Maynard Ferguson -- MacArthur Park

Live - At The Top
Plaza Hotel -- Rochester, NY
Performances by:
Randy Purcell - Trombone; Lynn Nicholson - Trumpet; Don Hans - Flugelhorn; Alan Zavod - Electric Piano

[@TheBUBBAMEX]

In 1981 my father was a shuttle driver for a company in Chicago. He picked up Maynard Ferguson from the airport and he tipped my dad 100 dollars.. it was a very bad year for my family and we were struggling just to make ends meet. It was a miracle .. I later took up playing the trumpet and would always listen to Maynard.. he was the best

[@joshuazamora6464]

Yea right

[@rtmairose7945]

@@joshuazamora6464 the Boss was tight, but I know there were moments of unexpected unknown generosity. He and a small group with some artists out of a college he helped support played the gazebo in Oak Park, a little suburb west of the Valley in LA. Wouldn’t have known about it if I hadn’t seen the flyer in an Agoura Hills suburb. Talked with him about Cincinnati, some great performances. Of all things he talked about the ribs he had in Cincy. I knew the ones. Got his address and had them ship some ribs. His return generosity was a real treat for this trumpet player. One great artist, band leader, and musical philanthropist gone too soon.

[@philliphanson9477]

High school jazz band in the '70's.... Everybody played Maynard Ferguson. What a class act to see him live and shake his hand after a performance that left the Audience exhausted! He was truly an Ambassador, and inspired many thousands of musicians to play, to continue to work on their art. I'm 65 now, still trying to nail this one down on the drums, with a few friends. 3 trumpets, two bones, 2 altos, a bari, keys, rhythm and bass guitar. My living room every Tuesday night, and some odd gigs here and there. We're not that good, but we all love our music. Thank you for the music, Maynard.

[@fredoswego]

Maynard was god to our high school band. I managed to see his orchestra after I got out of high school and the audience was full of high school students. He really did have an affect on us. I'm sitting here going through all the Maynard videos and he really does seem to be enjoying himself and has no problem handing the limelight off to a band member.

[@jerrmiecabrerapineda1103]

2024 still Maynard is the best Trumpet player of all time.🎉

[@bkrider19]

Gotta hand it to Maynard. He didn't have an ego problem. He encouraged younger players to get up there and shine. Great example.

[@danbogle5848]

+Trek Ryder When I saw him in the 70's, that was the one thing we all commented on was the number of young, super talented players and he let them have their time in the spot light..

[@tonyseel12]

+Dan Bogle I saw him two or three times in the same time period and was really impressed by Lynn Nicholson.

[@LowReedExpert1]

+Tony Seel Lynn is still playing like that too!

[@Carryon392]

And, no "bus tapes" either.

[@fourjuliasmotoryacht2029]

My mentor growing up see him many times I still have his 1980 concert shirt

[@Will-zo2qm]

Flugel solo cleaner than my search history

[@tomdimartino7361]

I hope jazz makes a huge come back. I think it will one day!

[@Arborwaychet]

Don Hans on Flugel ... some great licks

[@wheeleyguy]

Lynn Nicholson's solo on MacArthur Park will live forever

[@ethanle644]

Shaun Blackstock yes

[@AnonymousPatriot7]

Lynn is alive and doing well in Las Vegas. I met him and played notes together and listened to his advice and will treasure this meeting the rest of my life! LYNN IS THE BEST!

[@carloseduardogonzalezsalga7947]

@@AnonymousPatriot7 the best trumpet high note screamer!

[@thebreathalyzer]

MF was into it so much!!!! Great soloing from Don too.

[@marksolheim6188]

I did not think that it was that good. he reached for notes that he could not hit. Upper notes were flat and thin.

[@paulsimpson1110]

Back in the 74-75 timeframe he did a concert at the Univ of NH. Day before he did a symposium and several of us on music department equipment staff get everything set up and then sat in one of the boxes to listen to him. He "caught" us and in the middle of the symposium said we were the folks who made it happen. Got us backstage passes to watch the show from there (better than front of house). A true gentleman.

[@bkrider19]

Trombone solo like butter.

[@rickpurcell2293]

That was my brother on Trombone; Randy Purcell

[@andrewgregori616]

I was fortunate enough to play in a collegiate band that Randy led in Pittsburgh. He was incredible to work with. So talented and happy to teach.

[@ssnoc]

I found Maynard in 1976, same year I fell in love with the wrong girl, so this music has always been bitter sweet for me and as such, Maynard defines a very important part of my life.

[@andrewdrennan9436]

I love the bone playing the ride in this version. Passes off well to the soloist.

[@lastknowngood0]

Don's Fugle horn solo was outstanding as was Lynn's!

[@MrRicktheBartender]

And Rick Petrone on bass - killing it!

[@EdWeibe]

Needs to be an XM Maynard Channel

[@fibes55]

I would have given anything to play with Maynard. I never saw anyone express such delight over the accomplishments of his young players.

[@billsander364]

i was lucky to see Maynard live twice. His shows were full of energy and he had great musicians.

[@adipsous]

As a kid, and as a young trumpet player, I saw Maynard play at Sacramento City College. My mom took me backstage after the performance and I met the man. He was like right on kid, keep playing, or something. encouraging.

[@michaelfishman8137]

Gives me goosebumps today just like it did the first time I heard it 45 years ago.

[@TheBennik]

I'm just more impressed on how happy and energetic he was. I'm not really a jazz lover by heart, but I can tell that this man had fire that drove him to play like this everyday. I need whatever he had.

[@RBS314]

You’re right Ben. As a high school kid I had the privilege of seeing Maynard and his band put on a clinic during the day, then perform a concert in the evening. It was incredible.

[@donm6798]

Heart and soul... That's what he had.

[@shader_son697]

@@donm6798 ...aaaaand lotsa coke XD

[@red---paulvanravenswaay2247]

@@shader_son697 cocaine

[@smaring777]

I had the pleasure of meeting Maynard a few times in the 90's. He was such an inspiration. I miss you Maynard. I was so sad when I heard you died.

[@breadmoneyarchival]

This video is soooo 70's.

[@chosspile.]

Carlos Diaz it's so good

[@tab9856]

Carlos Diaz who has the best hair in the trumpet section tho? I’m really feeling Don’s

[@otter5pain310]

@@tab9856 Lynn Nicholson

[@57Banjoman]

I miss the '70's!!! I loved Maynard, and loved the way he featured his band members! Cool music in Heaven!

[@recalcitrist1]

Not only is it great hearing this band, I love Maynard's spirit and personality, and watching him work.

[@tramonellis9009]

recalcitrist1 same

[@astorga1332]

Cocaine.

[@pablito162]

Rest in Peace Randy Purcell. he was a great trombone player

[@smctrout4423]

I think the other trombonist was Jerry Johnson. He is also deceased.

[@alamooji3716]

Don Han Best horn solo i ever heard! That's the vibe i love

[@alanmapp8892]

I think I agree! Combined with that great rhythm section,especially the electric piano, it's brilliant. Sorry to be pedantic but it's "Don Hahn",you know in case you want to look him up. Cheers.

[@tomdimartino7361]

have no regrets about not being able to see him anymore because I have lasting memories and could still hear him playing that horn. There was nothing like seeing Maynard live, I was very blessed to have been so lucky. tommyd

[@gregturp1611]

He encouraged me. As lead trumpet playing his charts were the best. He was a class act. In 1975 he took the time to come and visit me after I had a bad accident.

[@rontiemens2553]

I think this performance of Mac Park is by far the best that Maynard and band ever did.

[@MartiniMan]

The solo by Lynn Nicholson is simply amazing. Sorta like the album version, kicked up several notches.

[@WhiteDogTherapy]

So true. Maynard embodied all facets of the true meaning of being a musician...using his talent to benefit others. I first came to admire him when I was in band in high school and college and was very fortunate to attend one of his concerts. He was an amazing person.

[@hivuhomes]

Those were the good old days. I never made it big as a trumpet player, but I have a great appreciation of music and respect for great players.

[@davidhamilton8410]

There were jazz musicians the likes of which we will never see or hear again, i.e. Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich and on and on.

[@richards4129]

In 1963 or 1964 I saw Maynard at a club in Chicago called Club Laurel located on north Broadway (in the 6200-6300 block or near there). It was the first time ever seeing him in person and to this day in 2020 it was the greatest jazz experience I have ever had. I saw him in person 3-4 other times and they were all unforgettable but the Club Laurel night will forever remain the penultimate jazz experience of my life. When Maynard performed at a College in River Forest, IL in the later 80's or 90's he came into the audience as the band played to be with us commoners. As Maynard passed by me I hugged him and told him I loved him. I meant it. The guy was the greatest of all time. He is the trumpet God of all time. May he rest in peace forever and a day. I love you Maynard.

[@JoshRosenblumMusic]

Gotta love Don Hanz's solo. Nothing more tasteful than that.

[@DrAGGill]

Saw MF twice late 70's in Vancouver. Second time my brother was with me, just after a football practice, and he fell asleep during the performance. For the finale, the band spread out around the hall. One of the trumpet players saw my brother sleeping, so made sure to stand right behind him. Boy did he wake up fast!!

[@michaelmcclary8054]

I attended Maynard concerts at BGSU in Ohio from 1972-76. He sold out our 5000 seat Great Hall. We got there 3 hours early. Ordered 10 pizzas- passed pieces to fellow Trumpet Majors.- Michael McClary, Professor of Trumpet 🎺, Georgia Perimeter College & GSU

[@michaezapin]

What a killer Flugelhorn solo - on top of everything else, there is that!! Spectacular!

[@artrolf4223]

Yes, many years ago, I saw Maynard Ferguson in concert at the Fridley High School in Minnesota to promote the student jazz band there. We'll, it was an excellent show, and he nearly blew the roof off the place!

[@peterputnam3015]

i was lucky enough to see this this same show with the same line up at the under age of 16 at Jonny Yees in so.Yarmouth Ma.(on cape cod) in 1974 i think ,that my dad got me into the club and he was able to record the concert on his portable 4 track cassette top of the line radio shack stereo recorder that the club allowed him to bring in , I still have the tapes today ,what a show Also saw Buddy Rich there but they wouldn't let my dad bring in the recorder....understandably.

[@parkerlewis9326]

Man, Randy Purcell's solo is so inspiring!

[@MrBochawa]

Don Hans SLAYS!

[@GamerNRetro]

Man. Lynn's solo.

[@carloseduardogonzalezsalga7947]

Its amazing

[@jorgecallico9177]

Lynn is an wonderful human. Just like Maynard himself that way though perhaps a little more mellow. I'm a Facebook buddy of his and he's been a source of great support

[@scottgray493]

Don Han took it in my book. I LOVE electric piano, he killed it. This band lineup was so good...

[@g.r.isidro938]

In the winter of 1976, I went to see Maynard Ferguson perform at a local high school. I was attending Trinity College (Deerfield IL) and had been playing trumpet all of my life. It was cold, wet and sleeting. My date and I (I don't remember her name anymore), and another couple from Trinity College drove in my 1965 Ford Galaxie 500 Special. It was a truly memorable experience. Maynard and his band put on a fantastic show. We didn't want to leave. After the concert, we were able to go up to the band and meet them. My date and I had our picture taken with Maynard (sadly, the picture has been lost). We ended up having coffee and apple pie at the Denny's near our college (the favorite hangout for college kids from our college). Oh to be young again!!

[@tab9856]

awesome story

[@anthony989utube]

nice memories to have

[@jorgecallico9177]

GR Isidro,. One of the most astonishing conditions that happened towards the end of Maynard's career was this: Absolutely Everytime his band got booked at a local school somewhere the principal or leadership of the administration of the school would receive hundreds of phone calls and listen to stories similar to yours. Best regards!

[@dinodeano1]

that solo by Len nicholsan was fabulous. All the times I saw Maynard he always would say that he didnt let his trumpet players solo because he didnt want them to show him up. He always had the best musicians mainly from Texas if I remember correctly. The last tim e I saw him he was 70 his trumpet players soloed and would hit double high c's and higher effortlessly. This video is the first one Ive seen where his trumpet players were featured this much

[@Braglemaster123]

No, he loved his trumpet section to solo . That's BS and a bad rumor !!!!!!!

[@perryparsons9960]

University of North Texas Lab Band is phenomenal, if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. I will personally boast, my college band director was an alumnus, and incredibly talented. RIP, Milton Jackson.

[@pauledie882]

I was attending University of Buffalo from 1975-1977, playing trumpet in the UB Jazz Ensemble, and frequently went to see Maynard downtown and at other venues in Western NY. He seemed to hang-out in the upstate very frequently around that time. There was a jazz station in Toronto who used to really promote his music, and the station came in loud and clear every night in our dorm room at Goodyear Hall. An era long gone, but long remembered.

[@drband8181]

Saw MF band at the Midwest Clinic midnight jazz concert. Memorable! MacArthur Park was stellar just like this recording. Another standout chart was Hey Jude featuring the entire trumpet section split up into the giant ballroom audience. Better than quadraphonic! 90 minutes of high energy jazz/fusion. We didn’t want it to end!

[@repsforjesus6720]

That flugel solo is badass

[@soulfire2588]

I love Don Hans' solo in this so much...

[@chosspile.]

soulfire2588 mine was better

[@thebreathalyzer]

Yep, just brilliant

[@stevekugelmann1975]

I have goosebumps just thinking about his music while Reading all your comments. My Maynard experience really was kicked into high gear after that first show at U of D.

[@robertfales7455]

one thing i noticed straight away was that Maynard's band really has fun and Maynard doesn't seem to be a prick at all and let's them throw down without feeling over shadowed with tremendous players?

[@carloberto6743]

Man, I miss him SO MUCH. There will never be another. RIP.

[@chosspile.]

Carlo Berto I am the next

[@jameshetrick5317]

I read as I'm going to Wayne Bergeron this weekend haha

[@solaribass2491]

The Aesthetic Life, said like a true trumpet player

[@jwurtzel9]

Maynard, I apologize for the way I played this. That said, your trombone guy is amazing. To be able to sit there listening to you, then stand up and play...wow, just wow! and S You will always be my hero, right up there w/ Mays and Starr.

[@DJGoldie007]

Wow... WOW.. the WHOLE band was frikkin "INCREDIBLE" that night!

[@toomuchespresso]

I am so lucky that Maynard came to WVU in the late 70s while I was a student there. That is easily the best concert I have ever heard.

[@WhiteDogTherapy]

Love you and miss you a lot, Maynard!

[@ChicagoJT]

The live at Jimmys work was some of their best ever. No doubt. I about wore out my pioneer turntable and several needles playing that trying to pick up the music by ear.

[@BillSmith-rx9rm]

I wore out two LPs until I got the CD.

[@bshelley3]

As much as I grew up admiring Maynard (and through this, which I watched on PBS in the 70's) Nicholson...I would also throw out one more name Bill Chase.

[@somjaiwallace9806]

Màynard fergison

[@johncellucci3024]

+bshelley3 +1 on Lynn and Bill.

[@theodoregross1738]

Bill Chase would have surpassed both MF and Doc

[@greglewandowski2969]

are u crazy?

[@perryparsons9960]

Understand, Bill Chase played in Maynard's band, in 1962, on 'Plays Jazz For Dancing'. You get that, right? He credits Maynard as his primary influence, and everything that came after, was based on what he learned from playing in Maynard's band. My personal choice of trumpet these days, not that I am worthy of carrying either Maynard's or Bill's horn case across the parking lot, is a 1969 Conn 60-B, an attempt to compete in that market, for either the MF Horn, or the Schilke B5.

[@edman9798]

We Need Another Great like Maynard to pick up the Baton and Ride this wave into 2020 and beyond ! I grew up on this music and Him & Buddy were my mentors

[@tedparkinson6892]

There was a time when big bands full of young, talented players roamed the lands, ballrooms, concert halls of all nations. What a damn exciting time to see live jazz with lots of players!

[@WhiteDogTherapy]

So true. Maynard embodied all facets of the true meaning of being a musician. I admired him when I was in band in high schools and college and was fortunate to attend one of his concerts. He was an amazing person.

[@christophervivestrumpet7565]

yo lynn was having a great time and maynard throws his trumpet in the air at 8:15 wooooooh

[@urgdaddy]

Pure Jazz....at it's Best.

[@tomdimartino7361]

I WAS so lucky too see maynard over ten times in the Buffalo ny area, seen him do this at least 5 times. talk about the hair standing arm's! The hair would stand up on every part of your body. You weren't the same for weeks after seeing Maynard back in the 70's. I was very lucky.tommyd

[@Pat_S]

So did I in buffalo. I listened to all his albums in the late 70’s on. First time I got to see him was with my dad at the Tralf with High Voltage.

[@kerrynye3752]

@tom dimartino You truly were blessed! I myself was able to see Maynard perform 3 times in my life and have always felt blessed, too. He would always credit his performers, and often would call former members of his band up on stage when performing in their locales. A lost era and lost bandleaders. RIP, Maynard!

[@dater6284]

Goldnrain is right. Maynard was a band leader, composer, and arranger, along with being an amazing performer. He was generous with sharing credit and helping younger players build their careers. He never saw himself as the only important element of a performance. He was a genuinely nice man, and didn't get the credit he deserved for the influence he had on jazz in many ways. I'm sorry I didn't get to meet him until shortly before his death.

[@rontiemens2553]

Maynard might not have gotten due credit at the time but he has an enduring legacy. I suspect every high school and college trumpet player in the world is aware of Maynard Ferguson. Yet Doc Severinsen, as great as he was, is largely forgotten by the younger generations of trumpet players and musicians.

[@michaelmcnulty5215]

So much of everything I love about music in one song!

[@simplehuman1798]

Yeah, Don Hans!!!!

[@saxmanb777]

This is the song that got me hooked on Maynard. Glad to see him in concert later on.

[@christophergraves6725]

The flugelhorn player was really good.

[@tomdimartino7361]

I saw the best of them come through Buffalo NY, BUT! a Maynard concert was GOD LIKE it is the only way I could explain it. You felt it for months. One time when I was 17 two friends and I went into his dressing room during intermission and he was resting his head, when he lifted his head to see who was in his dressing room he gave us a big smile and he signed an album that I brought that was from 1956. I still have it. I

[@masonmullen9434]

May you for ever be in our memory Maynard, thanks for it all, couldn't live with out it.

[@jimBD81]

Saw him twice in '81 & '82 in a small High School... Two of the best shows I've ever seen...

[@normtwisdale9795]

Maynard played at my High School in the 70's and I also saw him at a club in Jacksonville.

[@stevekugelmann1975]

We went to the University of Delaware in 78 to see MF and his band. The place was empty. Only about 20-25 people. Our seats were towards the rear of the auditorium. After the opening tune Maynard says to us, hey everyone come on down front. Get close. Intimate is putting lightly. We were spit valve close to him. Those high Cs will make the hair on your neck stand right up. He blew the roof off the place for a crowd of less than 50. We ate it up. He didn’t have to do that. That is the kind of guy he was. He always had the best dressed and the tightest band in the land.

[@jazzfusioner9840]

Beautiful witness.....

[@eric_in_florida]

This was peak Maynard!

[@gman2013]

I saw Maynard for the first time in 1978 or 79 at Maggie’s Opera House in Cincinnati. I was with a couple of other trumpet players from my H.S.Mbundu. It was amazing. I saw him many years later, 6 months before he died in Pataskala, Ohio. I was able to introduce my son to him who was also a trumpet player in middle school. Amazing, and unforgettable!!

[@tomstanton7157]

Loved MF and his band. Went to hear them whenever they were around. Even at college when I couldn't convince anyone to go with me!

[@louisvcolella1963]

Me too

[@juliarichardson1727]

Lynn Nicholson's solo is phenomenal

[@giuseppemanca4278]

MAYNARD INVINCIBILE ! Ottimo anche il Flicornista Don Hahn.....Orchestra davvero fenomenale.

[@BrennenL]

I always use to hate the Flugelhorn solo but every once in a while it is stuck in my head so i watch this like 1000 times a month just for the Flugelhorn solo.. i love it now ;D

[@user-mo5ov8xp7n]

In 1974 he put on a show at Bowling Green University. Our highschool band went. I played trumpet and during the day him and his horn section had a little trump players seminar. Amazing to say the least. Been a fan most of my life.

[@DodiJohnE]

.y hubby was 1 of his studio trumpet players And John still plays his trumpet for me.

[@prerunner97]

Lynn Nicholson showing some jam! Atta boy !

[@Tatman1212]

No one takes the high range road of the bridge like Lynn.....I don't think I have ever heard another player go up on the last phrase of that solo! Even Maynard.

[@jamesrawlins735]

Maybe Arturo Sandoval

[@fizztrumpet1496]

I did it once at a concert last year

[@Blogzer]

Maybe he improved over time but he was trying so (too) hard to go high there, at the cost of pitch and phrasing (i.e. breath); count the (not many) seconds between breaths. Not a great example of playing.

[@potatoman7760]

Eric miyashiro does

[@potatoman7760]

James Rawlins Arturo never played much Mac park,

[@nickbartilucci7689]

Lynn killed it

[@11hoosier11]

Wow! For all of Maynard's showmanship whilst playing, he gives Lynn Nicholson the stage and the honor! Pretty impressive.

[@JamieSmith-fz2mz]

The Live at Jimmy's recording of this chart is a feat in audio engineering. I saw MF play this live so many times I've lost count. I'll never tire of it.

[@tomdimartino7361]

I heard people say that they've had a religious experience at some concerts the attended I felt that way at some of the concerts I attended but! I felt that way all 10 or 12 times I saw may nerd live in buffalo New York My best friend and I snuck into his Dressing room and found them with his head Laying on a desk and trying to get some sleep he woke up and had a huge smile on his face and invited us in and out of graph and album I had from 1956 I think it was called jazz berries it's somewhere in my house Getting back to the religious experience The whole time you were at the Maynard !concert it was goosebumps and the arms your hair is standing up quite an experience that I'll never forget!

[@charlietamez1225]

the one, the only, the incomparable Mr. Maynard Ferguson

[@tomdimartino7361]

I had the amazing luck to see Maynard over ten times live! I'v herd this song done live more then 5 times before I was 20 years back in the 1970's in Buffalo NY. You talk about something making your hair stand up on your arm's WOW the night was like that when you saw Maynard live. I have been to great concerts in my day, rock and roll, pop, jazz, I HAVE To put the rest on the next page

[@markphilpot8734]

This guy put his other players out front to stretch their abilities and show off their skills. Maynard was a scary judge of talent when it came to picking his players. He was always putting skilled talent on stage. Ego wasn’t an issue with him. I have the greatest respect and admiration for him as an artist and promoter of young talent. He is deeply missed!

[@reneebigsur01]

thank YOU, Maynard for providing a benchmark for all of the Drum Corps that played your amazing music!!!! Today, I saw a man in a tux PARK AND BARK!!!!! :)

[@tomdimartino7361]

Just another GREAT TALENT! from Canada!

[@tcorcs]

Thankyou for posting that video clip. Maynard was a great supporter of music education. As shown in this clip letting the trumpets all have a chance at the stage. And even a fluegelhorn.

[@raymondbeyer9369]

Spectacular Fleugel solo!

[@chosspile.]

Raymond Beyer mine was better

[@user-cu6um3wx9c]

@@chosspile. sure

[@atlanticalvenom4410]

Who still in 2019????

[@dinodeano1]

I love the way he ripped it off at the end of a high note

[@dinodeano1]

No doubt

[@carloseduardogonzalezsalga7947]

Yeah mee to

[@hastyberford]

The band sounds great and they look like they're having a blast.

[@richardkoreto7607]

Maynard Ferguson at the Beacon theater in NYC in the 1970s--my first concert!

[@mythicmesa]

Sorry to hear of Allen's passing, this is one of my all-time favorites!