Search - Maynard Ferguson, Big Bop Nouveau :: Brass Attitude

Maynard,s best album in many years!!!

03/18/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With "Brass Attitude", Maynard has perfected the "little big band", his preferred format for the last several years. Exciting, richly textured arrangements performed by Ferguson's exceptionally talented young musicians make this Farguson's' best peformance since 1970's "MF Horn". Maynard makes greater use of his lyrical skills on fluegelhorn here, especially on the haunting "Caruso", and tracks include everything from a jazz waltz ("Waltz for Nicole"), to a bluesy feauture for the wonderful scat singer and baritone saxophonist Denis Diblasio ("The Lip"). For long time Maynard fans, there are plenty of high notes; for potential new fans, though, this is an album with a nice balance of swingers and slower, romantic pieces. Worth a listen, then, for anyone who's either loved MF for years, or is curious about large group jazz."

An Enjoyable, but Different, Maynard!

Archie Mercer | Yorba Linda, CA | 12/24/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First of all, I like this CD. The music has a smooth and sophisticated feel, and the solo's are at times amazing. Maynard has always had the ability to surround himself with wonderfully talented musicians. This CD, however, is a diferent direction for Maynard. Played in a more traditional jazz style, the songs here show a side of Marnard Ferguson that you rarely get to hear. Through most of his career, Maynard has depended a powerful brass/big band sound to drive the music. His interpretations of songs usually had a strong melodic base, and then would allow the soloists to take off based on the melody. This CD is almost the opposite. The solos's drive the music, and the result is wonderful. A mix of old and new music, the music depends less on Maynard and more on the band. My favorite pieces are "Just Friends" and "Caruso". "The Lip" is an interesting song with vocals by ex-Band member Denis Diblasio.Again, overall I enjoyed this CD. If I would compare his most recent work I would say this is my second favorite behind "These Cats can Swing", a more traditional Maynard Ferguson CD. I would recommend this not only to any Maynard fan, but to any traditional jazz fan as well."

Hard Swing, Slow Balads-This Album Has It All.

Archie Mercer | 11/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From track one, this CD is made to impress. Whether you are a Beginner in the world of Maynard, or a seasoned listener, this album is great. Tom Garling is marvelous. His solos in the first three tracks can be described in one word: awesome. A vocal appearance by saxaphonist Denis Deblasio on a later track(The Lip) is another highlight. I, personally, have played through many Deblasio charts, and is nice to finally hear him off of his horn. Maynard's band will blow you away."