Pittsburgh-Jazz.com Big band Jazz Artist InterviewMaynard Ferguson - Legendary jazz trumpet player, composer, and bandleaderPittsburgh Jazz -- Pittsburgh-Jazz.comMaynard Ferguson interview By Mark O’Keefe
Herald-Standard Reprinted with permission... Don’t try telling legendary jazz trumpet player Maynard Ferguson that at the age of 75 he should start slowing down. "I feel good, and we’re still touring as hard as ever," said Ferguson, who will bring his Big Bop Nouveau Band to Dowe’s on 9th, the popular Pittsburgh jazz club on Thursday. "We’re still touring about eight to nine months out of the year," he added. "I guess it’s in my blood after all these years. I wouldn’t know what to do if I wasn’t touring." Of course, touring has changed much over the years, according to Ferguson. "Touring is much easier now than it used to be," said Ferguson. Our facilities are much better. We used to travel in old buses, but now we have these buses complete with kitchens and bunk beds. Of course it doesn’t matter to me. I can put my head down anywhere and sleep. When you’re a musician on the road that’s a great gift." And no jazz musician or any musician for that matter has traveled as much as Ferguson. From big jazz festivals to small, intimate jazz nightclubs, Ferguson has done it all, playing over 200 dates yearly. "I have a good tour manager on the road, and they watch out for me," said Ferguson, noting his schedule like his music is often improvised. "We start out with a set schedule but things always come up and we’ll move things around if necessary," said Ferguson. "Like a husband, I’m always the last to know, but my people take good care of me." Ferguson’s schedule frequently takes him overseas and he’s looking forward to a trip to Thailand after the first of the year. "Thailand is a great place to play," said Ferguson. "The king there is a jazz guy. He plays the saxophone and he’ll sit in and play with us. They invite the band to come to the palace and they treat us great. It’s a lot of fun and one of best places on our tour." Ferguson said playing different places such as Thailand keeps him fresh and noted that overall his grueling schedule has been more of a help than a hindrance to his health. "You have to be able to breathe correctly to play jazz, and I learned that over the years," said Ferguson. "I think that’s one of the main reasons why I’m in such good shape is because I play so much. I don’t know if I’m going to go out and cut some wood anytime soon, but I feel great overall, and I think it’s because I play almost every night." Ferguson has been playing the trumpet almost his whole life. As might be expected, Ferguson’s innate musical talents were exhibited at an early age. Born in Montreal, Quebec, he was encouraged by his mother, a violinist and school principal, and by age 4, he was playing piano and violin. By 9, he had enrolled in the French Conservatory of Music where he received his formal training. He first soloed as a child prodigy with the Canadian Broadcasting Co. orchestra in 1939 when he was 11. Ferguson had his own jazz and dance band at 16. All the players were twice his age except his brother, Percy. By 1948, Maynard had made his debut in the U.S. in Boyd Raeburn's band. In the 50s, he played with Charlie Barnett and Jimmy Dorsey dazzling the jazz world with his high trumpet blasts in the Stan Kenton band. After Kenton, for the next three years, he was first-call studio trumpeter and recorded film soundtracks for Paramount including "The Ten Commandments." In the 1970s, Ferguson moved into the pop, scoring a major hit with the recording of "Gonna Fly Now," which became the theme song for one of the most popular movies of all time "Rocky." The song soared into the top 10, earning a gold album and a Grammy nomination for Ferguson. After experimenting with fusion jazz in the 1980s, Ferguson moved back into his familiar big band jazz sound in the 1990s and has been playing that style ever since, becoming the premier big band leader in the world of jazz. He also continues to record, making a much acclaimed CD with singer Diane Schuur in 2002. "That was a lot of fun," said Ferguson. "I still take time off to record every year. On my next album, I’m going to try and mix in some classical music from India. They’re great improvisers like jazz players, and I’m interested in seeing how it’s going to work out." From the earliest days, Ferguson's bands have bred solo artists and his alumni list reads like a "Who's Who" in jazz: Chick Corea, Bob James, Bill Chase, Chuck Mangione, Slide Hampton, Don Ellis, Willie Maiden, Wayne Shorter, Joe Zawinul, Peter Erskine and Greg Bissonette, along with many others. "I’ve been fortunate over the years to have a lot of tremendous musicians come through my band," said Ferguson. "I’ve had a good relationship with music educators over the years and a lot of times they send me these talented youngsters who I try to work with. I’m always looking for good, young players." Ferguson said he currently has an exceptionally talented 18-year-old piano player, William Brownes, in his band. "He’s a really nice kid," said Ferguson. "Actually, he joined the band before he was 18. But he was fully qualified musicially and that’s the most important thing. We watch out for him, but he’s a nice person, and he fits in well." Ferguson said that over the years, a number of his musicians have come from Pittsburgh. "Of course everyone knows about how many great jazz musicians have come out of Pittsburgh. It’s one of the real music centers in the world of jazz" said Ferguson. "Pittsburgh’s been a great place to play for me over the years, but it’s also been a lucky place for me as far as getting musicians. I’ve have had some great players from Pittsburgh in my band over the years. "We have Reggie Watkins playing with us now. He’s a terrific trombone player and arranger. As we say on the road, we’ll introduce him to his family when we get into Pittsburgh," said Ferguson. "And there’s Randy Purcell, who’s also from Pittsburgh. He’s another great trombone player. He’s also a great writer. It’s been a real pleasure to play with both of them." Ferguson will be performing two shows at 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tickets are $25 and $45 for both the show and dinner. For more information call 412-281-9225. Don't forget to sign the Pittsburgh-Jazz.com Guest List and receive the newsletter to stay tuned to the announcements about what’s going on when and where! Leave any comments and/or suggestions you might have in the Guest Book and spread the word by Telling a Friend! See you at the show!! Also view:
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