Ralph Jungheim, Maynard! (Buster Ann). Jungheim’s book is a collection of 30 transcribed reminiscences about the trumpeter and bandleader. Most of them are by musicians, but Ferguson’s valet, bus driver and instrument maker also contribute. Some of the anecdotes are amusing, some interesting, some appalling. The exclamation point after his name in the title applies to Ferguson’s spectacular playing and his ego. Even associates who had problems with his music and his insecurities had affection for him. The mystery of Ferguson’s supernatural chops is probably not explainable, but the book gives insights into his musicality and the contradictions in his character.
Book: Maynard Ferguson
November 9, 2010 by
The nonagenarian pianist presented de Barros with every biographer’s hope, unrestricted access to his subject’s personal papers and nearly unrestricted access to her private thoughts. He made the most of it, turning exhaustive research and hundreds of hours of interviews into a true story with the sweep of a novel. From the early discovery of McPartland’s musical gift through her wartime service, her ecstatic and stormy marriage to Jimmy McPartland, her growth as a pianist, her deep affair with Joe Morello, and the radio show that made her a national figure, she has had a fascinating life. It makes a splendid read.
Mulligan’s Concert Jazz Band had three fewer musicians than most big jazz outfits. Its size permitted precision, flexibility and subtlety, yet the band had the power of sprung steel. In this concert from a half century ago, the CJB is as fresh as yesterday. Arrangements by Mulligan, Bob Brookmeyer, Al Cohn and Johnny Mandel set standards to which big band writers still aspire. Bassist Buddy Clark and drummer Mel Lewis inspired Mulligan, Brookmeyer, Conte Candoli, Gene Quill and Zoot Sims to some of the best soloing of their careers. This beautifully produced issue of the complete concert is a basic repertoire item.
I have read the book, and saw Maynard many times in person , and have spoken with him many times. Not ONCE in all those years did I observe even a HINT of an outsized ego. That was NOT Maynard.He was a gracious, warm man, who always spotlighted the many fine soloists in his bands. A great man.
You have my interest: please give us a hint of what anecdotes are appalling? (Their content, or how they are written/told?). What kind of incidents?
They have to do with sideman relations, youthful excess involving substances and rampant commercialism in his music. The book is not a researched biography but a collection of transcribed memories and opinions of people who worked with Ferguson.—DR