Talk with Maynard Ferguson

Maynard Ferguson was a celebrated Canadian jazz trumpeter and bandleader known for his remarkable high-note trumpet playing. Born on May 4, 1928, in Verdun (now part of Montreal), Quebec, Canada, Ferguson became one of the most influential figures in the development of jazz trumpet playing.

Ferguson’s career began at an early age; he started playing the piano and violin at age four before switching to the trumpet at nine. By the age of thirteen, he had begun leading his own band in Montreal nightclubs. In 1949, he moved to the United States, where his career quickly took off. He played with several prominent big bands, including those led by Boyd Raeburn, Jimmy Dorsey, and Charlie Barnet.

He gained significant fame while playing with Stan Kenton’s orchestra from 1950 to 1953, where he was featured as a scream trumpet specialist, noted for his ability to play accurately in a higher register than most other trumpet players. Following his time with Kenton, Ferguson formed his own band, Birdland Dreamband, and continued to lead various ensembles through the decades, including big bands and smaller groups.

The 1970s marked a peak in Ferguson’s popularity, especially with his formation of "Maynard Ferguson and His Orchestra" and recordings like "Conquistador," which featured the hit single "Gonna Fly Now" (a theme from the movie "Rocky"), helping him reach a broader audience including pop music lovers.

Throughout his career, Ferguson was known for his powerful, high-energy playing style and his ability to inspire and mentor young musicians. He remained active in the music industry, recording and touring until close to his death on August 23, 2006. Ferguson's legacy lives on through his contributions to jazz music and his influence on future generations of musicians.

Maynard Ferguson, though highly influential in the jazz and big band music scenes, did not garner a large collection of major music awards like some of his contemporaries. However, he was nominated for three Grammy Awards throughout his career. Despite the limited recognition in terms of awards, Ferguson's innovative approach to jazz and his ability to reach high registers on the trumpet left a significant legacy and earned him a devoted following. Recognitions like being a DownBeat Magazine poll winner several times underscore his influence and acclaim in the jazz music community.

Maynard Ferguson's interest in the trumpet began at a young age, sparked by his family's musical background. His mother was a violinist and his father a principal of a high school with a strong emphasis on the arts. Ferguson began playing the piano and violin by age four, but it was the trumpet, which he started playing at the age of nine, that captured his enduring interest. His enthusiasm for the trumpet was further encouraged by his ability to play it well almost from the outset, and this instrument quickly became his primary focus in music.

Early in his career, Maynard Ferguson played with several notable bands that helped establish his reputation as a talented trumpeter. In the 1940s, he began his professional career playing with the big bands of Boyd Raeburn, Jimmy Dorsey, and Charlie Barnet. His tenure with Stan Kenton's Orchestra from 1950 to 1953 was particularly significant, as it provided him with a platform to showcase his high-note trumpet playing, making a profound impact on jazz and big band music. This period was crucial in developing his style and laying the groundwork for his future successes as a bandleader and solo artist.

Maynard Ferguson was renowned for his ability to hit extraordinarily high notes on the trumpet, a skill that became a defining characteristic of his playing style. He famously could reach what musicians call "double C" (C an octave above the high C) and higher. Ferguson's range extended to the "triple C," though there is some variability in recordings and performances in terms of the exact highest note. His ability to play in the upper register with power and clarity was one of his most celebrated talents.

Maynard Ferguson, beyond his performing career, made significant contributions to music education and inspired countless young musicians through his teaching and master classes. He conducted workshops and clinics at high schools and universities, where he shared his knowledge and passion for jazz and music theory. His approachable nature and willingness to educate aspiring musicians helped foster a new generation of artists.

Additionally, Ferguson contributed to music through his innovative approach to jazz composition and arrangement. He was known for embracing and incorporating new sounds and technology into his music, which pushed the boundaries of jazz. He often collaborated with contemporary musicians and arrangers, thereby influencing jazz music's evolution.

Ferguson's leadership in forming and leading his own bands also provided a platform for many upcoming musicians to launch their careers in the jazz world. His bands were a training ground for talented young artists, and he was known for his mentorship and support of his band members.

Through these activities, Maynard Ferguson not only left an indelible mark as a performer but also as an educator, mentor, and innovator in the music industry.

Maynard Ferguson became famous primarily through his exceptional talents as a jazz trumpeter. Born in 1928 in Montreal, Canada, he began playing the piano and violin at an early age before switching to the trumpet at nine. His prodigious talent quickly became evident, and he won a scholarship to the French Conservatory of Music at age 13.

In 1949, Ferguson moved to the United States, where he joined Stan Kenton's orchestra. His time with Kenton, from 1950 to 1953, played a crucial role in catapulting him to fame. His remarkable high-note trumpet playing became a signature part of Kenton's ensemble, and his solos were a major attraction.

After his stint with Kenton, Ferguson formed his own bands over the following decades. His bands, known for their high-energy performances and blend of big band jazz with elements of rock, Latin, and R&B, helped him maintain and grow his fame. Albums like "Conquistador" and the hit single "Gonna Fly Now" from the late 1970s, which was featured in the "Rocky" movies, brought him into the mainstream success beyond traditional jazz audiences.

Ferguson's ability to hit soaring, stratospheric notes that few could match and his charismatic stage presence made him a favorite among jazz enthusiasts and general audiences alike, cementing his status as an influential figure in the world of jazz.

Maynard Ferguson, renowned for his remarkable high-note trumpet performances, utilized various trumpets and flugelhorns throughout his career. Some of the notable brands and models he used include:

1. Bach Stradivarius Trumpets - These were among Ferguson's preferred trumpets, particularly during his time with the Stan Kenton Orchestra. The Bach Stradivarius is known for its rich, powerful sound, which suited Ferguson's dynamic playing style.

2. Holton ST302 MF Horn - Holton created this model specifically for Ferguson. It is a large bore trumpet that allowed him to achieve the high notes he was famous for.

3. Besson Brevete Flugelhorn - Ferguson occasionally used a flugelhorn, which has a softer, mellower tone compared to a trumpet. This instrument is often used in jazz and provided a contrast to the bright, penetrating sound of his trumpets.

4. Superbone - A unique hybrid between a trombone and a trumpet, the Superbone allowed Ferguson to play slide positions as well as valve combinations. It was a distinctive choice that showcased his versatility as a brass player.

5. Firebird - Another intriguing choice was the Firebird trumpet, which featured both valves and slide functionality, similar to the Superbone but more compact in design.

Ferguson's equipment choices reflected his experimental nature and his desire to explore different sounds and techniques within his musical expressions.

Maynard Ferguson disbanded his big band setup various times throughout his career, primarily due to financial reasons. Running a big band such as his was expensive due to costs associated with traveling, booking venues, and paying musicians. Economic pressures often made it unsustainable to maintain such a large group.

In the early 1970s, Ferguson moved towards a smaller ensemble setup, which was more financially viable. This shift also reflected changes in musical trends and the commercial music industry at the time. Additionally, disbanding or reforming groups provided Ferguson the opportunity to explore different musical styles and concepts, staying relevant and innovative in the jazz scene.

"Roulette," an album by Maynard Ferguson, was recorded in New York City. This album, released in 1959, includes energetic performances by Ferguson and his then newly formed Birdland Dreamband, capturing the vibrant jazz scene of the era.

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