Search - Maynard Ferguson :: Chameleon

Maynard Changes Colors

Kevin Brett | Stafford, VA | 03/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Like a Chameleon, Maynard changes from one style to the next with ease. Many artists and bands are forever locked into one style, one sound and you always know what to expect. With Maynard, the only thing you know you can expect is a zest for trying new things. Chameleon is the anchor for this hot album. It is a superb classsic that drives with smooth trumpet rifs, acid guitar, and keyboards from start to finish. Gospel John is classic that gets your religion going. The Way We Were is a really wonderful pop balad that takes on a more classic jazz feel when Maynard caresses it. Frankly I'll take Maynard's rendition over the original any day.



La Fiesta just sizzles. This is one truly hot fusion, fiesta, funk somethingorother. No matter what your preferances, this piece just keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to see where it will take you next! Jet is a good ride, but not quite on a par with the other great works on this album like Superbone Meets the Bad Man.



Maynard definitely does not dissapoint on this collection!



Kevin Brett

CEO, Kevin Brett Studios, Inc.

Author: "The Way of the Martial Artist: Achieving Success in Martial Arts and in Life"

The Way of the Martial Artist: Achieving Success in Martial Arts and in Life!



Producer: The Art of Intelligent Driving (DVD)

The Art of Intelligent Driving"

Hit Maynard High

John D. Dooley | Southern California United States | 08/03/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"During the mid 1970's the LP version of Maynard Ferguson "Chameleon" was the `Hit' for High School Jazz bands. Those who could `Hit' the high notes on trumpet were given a work out with songs by Herbie Hancock "Chameleon" & by Chick Corea "La Fiesta". The CD transferred over well with great sound. There is not a bad song in the whole CD. "The Way We Were" is a small jazz ensemble arrangement from the Barbra Streisand 1973 movie. "Jet" is a Paul McCartney `Hit' where Maynard Ferguson flies above the band. One song by Ira Gershwin "I Can't Get Started" has a male singer but I don't know his name because the inner notes are so unclear with semi colons & comas misplaced in the list of names & instruments.



What makes the title of the CD "Chameleon" so interesting is that Maynard Ferguson was accused of always changing his style as the need from social pressures or economics dictated. Maynard Ferguson did play with Jimmy Dorsey in the late 1940's & Stan Kenton in the early 1950's but went through many jazz bands of his own both big & small. I read that he played high until the end of his life. This is a well produced CD from that time period & a must for any jazz trumpet player.

"