Maynard Ferguson holds a special place in our hearts. Trumpet, Fluegelhorn, and dynamic Bandleader throughout the back half of the 20th century (born 5/24/28), he was a predominant force in big band jazz. Known for his pyrotechnical upper range skills (those immortal trumpet triple high Cs), he was only slightly lesser known for his ability to take young musicians and mold them into world-class professionals through his amazing touring bands.

Many aspiring jazz students throughout the world had the privilege of attending his workshops and hands-on clinics. Ferguson passed away August 23, 2006 leaving a tremendous legacy of music and inspiration to jazz connoisseurs and contemporary jazz pedagogy. Some may recall his brush with pop music in the 70s, having hit singles with the movie "Rocky" theme, Bill Conti's "Gonna Fly Now," and a year later in 1978, the theme from the original "Battlestar Galactica" television series.

Though he never played the mandolin, we pay tribute to the energy he infused the great American artform of jazz, and the immense credibility he helped perpetuate within the genre.

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Posted by Ted at August 26, 2006 10:02 AM