"Maynard, God rest his soul, had the benefit of devine confluence: amazing chops, distinctive style, a prodigious heart, artistic wonder, caffeinated showmanship, and a flat out love of the horn. Jazz was his milieu, but the horn was his showpiece.
These cuts represent the best of his Concord recordings of the late 90's/early '00's, and the charts are no less challenging than the MF1 and 2 books as Maynard cracked 70, with an everlasting command of the stratosphere. As the upper register fades from the older lips of most players, MF still cranks out the high notes and his famous lip trills on difficult, fun charts. He was Barnum and Bailey with a mouthpiece. Well done."
Vintage Gigster at his Finest
Danny Fisher | Alcoa, TN USA | 02/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a thrill ride! Maynard is blowing like crazy on these tunes. This is a must for every Maynard Ferguson fan as well as any aspiring young musicians. It's amazing to hear what can actually be done with a trumpet. I never get tired of this CD."
A great introduction to Maynard Ferguson
David Lechner | Cherry Hill, New Jersey United States | 05/09/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Although I grew up in the '60s playing in high school stage band and being introduced to the Basie, Ellington, and Woody Herman bands, Maynard's work somehow escaped my awareness except for one mediocre album from 1961 which left no impression. Recently, I've attended a couple of concerts by Ferguson veteran Denis DeBlasio, who spoke at length about his time with Maynard and whose own playing made me reconsider what I might have missed out on. What a revelation! If, like me, you've never given Maynard Ferguson a fair listening, do yourself a favor and pick up this album. Now I understand what everyone was raving about. These are stellar performances. What a treat!"
The best of Maynard's return to "jazz" (whatever THAT is)
Jim Z | 12/24/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Lots of critics loved pointing out that Maynard didn't play jazz. They often cited that his recordings too often featured pop / rock tunes that somehow meant that they were "less important". Having followed Maynard for 40 years , I can tell you , Maynard KNEW and PLAYED jazz. Sure , many of his recordings featured "pop" tunes , but without those charts , legions of young audiences would have never sought out recordings of "true" jazz icons...I don't care what one calls it , Maynard had a gift that he shared with millions of fans. I don't care WHAT he played , only that he played it. So , what about this best of ? It is a package including Maynard's late career "return to jazz" . Into his 70's , Maynard still delivers the goods.The Concord Jazz recordings feature prime sounding and performed charts from one of the best. Put it in your player , and prepare to marvel."