markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

I first heard Maynard Ferguson when he played for Stan Kenton, back in the late late 40's early 50's. His ability to play 2 and 3 octave high notes was amazing. Then in the late 50's I heard he and his newly formed 12 piece band would be playing at Birdland. I was a junior at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) in Teaneck, NJ. I caught a bus into Port Authority, walked to Birdland on 52nd St and for $2 sat in the "gallery". (About 15 - 20 folding chairs facing the right side of the stage.) He and the band played compositions written by a few members of his young band. They blew the roof off Birdland. What a thrill!! I sat through every set and finally left for Port Authority to catch a bus back to FDU at 3:00 AM

Subsequently, Ferguson made an album entitled, "Message From Newport". Of course I bought the album and wore it out. Here's the album:

https://youtu.be/Xithuc4YdQA?t=7

note: Not for the feint of heart. It's mainly up tempo big band compositions. I still play it, but not when my wife is around.

I hope the big band fans enjoy it as much as I do.
Mark

JimmyTB

Thanks for posting Mark. I first heard him when I was in high school. Loved his music.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Glad you liked it Jimmy!!
Mark

JimmyTB

Just finished listening. 44 minutes and 13 seconds of pure enjoyment. So much talent in the whole band. Amazing!!

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Absolutely!! What an incredible group of swinging musicians! 12 pieces that sounded like 19. I have the album on vinyl, cd and mp3, but I only play the mp3.

Thanks, Jimmy.
Mark