Search - Maynard Ferguson :: Maynard Ferguson Octet

An essential chapter in Maynard's career

James A. Vedda | Alexandria, VA USA | 07/30/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the mid-1950s, after leaving the Stan Kenton band, Maynard set out to prove that he was a jazz player as well as a powerful high-note player. He started out by doing some jam session recordings and by the end of the decade was winning jazz polls and leading one of the best big bands in the business. This octet recording from 1955 is somewhere in between - it has the feeling of a jam session but with the tightly performed and well-written arrangements (by Bill Holman) that were characteristic of his later big band.

In addition to Maynard on trumpet and valve trombone, the all-star roster includes Conte Candoli (trumpet), Milt Bernhart (trombone), Herb Geller (alto sax), Georgie Auld (tenor sax), Bob Gordon (baritone sax), Ian Bernhard (piano), Red Callendar (bass), and Shelly Manne (drums). Those who are familiar with west coast jazz of this era will notice that Maynard called on a few of his old Kenton band colleagues to join him on this session.

The great solos on these eight tracks are fun to listen to, and you may be tempted to play along. The price is reasonable, so I recommend adding it to your Maynard collection."

Great 50's Jazz (4.5 stars)

Keegan R. Lerch | Bethlehem, PA | 07/02/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Maynard Ferguson date from April 1955 was originally released on EmArcy records, and has finally been reissued on Verve! The remastered sound (although still mono) breathes new life to this recording, and makes all of the instruments crisper and clearer. (thanks to the mastering by Kevin Reaves at Universal Mastering Studios).



Maynard played with Charlie Barnet and joined Stan Kenton's band in 1952, playing tenor sax and arranging. Funny that he's now considered one of the greatest trumpeters of all time, and one of the first who could play in the stratosphere cleanly. This set feels like a jam session, with a tighter feel due to the fact that all but "Autumn Leaves" are composed and arranged by Bill Holman. All of the songs have a distinctive West-Coast Jazz feel, and even border on 'Cool' at some points. This is a great mid-50s jazz date with some of the best West Coast jazzers (some from Kenton's band) available.

If you're interested in hearing what Maynard sounded like before he became the commercial success of the 70s, this is where it's at. He really lets it rip on "Super-G."



Maynard (whose playing feels like it could be a little cleaner at times), plays Trumpet, Bass Trumpet, and Valve Trombone. He is joined by Conte Candoli (trumpet), Milt Bernhart (trombone), Herb Geller (alto sax), Georgie Auld (tenor sax), Bob Gordon (bari sax), Ian Bernhard (piano), Red Callender (bass) and Shelly Manne (drums.) The original liner notes are quite funny, because a number of the artists weren't named, as they were under contracts with different labels. Georgie Auld is listed as "Mendel Balitz," and the others are described with hints and clues to figure out who they are. The solos from all members are above-average, and at times superb!"