Search - Maynard Ferguson :: M.F. Horn

A Great Album, A Great Musician, A Great Person

Craig Riekena | Waunakee, WI USA | 08/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Maynard Ferguson passed away just a few days ago. A sad day for jazz, he was probably one of the last of the old jazz greats. I'm so glad that I was able to take the family to see him live - front row center, it was a great experience. When I was in high school in the 70s he and his band played at our auditorium, our high school jazz band opened for him. Prior to the show he and his band sat in with us for our rehearsal and it was one of those experiences I'll never forgot. He was not only a great musician, he was a very fine person.



I've been looking for this album on CD for years. On hearing the news I pulled out some of my old albums for a listen. MF Horn has always been a real favorite. I've about worn it out. Today I thought I'd check again and it's available! I will be buying it. So should you.



It has a mood to it that always leaves me feeling real good. The musicianship is great across the board. The various pieces all work together. There's no need to explain the particulars of each song. This is simply a great, great recording. Get this, get it now.



I just hope CDs don't wear out because I'll be playing this one a lot."

It's about time...SUPERB!

W. Beck | Chicago, IL United States | 08/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's about time this album appeared on CD; thanks to Wounded Bird for making it happen. A great CD with Maynard's all British Band paving the way for his big comeback in the USA. Great arrangements including a beautiful ballad penned by the always underrated Kenny Wheeler. The whole album shines.



MacArther Park and L-Dopa were Maynard classics that he played for years and the band really opens up both for unique interludes and solos.



Special mention should go to the big band SOUND of this album. Maynard is beginning to Rock Out! Much bigger and more impressive than Maynard's small bands from the early 60s. Even in vinyl form this was an excellently engineered album. One of the best recorded big bands ever!



BILL"

Great Music, Great MF, Lousy Recording technique

Florida MF Fan | 08/31/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Unlike some of the MF releases in the 70's, this one has all great cuts including the original classic MF treatment of MacArthur Park.



Eli's Comin' is a fire-filled chart as well.



The only thing that degrades this one is the terrible recording techniques used at the time in the studio making MF and the band soundlike they were 50 yards away from the mics at times.



Despite that, a definite recommendation."