynard Ferguson was not only my trumpet hero, he was my life hero. As a young man he quite literally changed my outlook on life.

Although I'd heard Maynard on recordings and was astounded by his playing, I first heard him live in 1975 in Vancouver, Canada at the Commodore Ballroom. I was a 20 year old kid in college, struggling with the horn and ready to give it up in frustration. That night at the concert I had a front row table and my seat was directly in front on Maynard's microphone. I couldn't have been more than six feet away from him. From the first note to the last I sat awestruck. It wasn't just his playing, which of course was unbelievable, or his band which included Stan Mark, Ron Tooley, Joe Mosello and I believe Dennis Dotson on trumpets. It was the incredible look of joy on Maynard's face throughout the entire evening. As he introduced each soloist Maynard put down his horn and became for those few moments a member of the audience. He loved what the guys in the band were playing and was so obviously proud of his band and their abilities. I went back the next night and incredibly got almost the exact same seat again. I was privileged to experience all that joy all over again and left that evening with my heart and soul filled.

The next time I saw Maynard was at the 1977 Canadian Stageband Festival in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I knew one of the festival organizers and I got great seats once again. This time shortly before the concert he came up to me and asked "Do you have a trumpet stand Maynard can use for the show?" "YOU BET!" I still have that stand. I was invited to the after party and although Maynard didn't make an appearance I had a great chat with Stan Mark who told me how wonderful it was to work for Maynard. I left promising myself to become that type of "Boss" one day.

Fast forward almost thirty years to 2005 until I was able to hear Maynard live again. Upper New York State and a bunch of us drove three hours across the border to hear the band in a small rural school auditorium. A completely different type of band now (Big Bop Nouveau) but with another fine bunch of superb young players and there's Maynard......smiling and happy and joyfully featuring everyone in the band still. I was deeply affected by this wonderful man again and astounded by his vitality and playing abilities at 77 years of age. When I got home in the wee hours of the morning I was still flying high.

On May 2nd of this year a bunch of us drove three hours to Heuvelton, NY to catch the Boss one more time. He had lost a bunch of weight and was playing phenomenally. He had a new band for the most part and gave them all so much featured space. And he loved it. At one point Brian Mullholland the bass player was taking an extended solo. Maynard walked on stage from the sidelines to watch and began smiling, then grinning and then laughing with delight at what Brian was playing. He truly loved his players.

It was two days before his 78th birthday and six crazy trumpet players along with two fine players from that area of NY got up on stage before the finale and played "Happy Birthday" to Maynard. Maynard walked down the line and thanked each of us individually. It was one on the happiest moments of my life. After the show we were able to spend a short time with him before the bus pulled out again and the band moved on to the next show somewhere down the road. Once again he struck me as a warm, caring and genuine person and I know his band loved him - they told me that themselves.

Strangely enough, on the evening Maynard passed away I was talking with one of my colleagues and telling him of my upcoming retirement plans.(I retire from the military in October) The plan was to fly to Miami and catch Maynard at Arturo Sandoval's jazz club on the 20th and 21st of October. Wayne Bergeron was to be in town on the 21st as guest soloist with the Florida International University Big Band as well. This trip was my retirement gift to myself, but now will not happen. My hero is gone and I'll have to make do with my far too few memories and a few pictures.

I love you Boss and I'll miss you terribly. You changed my life and showed me how love and joy can define who you are as a player and as a person. Thank you and may God keep you close.

Patrick Olguin
Simply put, Maynard changed my life forever. As a ninth grade kid I went to visit a friend and fellow trumpet player's house, where we listened to his older brother's collection of Maynard, including my still favorite album, "Live at Jimmy's." Up until then I was just a kid playing in concert and marching band. I'd never given jazz much thought, even though I liked Armstrong, Harry James and Doc. Maynard's band, with its heavy Kenton influence (love those wide, west-coast shakes!), it's amazing personnel (Stan Mark, Jay Chattaway, Bruce "Bad-Man" Johnson) and in-your-face arrangements turned my little world upside-down. Til then, my idea of out-there trumpet playing had been Lee Loughnane of Chicago.

I must have listened to MacArthur Park a bajillion times.

That same year I jumped at the chance to see Maynard in concert at one of the local high schools. The outdoor amphitheatre held perhaps 3,000 people. A group of us band geeks carpooled with an older kid. It felt more like a pilgrimage than a trip across town. Our butts were hanging out the back of the last row and we were still enthralled. This was 1975. Maynard came out in his subtle jump-suit and when the spotlight hit him, he flung his horn into the air like a drum major tossing a baton, caught it and began blaring out his solo in one fell swoop. I was transfixed.

Elvis with a trumpet.

His stage presence - enthusiasm, confidence, bravado - held us like a vise. I don't think that once the concert began, any of us said a word to one another until it was over. No one wanted to miss a note.

More than anything, Maynard knew how to embrace the people and entertain us. That's what I'll always remember.

Thanks, Maynard.

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