Record Reviews

MAYNARD FERGUSON ~ M. F. HORN / M. F. HORN 2 / M. F. HORN 3 BGO 1110 (Barcode: 5017261211101) ~ CANADA ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 1970 - 1973 Released: 2013 This is a reissue of three albums by Canadian Jazz trumpeter / composer / bandleader Maynard FergusonFind albums by this artist. These are the second, fourth and fifth albums Ferguson recorded for CBSFind albums on this label in UK after he signed with the label in late 1968, following his move to the UK from India. The first two albums were produced by the brilliant arranger / conductor Keith MansfieldFind albums by this artist, who worked with Ferguson on all his UK recordings except the last, i.e. the third album included here, which was produced by Teo MaceroFind albums by this artist and which was mostly recorded in UK and had some minor touches added later in the US. "M. F. HornFind albums with this title" was released as "The World Of Maynard FergusonFind albums with this title" in the US. Upon his arrival in UK Ferguson made a dramatic shift in his approach to the Big Band Jazz he played for so many years previously. Influenced by what was happening in music at the time, especially the birth of Jazz-Rock Fusion, and the Brass Rock ensembles like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, ChicagoFind albums by this artist, ChaseFind albums by this artist, FlockFind albums by this artist and many others, he was determined to pursue this new direction as well. Obviously the British scene was a highly fertile ground, with many British Jazz musicians already very much involved in that idiom. The "M. F. Horn" series of albums reflects that glorious period perfectly! The first two "M. F. Horn" albums and the album "Alive & Well In LondonFind albums with this title" (released as "Maynard FergusonFind albums with this title" in the US), which was "sandwiched" between them, follow a similar formula of presenting a mixture of wonderful arrangements of popular songs and original compositions, arranged by Mansfield, Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, Adrian DroverFind albums by this artist and John CameronFind albums by this artist and performed by a dreamy band that features such luminaries as trombonists Chris PyneFind albums by this artist and Derek WadsworthFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Pete KingFind albums by this artist and Brian SmithFind albums by this artist, pianist Pete JacksonFind albums by this artist, percussionist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist and other top British Jazz players at the time. "M. F. Horn 3Find albums with this title" is somewhat different in the choice of material, as it does not include covers of popular material but includes soundtracks, Jazz standards and no less than three original compositions by pianist Pete Jackson. It is generally considered as the Jazziest album of the "M. F. Horn" series, probably due to the fact that Macero produced it, but in retrospect it is undoubtedly an integral part of the same musical direction and spirit. Overall these albums are great piece of the Ferguson´s recorded legacy, which is certainly worth being remembered. The magic Brass Rock / British Big Band period is certainly a pinnacle of his creativity, and a superb addition to the idiom, which has a lasting value and deserves an honorable place in any serious music collection. An absolute must!

Updated: 29/05/2020Posted: 29/05/2020

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MAYNARD FERGUSON ~ M. F. HORN 2 / THE BALLAD STYLE OF MAYNARD FERGUSON VOCALION 8421 (Barcode: 765387842123) ~ CANADA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1969 - 1972 Released: 2006 Canadian Jazz trumpeter / bandleader Maynard FergusonFind albums by this artist arrived in UK in late 1968, where Jazz was accepted as a legitimate Art Form and highly appreciated. European audiences were more receptive to new sounds and musical experimentation, be it Free Jazz or Jazz-Rock Fusion, and therefore an ideal refuge for many frustrated American musicians. Ferguson resided in UK between 1968 and 1973, where he was warmly received and his talent promptly recognized. He recorded five albums in UK for the CBSFind albums on this label label, which are considered the pinnacle of his recorded legacy. This album combines two of these albums, the last and the first of his UK recordings. In spite of the differences between the two albums they both showcase Ferguson’s amazing abilities as an instrumentalist. His famous high-pitched cadenzas and screaming, soaring finales are of course legendary. "M. F. Horn 2Find albums with this title" is an excellent Jazz-Rock Fusion album, similar to the work of American bands like Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist and ChaseFind albums by this artist or British bands like IfFind albums by this artist, but rather than leading a combo, Ferguson is riding the powerful locomotive of a full-fledged big band / brass orchestra, which of course makes a huge difference to the overall sound. Conducted by Keith MansfieldFind albums by this artist, a brilliant arranger and producer, the band comprised of the absolute best British Jazz horn players at the time and sounds like a million dollars. The clever and sophisticated arrangements suit Ferguson’s abilities perfectly and the album is an absolute blast from start to finish. "The Ballad Style Of Maynard FergusonFind albums with this title" is a complete contrast, showcasing the trumpeter’s solos against a lushly playing orchestra, directed again by Keith Mansfield, who also arranged the music. Some Jazz fans might shrug at this music, considering it almost a Pop effort, but honestly anybody who can appreciate great trumpet performance and a superb orchestra supporting the soloist will find this certainly worth their while. Great stuff!

Updated: 17/04/2020Posted:

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MAYNARD FERGUSON ~ M. F. HORN 3 / M. F. HORN 4 & 5 - LIVE AT JIMMY`S VOCALION 8429 (Barcode: 765387842925) ~ CANADA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1973 Released: 2006 Following an almost five years long exile in the UK, trumpeter / bandleader Maynard FergusonFind albums by this artist returned to the US in 1973. His new producer for ColumbiaFind albums on this label was no other than Teo MaceroFind albums by this artist, famous for his long association with Miles DavisFind albums by this artist. The album "M. F. Horn 3Find albums with this title" was still recorded mostly in UK and featured the same incredible big band that played with Ferguson on "M. f. HornFind albums with this title" and "M. F. Horn 2Find albums with this title" and only the finishing touches were done in NY. Stylistically the album is also quite similar to its predecessor, presenting powerful version of Jazz-Rock Fusion with brass, brilliantly arranged and splendidly executed. The next album, a double recorded live in NY, was to be his ultimate recording. Fronting a great big band, which included several European players who played on his previous albums, as well as new American players, Ferguson plays brilliantly, pushing the band to unbelievable heights. The material selected for the recording is more mainstream Jazz than the distinctive Jazz-Rock Fusion predecessors, but the high energy and dominant rhythm section create a special blend, which is quite different from traditional American big band music. This was Ferguson’s finest hour and his future attempts to capture wider audiences by performing covers of popular hits were sadly less memorable. This stuff is it – sheer genius at work and a must for any big band enthusiast.

Updated: 17/04/2020Posted:

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MAYNARD FERGUSON ~ M. F. HORN 4 & 5 – LIVE AT JIMMY`S BGO 1307 (Barcode: 5017261213075) ~ CANADA ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 1973 Released: 2017 This is a reissue of the album by Canadian Jazz trumpeter / composer / bandleader Maynard FergusonFind albums by this artist, recorded live at the famous NY club "Jimmy´s". Originally released as a double LP, this was the last chapter of the "M. F. HornFind albums with this title" series and marks the end of Ferguson´s British adventure, and his return to the US. The album was produced by the legendary ColumbiaFind albums on this label producer Teo MaceroFind albums by this artist, known for his work with Miles DavisFind albums by this artist and producer of countless other seminal Jazz recordings. This album includes ten expanded arrangements of popular songs, Jazz standards and original material, brilliantly performed by Ferguson and his band, which included three British players who took part in the recording of the earlier "M. F. Horn" albums: saxophonist Andy MacintoshFind albums by this artist, pianist Pete JacksonFind albums by this artist (who plays electric piano here and contributed two original compositions) and drummer Randy JonesFind albums by this artist. Saxophonists Ferdinand PovelFind albums by this artist from Netherlands and Bruce JohnstoneFind albums by this artist from New Zealand are also among the band members with the rest of the players being Americans. This album marks almost the end of Ferguson´s love affair with the Brass Rock / Jazz-Rock Fusion, which would be finalized by the recording of "ChameleonFind albums with this title" album a year later. The rest of Ferguson´s 1970s recordings on Columbia will be more commercially oriented, but still full of great performances and excellent music. Overall this album is a great piece of the Ferguson´s recorded legacy, which is certainly worth being remembered. It finalizes the wonderful Brass Rock / British Big Band period, which is certainly a pinnacle of his creativity, and a superb addition to the idiom, and which has a lasting value. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 18/04/2020Posted: 18/04/2020

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