Groove Bone

Groove Bone is a internet radio show featuring the trombone on jazz small group and big band, Latin jazz, and funk/rock recordings. The show was created by trombonist Dave Dickey on September 1, 2004. Groove Bone also features bi-monthly contests giving away free autographed CD and other items from the top trombonists/band leaders today. For more info, check out www.groovebone.org . Dave was a jazz DJ for 5 years at WDNA in Miami and now hosts a jazz radio show on WEFT in Champaign. Also make sure to visit www.trombonesonline.com , the on-line source for the trombonist.
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Maynard Ferguson May 4, 1928 - August 23, 2006
Walter "Maynard" Ferguson was one of the most influential musicians and band leaders in the history of Jazz. Not only was Maynard a great musician, but also a great educator. He spent many hours/days/years educating musicians of all ages about jazz music. As David Von Drehle from the Washington Post mentioned, "Maynard Ferguson did his best to blow some hormones back into the band room". Well said. He started the careers of many well-known musicians. I contacted some of those musicians (both trombones and other instrumentalists) that have played with Maynard and asked them how they felt about Maynard and performing with him.
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Bill Watrous, trombone
I can remember the first time I heardMaynard... I was in High School, and some of my fellow band members were bringing in records to hear, such as , Pete Rugolo,Kenton Presents, this is an orchestra..... I NEVER heard anything likethat in my life.... Much later I had the pleasure of hearing his big band at Birdland , in New York.... I never got over it..... I have, down through the years , continued to be amazed at the genius that we all know as Maynard Ferguson........He was really an original , top to bottom... He always treated me with the UTMOST respect.....God bless that man...... I hope he has a great rhythm section up there.
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Nick Lane, trombone
Obviously Maynard's passing was a surprise to me....after all, Sai Baba had told him he would live to 92, so I wasn't worried about him. But in loss there is the realization of gratitude for having lived and shared time with MF. I had just graduated Berklee (College in Boston) and to have the opportunity to join the band in 1977 when it was hot on the success of Rocky was a real stroke of luck. Maynard was always one to encourage others, but he also liked to push the envelope...try something different and with that came my opportunity to bring charts into the band and work them out on the road and then record them......the 17 charts he recorded on 5 albums was my real music education! When I hear any of the 5 songs we "wrote" together, it still reminds me of those great hangs in Ojai. When I think of all the young musicians he inspired over the years, it leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. There just aren't the same opportunities for young musicians to travel and play every night any more. I am forever indebted to Maynard for the opportunities he gave me and the positive outlook his influence inspired.
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Alex Iles, trombone
Like so many other people who got the opportunity to play, tour and/or record with Maynard, I had grown up being in awe of him as a player, a bandleader and as a stage personna. He was like no one before or since in the world of jazz. His band was always one of my favorites.
As a teenager whenever I watched Maynard and his band perform I learned how fun good quality music can be play and to listen to. He provided a portal to the whole world of jazz for thousands of young people who came to his concerts, most of whom played instruments themselves. Going to one of his concerts, you might hear Maynard play music composed by Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, or Charlie Parker. These tunes would be presented in amazing arrangements often written by members of the Maynard's own band. He was all about bridging musical gaps.
When I joined the band in 1985 [replacing MF veteran Steve Wiest] I officially had my first REAL gig. Out there on tour was a blast every night. Even when circumstances were less than ideal, Maynard was up and ON! I remember one winter the bus lost its brakes in the Rocky Mountains!! The bus driver miraculously pulled the bus over to the side of the windy road. As we pulled to a stop, there was that little moment of silence as we all just realized that we could have easily crashed... but didn't. The silence was broken by Maynard walking down the aisle of the bus with a plate of various kinds of cheeses offering them up like a flight attendant, saying sarcastic things like, "We are very sorry for the delay and the inconvenience this may have caused." We were stuck up there for hours until they got another bus for us. We played football and jumped around in the snow until help finally arrived. No big deal for Maynard!!
Playing trombone on Maynard's band meant that you were the caretaker for MF's Superbone. He was not playing it very much at the time, so I basically used it to prop up our sagging bunk on the bus!! Maynard DID pull it out a couple years later and played some great stuff with valve trombonist Mike Fahn I recall.
Also, Maynard was the same way whether it was an audience of 5 or 5000. He played all out ALL THE TIME.
He shared the stage graciously with the band. He could easily turn it into "your" show at anytime too--always with that twinkle in his eye. He was great at getting the audience excited about each member of his band. We all got featured in some fashion every night.
I also remember how enthusiastic students were whenever we did workshops and clinics with the band. Maynard was JUST as enthusiastic about them! I really learned a lot of important lessons from Maynard when it came to music education to which he was very dedicated. He knew how much the kids looked up to him and accepted the responsibility of being that kind of role model his whole career. He could have EASILY been, like too many other "famous" artists, moody, stuffy, elusive or just a prima donna, but he was NEVER that way. EVER!!
He always made time for autographs, photos, etc. He would greet everyone with that big warm smile of his. He made those who met him feel like a friend for life.
In terms of trombone-specific thinking, Maynard was a great "proving ground" for many trombonists over the years...Nick Lane, Randy Purcell, Jerry Johnson, Joe Jackson, Slide Hampton, Don Sebesky, Dante Luciani, Mike Fahn, Steve Wiest, Tom Garling, Reggie Watkins, Rich Berkeley, Keith Oshiro. But Maynard HIMSELF was a BAAAAD valve bone player. He shines on that swinging recording by Russ Garcia from the 60's, "I'll Never Forget What's Her Name". MF goes toe-to-toe with Frank Rosolino! His "Superbone Meets the Badman" is also a classic. And what a great Superbone solo by the Boss!!
My warmest condolences go out to Maynard's family and also to his long time road manager and a fantastic guy who helped me acquire whatever "road chops" I have today, Ed Seargent
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Steve Wiest, trombone
Long before I had the honor of performing with Maynard Ferguson, I was way into his amazing trumpet playing, his bands, and the great music that he brought forth from the gifted arrangers in his groups. There was always a soulful spark of excitement, a true bit of magic in every piece that he performed. Whether it was the swingin bebop-laced straight ahead stuff, or a fusion piece or even some of that crazy disco music, an aura of joy always came through. When I joined the band in 1981, I found out that the reason for this consistency was Maynard himself; his sound, his talent, and his happy philosophy.
To be a part of Maynards band was to join a family. To Maynard, life was something to celebrate, every minute of every day. Every time I ever heard him play, whether it was an important concert, a warm up, a recording, or just buzzing his mouthpiece, he always played as if it was going to be his last chance to do so. I have never seen anyone enjoy music as much as Maynard did, and believe me, this joy was very infectious. All of us in the MF family were constantly moved by his attitude of delight. In fact, I never heard Maynard chuckle, he always laughed out loud in a flat-out affirmation of love. I know that my association with this larger-than-life man has been a great source of inspiration and renewal for me over the 25 years that Ive been a part of his party.
While all of us were astounded by his abundant musical gifts and talent, his ability to nurture and further so many musicians that came through his bands was amazing. Maynard taught all of us so very much about pacing a solo, building a phrase, playing a romantic melody and respecting the audience. His gracious approach in lending the stage to his musicians and allowing us all to find ourselves was enormous. In short, he was all about love all the time. It came through loud-and-clear in his music and how he treated his musicians and fans
People who came to a Maynard concert for the first time would often wonder at the practice of band members shaking hands with him before and after each solo, or his habit of posturing the Indian namaste to each of his musicians. This was Maynards way of thanking us for the sharing of talent, and saluting all that is holy and divine in each of us. How priceless is THAT? I was so touched and warmed every single time that I shook his hand, gave him a big hug, or received his salute of namaste. I have simply never known a more genuine, happy, sincere, or talented human being. Maynard taught me to appreciate the magic in music, to value what is special and holy in people, and how to pass that on to others. For that lesson and for so many others I am forever grateful.
We have all benefited greatly by the life of this giant man, and while I mourn his passing, I thrill at his music and celebrate his loving legacy.
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Mike Fahn, trombone
He was a very thoughtful, kind man, open to new ideas from his players, and allowed us to shape the music to his and our liking. He was very open to me especially, because I play Valve Trombone, he really identified with my playing, and afforded me alot of solo space, as well as trading solos with me, which was fantastic, because he was so inspiring and energetic to play with, one on one. He made you play UP to him, he rarely had a bad night, so I did not either. I just could not have a bad night. Maynard encouraged me to start doubling on Slide Trombone, which was very helpful to me, because I took a liking to Slide, and now love to play both instruments as well as I can. Thank you Boss.
My dad is a jazz drummer, and his favorite musicians were horn players like Stan Getz, Al Cohn, Bob Brookmeyer, and Maynard, as well as other instrumentalists. The main reason I started playing Trumpet, and Valve Trombone, was because of Maynard, and Bob Brookmeyer, 2 of my biggest horn player influences. I got a hold of his recordings, like MF Horn 1, 2, 3, Primal Scream, and 4 and 5, as soon as they came out, and went to see him with my brothers at high schools on Long Island, and at Jazz Festivals and Disneyland in the 1970s and 80s, many times, and never did I ever dream that I would work with him. Ever major jazz figure that I like worked with Maynard.
My experience traveling and working with Maynard: Some of this I covered previously, he was a great supporter of schools and education, so when there was time, we went to the gigs, at the schools, and did little sessions for the students, which were greatly educational for me. I traveled with Maynard from 1989-91, went to Japan, Brazil, all over the U.S.A, I got to play with great people, with whom I have friendships with today. I thank Maynard so much for that. I got to play authentic Brazilian music when I was there with Boss, even recorded with musicians there, while with Maynard. What a blessing, to have met so many great people thru Boss. On the bus trips, he was such a great storyteller, since he had so many great experiences himself. I was going thru some tough times personally, during one the tours, and, without me even telling him about it, he was so approachable, I probably could have, he personally talked to me, to encourage me to keep my chin up, everything would be just fine. I will always be greatful to Maynard for that and other one on ones I had with him, he made me feel special, very generous to me, respected me, there was no fakeness about him, when it was time to hit the bandstand, you had to, as I said earlier, play UP to him, that was an amazing thing for him to do for me. In closing, he is truly a legend, as a musician, but more importantly, for me, a friend, and fellow collaborator, on AND off the bandstand.
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Joe Barati, bass trombone
Maynard was the nicest band leader. I was 22 when I joined the MF band, and the opportunity to play with him was a dream come true. Maynard taught me so much about how to play every night on the road. He truly had this child like attitude about playing and having fun! We would travel at times 1000 miles to the next gig, and then he would get up on stage and show us all how the trumpet should sound. The energy that this man brought to the stage nightly was contagious. I would watch his breathing system before playing every note and constantly be amazed at his stamina and lyrism of the upper register of the trumpet. Standing next to Maynard playing the bass trombone was always a treat because he played so loud, and trying to match his intensity with my notes was always a great challenge. Maynard loved the bass trombone and asking him about the linage of the great players on Stan Kentons band (George Roberts and Bart Varsalona) was a chance of a lifetime. When the bass trombone made it's commercial debut in Jazz Maynard was right there on the scene. I am forever grateful and honored to have worked with the greatest lead trumpet player of all time! Thank you Maynard! Rest in peace.
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Tom Garling, trombone
There are many words to describe Maynard, and Ive never heard a negative one. He was the most positive guy I knew, almost to a fault. Even in the most grueling of conditions on the road, he always kept a positive attitude when the other musicians where getting dark. I remember times when the flight was cancelled, the bus broke down, or the only hotel in a small European town didnt have our reservation (or the time I misplaced my passport and had to get from Germany to Italy-thats a whole other story) when Maynard would turn to me, laugh and say Nothing like the glamorous life!
As a musician, I need not tell you of his greatness. Everyone knows how big a mark he left on the music world. But Maynard was so much more than just a great musician. Open to musical possibilities, surrounding himself with greatness, giving young musicians an opportunity to hone their craft and show off their abilities, he was simply the kindest, most generous man I knew. I feel privileged to have had my experiences on tour with him, listening to his greatness every night for six years, given a chance to record my own side on a major record label thanks to him. As Maynard was thankful to Stan Kenton for helping younger cats get a jump start on their careers, I am thankful to the Boss for giving me the chance to do the same. And like Stan, Maynard was unrelenting in the pursuit of educating young musicians. I only hope that musicians of today can carry on the tradition with as much generosity and selflessness as he did.
By the 1950s, Maynard had established himself as a jazz great. He was playing as good as anyone. I recall some days on the road with him in the 1990s. During a concert, Maynard would be playing a solo, and all of a sudden these lines would come out of his horn. I thought to myself, man, those lines came right out of his playing 40 years ago-blazing bebop that swirled around the changes in an incredibly sophisticated way. All of us in the band were absolutely amazed! Even Maynard was taken aback, looking at his horn and saying something like: Ahh, Wow, What the $..%@ was that !?!?!? I always laugh when I think of those times. I saw the band back in February when they were in town, and I had a chance to sit in with them. Maynard and the band sounded unbelievable! Boss was in top form, he was in good sprits, and played better than ever. It was great to see, play and hang with him again! After all of those years, playing the hits that connected him to a wider audience, creating a large distance of time from the memory of his younger days, he still had that virtuosity within him at 78! Now I know that his later years were seen by some as a sellout, and those same people claim he was just showing off his muscle and screeching high notes. My response is that Maynard proved himself as a jazz great while most of us were in diapers, so why not cash in on a talent that, as Bud Herseth said, was the greatest on a brass instrument of our century. (although the new century hasnt played out, it could be two.) How much more testimonial does one need? As far as Im concerned, he could play whatever he wanted. And he did.
I know that, in his passing, many stories will be told about him (cant wait to hear them!), and Im happy that I can contribute a tiny speck of incite into his prolific life. Thinking of him, Its hard to narrow down what he was like with just one sentence or paragraph or book, but one thing is for sure- he had a gusto for life like no other person Ive known. One only needed to see how loving and playful he was with his wife, Flo to know how big his heart was. Maynard had it all. His generosity as a mentor and teacher, his cheerful attitude on the bandstand and on the road, his amazing talent and the desire to share it with the world. Maynard had it all!
We all will miss you, Boss. Hope Gabriel isnt giving you too much flack from the 2nd chair.
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Dante Luciani, trombone
About Maynard, I am sorry to hear of his passing, but happy for him as he had a wonderful life doing what he loved...playing music. Maynard had unbounding energy and enthusiasm at all times. No matter how long the travel day (or days) he kept a positive outlook and couldn't wait to get on the bandstand. He played great right up until his last gig I am sure.
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Joe Jackson, trombone
Maynard Ferguson was a gem of a human being.
I remembered when I had been on the band just a short while - we would do these hit-and-run gigs where we would play a venue at night, finish the job, load up the equipment and the bus and drive all night to the next location and check into the hotel first thing in the morning.
One night we did a particularly brutal hit-and-run after a tough gig, we were in the bus all night. We arrived at the hotel completely exhausted, and all I remember is that as we were walking into the doors of the hotel there's Maynard holding the door open for us saying to each of us, "Good night, gentlemen. Good night".
He was a consummate showman. One of the big things I learned from him is to always be aware of "where the show is". Sometimes the show is the ensemble. Sometimes it's a soloist or a vocalist. No matter where the show was, Maynard was always focused on it, reacting to it. When a soloist was playing he was always visibly and emotionally connecting with what was going on.
In the course of each concert, he would always program a couple of his more popular tunes (e.g. Chameleon, Birdland, Hey Jude, etc.). Over the years, Maynard had performed these war horses untold hundreds of times. And yet each night he would approach them with the same relish and energy and excitement that he did newer or hipper material. That indelibly impressed me, and to this day has a big impact on the way I approach programming and performing in the Airmen of Note.
And what a great player. He has always been lauded for his high notes, his acrobatics. But while his sound in the middle register may have wavered from time to time, the musicality and emotional content of his ballad playing was always there. I always looked forward to each night hearing him do his solo ballad spot, more so than any other part of the gigs.
And finally, he was a wonderfully quirky, upbeat and funny man. As I said, he would rarely break his focus on a member of the band soloing on the front of the stage. But one night during an extended solo, Maynard walked all the way around the side of the rhythm section stage right, behind the bass and drums, eventually arriving behind the brass riser apparently with something to say. The brass section, consisting of Pete Olstad, Craig Johnson and myself, all knelt down to hear what was on his mind. The boss walked up to us, and half laughing went into his usual talking style: "Yeah.. heh, uh... and the thing is... ha ha, um, and... uh, and he said, uh, year, hah hah, um, I have no idea..." and turned and walked all the way back around the band to the front of the stage. Priceless.
Rest in peace, boss.
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Keith Oshiro, trombone
I started playing the trombone in 1976, when I was 10 years old. Sometime during the following year, an older friend of mine gave me a vinyl record LP called "Conquistador". On the back cover, there was a happy, wild-haired, smiling guy holding the trumpet. His name was a bit strange. The name Ferguson was not odd to me, but his given name of Maynard was. All I did that particular Saturday was listen to that album over, and over, and over. I remember my mother telling me to take a break to come to the dinner table. I was hooked. I suppose I could be a lead trumpet player at heart. Why else when I played 'jazz band' with my stuffed animals, would I put my favorite Snoopy on lead trumpet, and not lead trombone? Hmmm....I would put records on, and my 'animal band' would have rehearsals, or give concerts.
I was very fortunate to grow up in the Bay Area of Northern California. It seemed like Maynard's band came through more than a few times a year. I was also blessed (still am) with the most supportive parents. Even at that early age, my folks understood my passion for music, and especially for Maynard. Anytime he and his band were playing within a 3 hour drive, my parents took me to see him. On some afternoons, it was homework in the car to the concert, and sleeping on the back seat on the way home. Of course I joined the MF Fan Club, and received the newsletters, discography, and tour schedule. Like most MF fans, it was the start of a quest to see just how many Maynard albums I could find. An interesting note: My best friend growing up was Airmen of Note trumpet player Rich Sigler. He has been in the Note for 17 years! We would spend the entire weekend at one of our homes, staying up all night listening to Maynard albums, and playing Atari. We went to high school together, and were roommates in college. Frank Greene was in the area, and we heard of him, but we never met until later. I saw the Boss and his band more than 40 times before I got on the band.
I attended the University of North Texas. As you know, there are many MF alumnus from NT. During my tenure there, I went to school and played with: Frank Greene, Craig Johnson, Chris Brown, Nathan Berg, Glenn Kostur, Steve Wiest(he was my arranging TA), Joe Jackson, and Jim White. I am sure I am forgetting somebody. I was working on my Master's Degree when I got the call. I joined the band and was reunited with Chris Brown, Nathan Berg, Craig Johnson, and Glenn Kostur. It was truly a phenomenal experience. Another interesting note: I never got to meet Maynard any of the 40+ times seeing him in concert. I just never tried. I never stayed around long enough after the show to see him. Had I known how easy it was, and how nice he was to stay after most shows to meet and greet his fans, I would have done so for sure.
It was early in 1990 when I joined the band. Chris Brown and I joined up at the same time. We spent a few days in Ojai, CA. rehearsing at the local Women's Club. I remember the first time meeting Boss. The band was set up in a big 'U' and we had our music on 6 foot banquet tables. We were playing "A Night in Tunisia" when Maynard walked in. We made eye contact, and I pretty much crapped my pants. All these years, and now we were in the same room! After hearing the tune, he came up to me, told me I sounded great, and we shook hands. He welcomed me into the band, and chuckled with his infectious laugh. He did the same with Chris Brown. Interesting note .. 3: It was weird to me to see Maynard driving a car. I was so used to seeing him being chauffeured around or riding on a bus. It was actually funny to me to see him driving up in a Chrysler New Yorker.
I went with him once to the dry cleaners to pick up some clothes. He told me a funny story about the lady who worked there. She knew he played the trumpet, but she had no idea how famous he was. He told me she always talked about Doc Severinsen, and how wonderful he was. She thought Doc was the best, and Maynard agreed of course. She asked Maynard if he knew Doc, and he humbly replied yes. Well, according to Boss, she asked him if he could get an autographed picture of Doc for her!! Of course he delivered!
The above is a perfect example of what an incredible human being Maynard was. We all know what he meant to us, musically. His contribution to Jazz, the trumpet, big bands, and education were tremendous. He is in my opinion, the greatest brass player of the 20th Century, and beyond. Even more than his music, it was his love for others, his caring, his compassion, his giving, his love of Life that was the most wonderful. It goes without saying that getting to be on his stage with him was the greatest honor. Never did a night go by where I didn't pinch myself during Blue Birdland, when he was announced to the stage. I truly got to live a lifelong dream.
One more story about Maynard the person. The band flew out for a really short tour, maybe only 4 days. We met in Phoenix, then we went on to Vegas. I don't think we even had the bus for this one. Anyway, because of the short tour, Maynard's valet didn't fly out. I volunteered to help out Ed with taking care of Boss. When we arrived at the Aladdin Hotel in Vegas, I remember helping Maynard up to his room with his bags. Interesting note .. 4: We stopped in the lobby to hear Carl Fontana! All the way up to his room, I noticed a cool leather luggage tag on one of his MANY suitcases. It was embossed with the MF Logo, and his silhouette. When we got to his room, I commented on how cool it was. We made small talk about it, and that was it. Check this out...Later that night, when I got on stage, that MF luggage tag was on my stand.
I could talk forever about Maynard. I can see already that this could get lengthy. I will spare you with my stories, for another time.
It seems totally surreal to have him gone from this Earth. I cannot imagine life without him, yet we are all forced to. It is truly a loss of a family member. I am blessed to have had the honor and privilege, and extreme pleasure of having a life that included Maynard Ferguson.
In my early years with him, my bunk was right across from his. Because of our close proximity, we had many memorable talks. Just the two of us. Sometimes a hand would come through my privacy curtain, and he would offer me some of what he was eating. I carry with me the look on his face when I crawled out of my bunk after a long hit and run. Never did a sad sigh come out of his mouth...even when he was tired, sick, or sick and tired. He would just lick his lips, and nod to me, while putting on his shoes.
To Maynard and Ed Sargent, my Big Daddy: Thank you so much for having me. My words cannot express how much I appreciate all that you have given me in life. I have been blessed beyond my wildest dreams.
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Reggie Watkins, trombone
With the passing of Boss I feel like a big part of myself has died too. He was a musical father to so many of us and shaped what we have become. I am forever thankful for the gifts that Maynard gave me in music and otherwise. I joined Big Bop Nouveau in 1999 and one of the things that impressed me was Boss's treatment of myself and the other guys in the band. He always treated us like peers which in turn gave us the confidence to develop as players, uninhibited, on the gig. Maynard gave me his blessing to play like myself and for that I am thankful.
I was so nervous at my first rehersal in Alamagordo, NM. I had to stand next to him at the front mic and play Misra Denuca and all I could think was " Oh God ..How will I pull this off?" Coming into the band after Tom Garling I thought I was doomed!! Anyway I decided to do my thing regardless of what happened. After we played for a while, exchanging musical phrases, Boss cuts off the Band. I thought I was screwed..then he says.."Hey Ed?" ..(looking around for Ed's whereabouts)..You did'nt tell me this guy was Indian!" And then he extended his hand to me as if to welcome me to the band. That was the beginning of my 7 years on the band. Maynard was my mentor and friend and I'm proud to be part of the Maynard Ferguson Extended family and His Legacy. "We're lucky to do what we do Reggie...we could be pulling sheet rock off the back of a truck right now"-MF
Thankyou Boss for what you've given me..I won't forget!!
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Dennis Diblasio, baritone sax and vocals
Ive known Maynard for practically half of my life. I had a great fun relationship with him, kind of a big brother/uncle kind of thing. My relationship with Maynard was neat because I always like to goof around and so does Maynard. I was very fortunate. I was out with Maynard over 25 years ago. I left, then I came back and we did the first High Volatege group. I left again, then came back again. I did hits here and there with Maynard. He did his Brass Attitude album and he had me come back for that. The Diane Schuur CD as a guest on that. He didnt carry bari in his band then and added me for that. I was very lucky to be on recordings with Maynard even when I wasnt on the band anymore. The last 3 Cds he did I was very fortunate to be on because I wasnt on the band anymore.
He was a great positive energy. He brought out the best you had. You always flipped into another gear when you were around him, especially on stage. I always felt positive around him.
He always had many stories about every musician. I heard many stories on the bus. That is when I got really close with Maynard. I would always move up to the front of the bus and ask him about musicians. He knew most of the musicians. I would ask him about Duke and if he knew him. Of course Maynard knew him and had many stories about Duke. I would also ask him about Sonny Rollins, Charlie Parker, Al Cohn, and Count Basie. He introduced me to Basie. Maynard was like a kid around Basie. One time we played with Basies band and Basie opened and we closed. We show up and we are stage left backstage while Basie is playing. Maynard then asked me if I wanted to meet Bill. He called Basie Bill. This is when Basie was in his golf cart towards the end of Basies life. The doctor told Basie you either have to get off the road and do therapy or you are going to have to be driving around in a golf cart. Of course Basie said screw that and took the golf cart. Maynard and I then walk up to Basie back stage and like I said before, Maynard was like a kid around Basie. He had so much respect for Basie. Maynard then walked up to Basie and said in kind of a shy voice, Hi Bill. Basie then looked up and looked at Maynard and saw that Maynard had a little bit of a belly. Basie then touched Maynards belly and said Whats this Fox?. I laughed and though where was my camera? Maynard also laughed. Maynard was about 12 years younger than all of these guys. That is why he is one of the last greats. Duke is gone, Basie is gone, Stan is gone, now Maynard.
Maynard also knew a lot of movie stars. He worked at Paramount Studios. He did Jerry Lewis movies, the 10 Commandments, Hitchocks North by Northwest. Thats Maynard on the soundtracks, so he knew a lot of movie stars. He would always walk around the movie lots/sets because he always worked 8 hour days, 5 days a week. When the orchestras werent recording, Maynard would go hang out with actors like William Holdon, Jery Lewis, Dean Martin, and others. Maynard also knew Marilyn Manroe. Maynard would say things like Marilyn looked cute, until she got made up, then she looked great!
Many other musicians also respected Maynard. Ive been in NY with Maynard and saw guys like Lew Soloff and Marvin Stamm come up to Maynard and feel like little kids around Maynard. Everyone loved him. Maynard never acted like the top honcho, these musicians put him there.
I last saw Maynard at the recent recording session. I didnt know how he was feeling, but he didnt seem bad. Last year when we played Ronnie Scotts in London he seemed tired. He was 40 lbs. heavier and his hand was bothering him. This time at the recent recording session he looked a lot better. The band sounded great on this recording. All really strong guys. Maynard played really good on it. Thinking about it now, it was a nice way to go out.
Maynard really spoils you for a boss because now I know what its like to work for a great boss.
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Chip McNeil, saxophone
Maynard was one of those people that always had a positive outlook on any situation and was such a positive force and inspiration for all (but especially) our younger jazz musicians. He loved to play his instrument and considered it a favorite toy that he loved to the end! That was his favorite thing to do always, play the trumpet!
He loved to tell stories of the road, other great jazz musicians he knew and played with as well as stories that were funny. We spent hours on countless buses, planes, trains, etc...talking about music, players from all eras and artists in general. Also, about the music business and how many characters there are in it!
He loved playing with the players in his band whoever they were at any given time. He encouraged writing for the band at all times, and taking chances as an improviser and not being afraid to try anything no matter how outrageous it might seem!
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Doc Severinsen, trumpet
He was one of the nicest human beings I ever met. Never gossiped or spoke critically of other people, was never into acidic humor, very cheerful and an extremely classy man. Yet, he wasn't a softie typehe knew who he wasknew how good he wasplayed the way he wanted to play, was never in your face about it.
He was a great inspiration to so many young musicians and beloved by his contemporaries and those who played in his bands. My own teacher, Benny Baker, taught in Montreal, and he told me about Maynard when he was still very young and playing in Canada only. He told me that Maynard could play anything he wanted...period. Could be a classical playersymphony playerjust a fabulous talent.
As two young bucks, we were band mates on the Charlie Barnet Band, along with Ray Wetzel, John Howell and Rolf Ericson in the trumpet section. We played in London, Ontario while on tour and Maynard and I were at this big beautiful ballroom very early. Maynard wanted to be ready for his Canadian audience, and I, because I wanted to practice, and couldn't afford a dinner that night. I heard him do a Maynard warm-up for close to two hours. It was astonishing and I can still hear it whenever I need to or want to.
It will always be for me one of the most incredible displays of trumpet playing I have ever heard. Just the two of us -- I was so privileged to know him, to hear him, to be with him.
He will always be with us trumpet players. Always
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Bobby Shew, trumpet
When I got the call just a couple of hours after MAYNARD'S passing, it took my breath away. I felt like something inside of me had been pulled out and I was useless for the remainder of that night . Even tho playing high notes is not the most important thing to me, I can't help but feel the deep regard I have for what "the LIP" managed to do with his life and how vital his help was to me in steering me towards the info on how to use the Yoga breath. I would've never learned the proper technique without his giving me the book on it and then showing me a "trick or two". It's just difficult to accept that he is gone. It was far too sudden and surprising. I am blessed by having known him and having been on the bandstand with him. So long pal!
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Dennis Noday, trumpet
Someone called Maynard Ferguson a wizard.
He ignited a frenzy of excitement in music. Trumpet players adored his ability to reach into the stratosphere.
His hard hitting, take no prisoners approach was inspirational. He made it look easy, but it wasn't!
Soaring like a great eagle, he screamed his notes of happiness.. The sound of his trumpet reminded me of a furious lion.
Thor would have been proud to have him play the troops to the ready.
He is everywhere, now...riding on a great white stallion, horn on hand, calling out to all his Love and Joy.
Maynard, we will miss you and never forget you!
My time with Maynard had to be one of the most exciting times of my life. From the first moment that I joined the band, Maynard told me I was here to have fun! When I left the Kenton band, I took my stuff off one bus and put it on Maynard's bus, and off I went!
One of the most exciting moments of my time with Maynard happened in Philadelphia at the Robin Hood Dell Ampitheater. We were spliting the bill with George Benson and when our band came on stage, the weather was beautiful. As we reached the last song, things turned stormy. Maynard told the musicians to leave the stage because of the thunder and lightening. He stayed on stage in the now pouring rain in order to finish the cadenza .On the next to last note, he pointed to the sky in defiance of the storm and the crowd went wild! As he played the final glissando, sliding up,up,up into the ionosphere, a tremendous clap of thunder, followed by a bolt of lightening concluded the concert!
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Wayne Bergeron, trumpet
When I think of Maynard Ferguson, mentor, hero. Idol and role model are words that come to mind. Maynard was all those things to me.
On Aug 23 2006 I received a call from Ed Sargent my good FRIEND Maynard Ferguson had passed away. It seemed surreal to me since I just saw him at the recording session one month ago. He was in great spirits funny, laughing and basically in great form.
To say I will miss him is an understatement.
As a young player, I dreamed of playing in Maynards band one day and that day came in January 1986 when I was 27 years old. My buddy Alex Iles had recommended me for the band, THANK YOU ALEX!!!
The awe of meeting Maynard in person was something I remember as if it was yesterday. Ironically as the years passed, the awe never went away. At my first rehearsal, (as enamored as I was with him as an icon) the thing I remember most is how welcome he made me feel. He was the coolestJokes and telling stories from the moment we met.
What an honor to have been a part of the band that played his last notes with him (you guys are awesome). My wife Deb & I will cherish the time we spent with Maynard in March at my own recording session; the fact that he took the time to play on my CD while on a short break from his grueling tour schedule shows what a gracious person Maynard was. He didnt even want to be paid for the date. What a gentleman! (My wife slipped the $ in his coat pocket at dinner that evening.)
We will all cherish our memories of the boss even though I know Maynard would not want us grieving over him. Easier said than doneIts been tough to hold back the tears the last few days as I truly feel like Ive lost a family member.
Maynard, thank you for allowing me the honor of spending a small part of my life with you. I better start cleaning up my act so I can see you in heaven.
There is a big pair of shoes in the music world that will NEVER be filled.
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Roger Ingram, trumpet
Maynard Ferguson. What an amazing individual. Truely one of a kind. Besides the high-note thing, he was really an exceptional trumpet player all around. Also, besides being a great player and a huge inspiration to all of us, he was also a very warm and funny person. Smart as a whip too!
He is dearly missed.
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Carl Fischer, trumpet
Well what can i say or add that has not been said already! It is truly surreal that this man has left us. He will to me always be my idol and close friend (father figure to me) that has taught me just to be myself.
I was very furtunate to get to talk to him and let him know that how much he meant to me just an hour or so just before he passed. This now is a end of an era, this great man has blessed us not only with his talents but also his true positive attitude towards life! We all know the player and entertainer he was , however take that and times it by 10 and thats the kind of person this man was!
I am like everyone else, totally wrecked that he is not here on this planet with us. The only thing that keeps me somewhat together ( some moments are better than others) is that this man passed on with his family there, not on the road or in a hotel room, He went quick painfree and peacefully!!! Thats the way i want to check out, Ya Boss.
You will be missed never duplicated on gods instrument, and never topped in my opinion as a person. Have fun up there with the cats.To all the Maynard fans Thank you. My thoughts and prayers go out to The Ferguson family, and also to my (big daddy) Ed Sargent.
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Adolfo Acosta, trumpet
Maynard Ferguson was a person who inspired a very large number of music students and professional musicians of all ages and made them excited about playing the trumpet and music. I was one of those kids like many others who's life changed instantly after hearing a recording of Maynard for the first time. He soon became a personal hero. Little did I know that I would get the opportunity to play with Maynard and his band. What can I say about The Fox? He was one of the nicest, positive, encouraging, and fair people that I have ever known. It was a great thrill to hear his sound night after night and to laugh at his jokes onstage and to hear his stories on the bus. He will be sadly missed but his music and the memory of his great personality will live on. We all miss you, Boss!
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Chip Stephens, piano
Maynard was the nicest famous person I ever met an absolute sweet heart. I learned a tremendous amount from him, both musically and about life. He could hold your attention for hours talking about his glorious past and make you laugh so hard that you would wet your pants. I grew as many did, to love him.
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Christian Jacob, piano
Maynard has always treated me as an equal, and I am sure that anybody that has been in the band has always felt this way. In the first month I was in the band, the fact that I was his son in law if anything, has been more of weirdness for me on the band stand than anything else. I think that the more time passed, the more Maynard was relieved to see that I was not a bad musician; it could have been really weird He ended up loving the situation, and made sure that when it was time to introduce me, he would extend it and slip a joke about how he had to let his youngest daughter go to a Frenchman in order to have him in the band. Another time where MF seemed relieved was when we were touring and on the band bus, we were taking the drivers microphone and telling jokes. After telling my joke which by the way, was the dirtiest joke you can imagine, I remember seeing his face filled with shock then after a few seconds uncontrollable laughter. Since this day, he knew that his son in law was one of the guys
Since the death of Flo, his beloved wife, Wilder my wife (his youngest daughter) and I lived with Maynard until the end of his life. We were taking care of the house when he was on tour, and taking care of him when he was home. Maynard has always loved sport, but soccer wasnt really part of his sport interests, but he knew that soccer was the only sport that interested me, especially at world cup season. He made a point to watch every match of the 2006 Mundial with me and Wilder (who is a soccer fan as well). By the time of the (infamous) final, the whole family was watching and rooting for France of course (my country of origin). Lastly, Id like to recount the last touching moment Ill ever remember. My 22 year old cat Dezi who Maynard was very fond of (he used to bounce her up and down on his belly) passed away. It was a pretty emotional day for all of us, and Maynard insisted on playing Taps for the little garden ceremony we had planned. Suddenly he turned to me and apologized for not having asked me first if that was the way I would like it to be. I was of course lost for words and reassured him that I loved the idea. Anyway, Maynard was helped down to the bumpy part of the garden, and with his cane (because of his swollen feet by gout) he slowly sat on a stool and played slowly and beautifully. He played with such a gorgeous round and full sound that I started crying. I remember hearing how carefully and beautifully he diminished his last note into silence. He then cried and was a little embarrassed about it. Taps was the last piece he ever played on the trumpet. He passed away 4 days later with all the family around him at his bed.
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Stockton Helbing, drums
Not many people get the opportunity to live their dreams. I am one of those blessed people who do. I first heard Maynard play when my 7 th grade band director played La Fiesta for the class. I remember thinking that I'd never heard anything sound that great before. I loved it! I became a huge Maynard Ferguson fan. I would scour bins in CD's stores looking for a Maynard Ferguson CD that I didn't have. I printed out Maynard's discography, taped it on the back of my bedroom door, and would put check marks beside the albums I had. I would stay up all night listening to his CD's, dreaming that someday I might get the opportunity to play with him.
That day came, in the fall of 2003. I had just graduated from the University of North Texas and I had some friends who had been playing with Maynard. I would constantly bug them every time I saw them to recommend me for the band. When I got hired to tour with my hero, I couldn't believe it. I still remember when I stepped on the tour bus for the first time and Ed Sargent said to me, meet Maynard Ferguson. Maynard shook my hand while wearing that joyous smile he always did, and said Great to meet you man!
That was the beginning of three years of touring around the world with my hero. I had the distinct privilege of taking the stage with Maynard night after night, and hearing his amazing playing and witnessing his even more amazing attitude and presence. I was still honored, three years later, to hear him introduce me to an audience. It never failed to be surreal. I was even more honored when I became Maynard's musical director. To have his confidence in me to make musical decisions meant the world to me. But that was not the best part. The best part was being Maynard's friend. It was sitting with him on the bus and chatting with him, or hearing him tell stories in his hotel room, or just sitting and laughing with him as he watched Blazing Saddles.
I am especially thankful for the last few months that I had with Maynard. It was a joy to play concerts with him while he was surrounded by an all-star band of some of his favorite sidemen. And it was obvious that Maynard was excited about it. His playing was phenomenal! We played six nights in a row, two sets each night, at the Blue Note in New York City , and every night he was playing the trumpet in a way that only Maynard Ferguson could, and ever will. Even on the last set on the last night his playing was unbelievable. The trumpet was a brush in his hand as he painted yet another masterpiece.
Following that week at the Blue Note, we went into a studio in New Jersey and recorded what will be Maynard's final album. It was another dream come true for me. I was playing with my hero, with his all-star group, and to top it all off, I was producing! I won't lie, I was scared. As I told Ed Sargent, I had to purposely not think about actually producing Maynard's CD, or I would have freaked out. It was such an enormous honor. Only Maynard would be gracious enough to have a 25 year old kid calling the shots! It was more than my wildest dreams come true.
There were times when I would be sitting in the booth, with engineer Phil Bulla, while we worked on Maynard's parts, and I would hear Maynard play things that no one, I mean no one, should be able to play on the trumpet. And it was hilarious at times, because after Maynard would play an amazing, spectacular take, he would say Was that all right? Alright?! Are you kidding?!?! I wouldn't even know what to say, other than laugh out of pure amazement; amazement at not only Maynard's breath-taking performance, but at his total selflessness and graciousness.
I will miss Maynard very, very much. I am so thankful for the joy he brought to me and so many people around the world with his music. I am a professional musician only because of the fire his music lit inside of me as a kid. I am even more thankful for Maynard letting me be a part of his life, and allowing me to be his trusted friend. I am so thankful that Maynard was able to be home with his children and grandchildren at the end. Maynard probably couldn't have written a better ending if he tried: He went out playing amazingly, he recorded an excellent studio album, and he was at home with the ones he loved and cherished the most. I can't count how many times I introduced him onstage as Legendary jazz trumpet player, and that's what he will always be, but not just a legendary musician, but a legendary person.
I will miss him dearly.
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Paul Stivitts, drums
I dont think I ever remember a show being cancelled while I was with the band for any reaon. Even if Mayn felt sick, or his hip was hurting, he came night after night and brought the heat. At the time, I was the only one on the bus who could work the esspesso machine, so It was my job to give Mayn a double shot just before the show each night. Thats when I got the funniest (and not so P.C.) stories. He was the easiest person to work with, a great boss always complimenting the band. Its not often that you have a band-leader who wants everyone to shine as much as he did. Everyone in the band got a chance to blow, I mean everyone...20 minute drum solos are my specialty now.
This band was one of the greatest experiences I have had, and I am privellaged to be in a long heritige of the greatest musicians of our time. Maynard Ferguson will always be hailed as a legend of Jazz, and there will never be another like him.