Maynard Ferguson Behind the Scenes

[@normanrogers6092]

Man, I miss him. Followed Maynard for 30+ years. Saw him in concert every time I could, dragged as many friends as I could with me. They all ended the night in disbelief and awe. A few even bought tee shirts and tapes or CDs. Once took a bus for 3 hours the night before a final exam to see him; got back an hour after sunrise. Don't remember the exam; will never forget the concert.

[@chrismyers2047]

The band director didn't just play with Maynard, he held his own!

[@alphabeets]

Indeed! That was quite impressive!

[@dhightone6755]

Jeff Ayres, the band director, sounds phenomenal. I wish he had recorded more cover songs for us to enjoy now, years later.

[@jaybone58]

The number of musicians he influenced is unfathomable. My father heard him play lead in Kenton's band. My father took me to hear Maynard in the 70's when he came to my town's high school, and beyond. I took my kids to see him in 2004. That's 3 generations of brass players! God bless Maynard.

[@GregoryBoydmusic]

His music was a major comfort and a massive inspiration.

[@fredschroyer584]

What a wonderful tribute to Maynard. Exciting to see the HS band director killing it with Maynard on stage. Great stuff! Miss you, Mr. Ferguson.

[@kennethellison9713]

I've had the honor of hosting Maynard and Big Bop Nouveau many times. Sharing the stage with him is a thrill beyond description, but this band director really got the chance of a lifetime. Nice job Jeff. RIP Maynard.

[@RBS314]

In 1972, I was in high school and my band director sent myself and a couple other kids to a close by college where Maynard put on a seminar, and later that evening he and his band played a concert. It was spectacular! I can only imagine your experience being over the top! Congratulations!

[@velvetknight780]

Met him twice, have the signature, and miss him.

[@HESSIONSSESSIONS]

Great job, Bob! Sure makes me homesick for Maynard & the band.

[@bgouldmsu]

sure does Patrick! I MISS those days, I can't imagine what it was like for those in the band.

[@voiceofreason3278]

I saw Patrick perform with Maynard several times. He never disappointed!

[@thedoc8876]

The king has been sighted.

[@donstor1]

Listened to his albums in 76 in high school, bought a Benge 5X after trying about 20 Benges and learned to kick it upstairs. Went to hear him in 77 in Hollywood. Maynard gave us that extra sizzle in our jazz band where we were at school an hour early and a couple of hours after to try and make the sound better. We lived and breathed our horns and our music, oh what fun. Thank’s Maynard.

[@johnphillips9921]

Donstor- Same experience for me! How I loved it. John.

[@drbarryraphael8415]

My college band of 40 years ago. absolutely revered Maynard. We'd sing his charts on the way to the student union. And even in these later years, he could still blow! We'll never forget him.

[@kathyleicester7306]

Same here. The dude was and is a god to us. (Figuratively speaking, of course, but none the less sincere.)

[@jimfrompa5563]

I had a friend who was a huge Maynard Ferguson fan who talked me into going to a concert in Erie Pa in the late 70s. Obviously blown away, I was happy to go to a free Maynard concert at the "We Love Erie Days" a year or so later. Outside venue that was packed until the rain came heavy just before the performance. Wet to the wallet, we figured we would stay and get better seats. Up front, just my friend Joe, myself and some other guy, everybody else had left as it was still raining. After a while, Maynard came out and said if we were going to sit in the rain for him, they would play for us. And they did, 4 of 5 songs with no electronics, just for the 3 of us. Amazing. I always wanted to meet him again and bring this up, I'm sure he would have remembered it.

[@petermorley3910]

Wow! Superb! Once again KZbin at its best!!! Captures the latter day Maynard behind the scenes operations/interactions terrifically. MF geeks such as I adore each and every decently-done KZbin post featuring him and his inspiring musicians they can find - but this one is very, very special. Thanks so much for making this available. I remember in the dawn of the internet age people were hawking private Maynard video tapes/DVDs for some rather big bucks. Now it is all at our fingertips. So glad I've lived to see such days. Especially since we can no longer experience him in person again - which for so many of us who were multiple time witnesses, was an experience that lifted you right out of yourself, yet made you feel as if you were somehow a part of it. That was the magic of Maynard. A gift of Pure Joy!

[@BlueLou]

I adored Maynard from the first time I heard him! He and the band played my high school in the early 70's, not long after Lynn Nicholson left the band. It was a great night!! Thanks for sharing this video!

[@keithandrews7696]

Never get enough of Maynard and his band of tremendous young musicians. Been collecting his music since 1975. We have all been blessed.

[@darkcanyonprospecting1148]

Amazing.......first live concert I ever attended was as a young boy. It was Maynard Ferguson in Cheyenne Wyoming back in the early 1980’s. I got to sit front row center and it blew my head off my shoulders. I’m 50 years old now and play tenor saxophone. I aspired to play like the saxophonists in his big band. I now can say I can do that kind of thing. My music has taken me places I never thought I’d go. I only wish I could thank him in person for being my true introduction to what music is and could be if I wanted it to be.......🎷🤠🔥

[@cz3369]

Pure Trumpet 🎺 Magic to listen to MF & Band live-I was Blessed to catch him in Dayton, OH back in early 80s! Thx for wonderful post!!

[@edsherrod5216]

I had the privilege of seeing him perform twice. A little shocked to see the low brass section in his band here diminished to one trombone and two saxophones, but people didn't really come to see the low brass section - they wanted to hear the trumpets play the stuff above the staff and Maynard always delivered in that respect. Well done!

[@vaxtrpts1]

Wonderfully done, Bob. What a great way to remember Maynard. Thank you.

[@bgouldmsu]

Thanks for the kind words Mike! Keeping the legacy alive.

[@eric_in_florida]

Great video. MF was one of a kind. Surely he influenced many many thousands of trumpet players.

[@edwardblake1610]

Got to see Maynard and his band in Georgia in the late 70s absolutely amazing rest in peace Maynard job well done❤

[@larrydavis9264]

I followed Maynard for over 30 years, saw him twice in concert and met him once - I volunteer at the local high school where I started a brass ensemble program about 25 years ago, and I make sure my kids listen to his recordings. Most of them have never heard of him, and are astounded by his talent. I know he is gigging up in heaven with Gabriel, giving him pointers and exchanging jazz licks with him!

[@kathyleicester7306]

This was so awesome it almost made me cry. I miss Maynard so much. Who else today grabs a bunch of college guys and says "Hey, let's play some stuff and travel"? Who does that? MayNARD does that.

[@bkf8166]

What a gift this video is. Thanks Bob for your work on this. I especially enjoyed MF's stories, and watching Mr. Ayers live out all of our dreams.

[@tpte]

I just loved this. Incredible footage and a great tribute to a guy who inspired so many great musicians for so many decades.

[@da11king]

Band director is locked in playing those super high notes with ease 😎👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🎺🎶

[@klacklery]

Mr Ayres is EXCEPTIONAL, and an incredible educator. I was blessed to have him as a teacher through middle school and in highschool in Jazz band

[@exeteracres]

Just found this! Remember going to see Maynard in Grand Blanc! Back stage during warm ups.. and on the bus after for autographs!

[@EdWeibe]

nice. Having seen him a lot of times myself, its great to hear off the cuff discussions with him.

[@BungSmuggler]

In 2002 I was a senior in high school and playing bass in my jazz band. I remember this tour! Sadly I didn't get to go to a show because I was on tour with the Cavaliers Drum Corps. I remember the first time I heard Maynard's albums from the 70's and was blown away. Awesome to see this little documentary! Brings back some great memories from that time 🙂

[@bysuke-]

I mean being a part of the green machine in their peak is pretty cool as well.

[@BungSmuggler]

@@bysuke- Absolutely 😎

[@bradsjazz]

I could watch this a hundred times.

[@Pat_S]

This was so enjoyable to watch. I'm a saxophonist but probably listened to more Maynard than anyone else in the late 70's and 80's. Finally around 1986 or so he came to the Tralf and my Dad took me. I was so excited! I remember getting to our table and being disappointed looking at the stage and not seeing a big band setup. Well, little did I know I was about to be blown away by High Voltage. Maynard and Dennis DiBlasio blew the roof off the joint. After that, I saw him every time he was in the area up until shortly before he died. This one time, we went to see him at a small concert area at a theme park. After the show, we had left and were riding down a main road and I asked my dad to pull into a station so I could grab a drink. I go to check out and in front of me is hit s big grey-haired guy. It was Maynard! I said "Hey, man great show! I have all your albums and have been a fan a long time!" He turned around with that big smile and said "Thanks man!, nice to meet you!" and suck my hand. What an amazing moment for an 18 year old kid.

[@jimcoleman2369]

Wonderful ! Simply wonderful ! Thank You !

[@voiceofreason3278]

I was fortunate to see Maynard perform live many times over the years, starting in 1977. It was always a thrill to see him, and he always packed an awesome bunch of musicians with him. I remember how I would rush to the record store to buy his latest album. I couldn't wait to here the latest round of jazz licks and high notes! He was a true inspiration, and I wouldn't be the musician I am without his inspiration.

[@jonunderscore]

What a great guy. Wish I could've seen him in person.

[@voiceofreason3278]

I got to see Maynard many times from the mid 70's until his passing. Was always a thrill to hear him and the band! There was an energy in the air that you just can't describe, and you couldn't wait for him to come back to town again!

[@JLFULMER21022]

Smokin' on the trumpet and yet never lost the typical musician's social awkwardness we all seem to have. Love it!!

[@billchase2]

Outstanding. Thank you for sharing!! Takes me back to seeing him on tour in 2002. Still have the shirt!

[@richtraube2241]

RIP. A favorite of audiences and musicians. You can tell guys enjoyed working with him. Along with Satchmo and Diz the most entertaining trumpter.

[@alansimmons4071]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful time y'all had with him! He will be missed!

[@Chaomhainn]

Last of an era that provides us with a true legacy of jazz ! Cheers 01/16/2022

[@genealley9794]

As a trumpet player myself I worshipped Maynard. I saw him & his band the 1st time in 1971. His 17 piece orchestra played in a H.S. Gym. My band director (also a pro trpt player) took me & his son to the concert. We had front row seats and couldn't have been more than 8-10 feet from Maynard. The power that came out of his horn was something I had never heard before. Trombone was my 2nd instrument, and I was amazed at how easy Maynard made it look to switch between the two instruments within a few seconds. I believe it was sometime in the mid 1970's that he scaled back the size of his orchestra which was a pity. Nothing like a full big band! RIP Maynard.

[@glennfurst2145]

Have enjoyed Maynard Ferguson in concert since the 70's when he came through Milwaukee, WI and played at the Summerfest Miller Jazz Oasis. Have passed the pleasure of his live music with our daughter who was inspired by him and is now a band instructor in North Carolina and still really enjoys Jazz in Charlotte.

[@garywood3616]

Great playing by Jeff Ayers. I was a student of his back in the 80s when he was at CMU.

[@thedoc8876]

Seen him at Woodhaven High School back in 2004, 2005. Inspirational and uplifting. Patrick Hession and Kenny Robinson were good friends with our band director, Andy James at Annapolis High in Dearborn Heights Michigan.

[@JazzMaven]

Maynard was a god to me. Still can't believe he's gone.

[@kellymiller6737]

Huge influence of mine. Wow this band teacher! Respect! Thank you Bob!

[@depictive56]

Just watched this again Bob! Thanks for the doc! Maynard forever!!

[@lindseysturkie2205]

Had the privilege of attending one of Maynards jass clinics many years ago. So admired I was scared. He was very exacting and honest and expected nothing less than your best effort. But never put you down.

[@southtxxbox]

I missed him after a high school jazz festival in Kingsville, Texas back in '83. Finally got my chance to watch him about 20 years later at the same jazz festival about a year before he passed. To finally hear him live and recognize the sound, the register, the style just about made me cry. It was awesome. We have to catch these guys when we can before they are gone!

[@JoelFountain]

Thank you Bob 🙏

[@bgouldmsu]

you're welcome Joel!

[@ddillon1022]

Electrifying....that's the only way to put it. RIP my friend

[@louispontecorvo6209]

Awesome video!!! Maynard was the Best!!!💜

[@bobviavattine1715]

Super cool.... Excellent!

[@jaredTech]

incredible video, thank you for this

[@smcappello]

This is fantastic. Well done. I remember those behind the scenes moments with Maynard in a high school band room in south Jersey.. right around the same time. Such a treasure.

[@YardBird1]

Every time he was at Sunnybrook Ballroom in Pottstown, PA, I was there. Favorite album is "Message from Newport".

[@MGAune]

Nice work, Bob! It must have been great putting it together.

[@craighribek2698]

Awesome! Thank you, Bob.

[@frankgerace5997]

I saw Maynard and his band (not Big Bop Nouveau yet) in the mid-70’s when I was in high school..quite the experience for a high school trumpet player.

[@howardberger1015]

I got to see Maynard live over 15 times in Toronto between 1972 to 1980

[@voiceofreason3278]

Yeah, those were the best years to see Maynard!

[@AaronSundman]

Love it! Thank you Bob!

[@zenmasterx]

Maynard inspired every trumpet player to hit the high notes. Many were called, few were chosen, but it was fun watching them try.

[@alphabeets]

Such a great bunch of guys. Maynard was a wonderful person. He did a lot for the young musicians.

[@Egbert1957]

... Sehr schön erstellter Film. Habe MF dreimal in Deutschland/Bayern erlebt.

[@touquetjazz-band5454]

Excellent Merci !!

[@riva7rau]

MF Horn 4 & 5 - Live at Jimmy's, is one of my all time favorite jazz albums :)

[@astrorad2000]

Love Maynard. Met him at the Plugged Nickle Chicago Illinois 1966.

[@johnbarrett4523]

Saw him at Seneca College late 70"s OUTSTANDING!

[@rjb1122]

Fabulous. Thanks for making this video.

[@carloberto6582]

I saw Maynard about 20 times in the '70s and '80s, plus I had my picture taken with him at Blues Alley in Washington, D.C. around 1975.

[@bigred-qk6ow]

Went to a clinic /concert when I was a junior in highschool. Got to close it out by going up on the bandstand with the band and doing Hey Jude. That was 1972. Saw him NUMEROUS times over the years (usually 2-3 times a year). He would work his way down I-5 from Canada. So we would see him 4 nights in a row in Bellingham,Seattle, Tumwater and Vancouver. We got pretty chummy over the years. The last time I saw him was at Jazz Alley in Seattle aroung 2003. I was waiting to be seated and a door opened at the back of the club and here comes this group of guys. Leading the pack was the boss, wearing a trench coat with the collar turned up. As he past I said " Excuse me dont I know you?". He slyly turned his head and with twinkle in his eye says " Nope never met before". We both had a good laugh about that after the show when he was singing autographs.

[@anneadkins4686]

A friend of mine got me into his music in the late 80s. Unfortunately I never did see him live...I did have a chance in London England but I was busy that evening in 2005. I should have cancelled the evening and gone to see him instead. Damn, damn, damn...

[@Kurtdog63]

Maynard was known for giving young musicians the chance to shine. Looks like he was doing that the last few years of his life. Hard to believe this video was 21 years ago.

[@DirkSorensby]

I met him once. Such an inspiration and a great musician. A hero of mine.

[@oldGB1]

Was on the road in the 70s playing trumpet with the ordinary Bb show band. In phoenix found out MF was giving a clinic at a high school. Went with the trombone player. It was great! Went back to rehearsal and never looked back. Heard him many times live, always an event for the ears.

[@gregbush608]

Very, very cool. Thanks for putting this out.

[@jefflashway6644]

The fun was just about to begin when the vid ended! ;)

[@bgouldmsu]

This is true! Figured I’d let us all have some fun without the camera rolling !!

[@gavintempleton7264]

Met Maynard at the Edinburgh Festival , maybe ten years ago. He had the Fergusson Tartan round his neck. He went through the audience saying "I just want to meet you" to everybody and shook hands. I couldn't believe it and just stared and he went to the next guy. I was brought up with "The best of Maynard Fergusson LP". I couldn't believe he was in front of me with his hand extended.

[@djcvideos]

great stuff - nice work!

[@CaptainQueue]

MF was one of the most generous musicians of all time. The only time I saw him live was the day after he had a concert at a nearby college, when he came to our little town of Chippewa Falls, Wisc, to play in the crappiest school auditorium ever built. He obviously chose that place because it was the poorest of venues in the region. He put on a fantastic show to the 150 kids and parents to show up, with his full band, that was equivalent to anything he gave to huge urban audiences. Then he took questions and spoke kindly to the students there. I will never forget that.

[@peoplesconnect]

Wow amazing

[@haraldschillig]

Danke 👍

[@eriksmithdrummer]

Thanks for this!!

[@Rskou]

First video ever on KZbin to not have any dislikes.

[@1jondee]

Thanks for this, Bob.

[@rmp3769]

Imagine. So awesome

[@7WetDawg3]

Outstanding!

[@MrJdsenior]

Great vid, evidently we lost another master just recently, Mr Chick Corea. Great video, fun to watch. :-)

[@MichaelAChang]

A young man from Verdun with humble beginnings, played at Belmont Park (Montreal) and became the icon that he is.

[@wythetrumpet6419]

We will always and forever love the Boss!

[@chuckrutledge]

I'll never forget the day the front office called my classroom. They said, "Maynard Ferguson was on the line." I about lost it! Of course, it wasn't Maynard, but it was his booking agent wanting to come to Madison, Alabama. We booked him two years in a row.

[@SJtoobsox]

Wonderful

[@alexserrano9192]

Oh wow this is when Patrick Hession was the lead player

[@M_Lopez_3D_Artist]

I saw Maynard in 2006 in May i believe in Porterville,Ca it was fun to meet the background stage crew that came to set up the stage. I am not sure if you remember that town at all?

[@Braglemaster123]

Excellent 👍👍

[@Braglemaster123]

Excellent “

[@DallasCrane]

14:15 that band director sounds great but listen to how relaxed and smooth Maynard is on that high note. Few of us venture up to the stratosphere. Maynard lived up there!

[@c.thompson6638]

Very nice all-around production Bob Gould. It was great you documented Maynard Ferguson and how he played high school auditoriums. Jeff Ayers was awesome on the trumpet too. He gave MF a run. What a guy to have for a band teacher. I am sure his students appreciate his talent, determination, and energy. Hopefully, his school faculty does as well.

[@EddieJazzFan]

1:42 That's not Maynard it's Walter Becker from Steely Dan!

[@MauriciocastilloChile]

genial !!!! 🎺❤

[@rjlwis]

In the early 70's attended and played at a MF clinic and concerts every decade through 2000's. The Boss!

[@carsrcool7149]

Wonder-full !