Maynard Ferguson Meets Miles Davis, Clark Terry and Clifford Brown

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Bret Primack's Portrait of Maynard Ferguson, including some rare performance video, and a 1998 interview, where Maynard talks about his admiration for Clark Terry and Clifford Brown, and remembers playing opposite Miles Davis at Birdland.
The second trumpeter in the Swingin' clip is Jerry Tyree.
Walter Maynard Ferguson C.M. (May 4, 1928 - August 23, 2006) was a Canadian jazz trumpeter and bandleader. He came to prominence playing in Stan Kenton's orchestra before forming his own band in 1957. He was noted for his bands, which often served as stepping stones for up-and-coming talent, and his ability to play expressively and accurately in a remarkably high register.
The great Jazz writer Scott Yanow writes in the All Music Guide: "When he debuted with Stan Kenton's Orchestra in 1950, Maynard Ferguson could play higher than any other trumpeter up to that point in jazz history, and he was accurate. Somehow he has kept most of that range through the decades and since the 1970s has been one of the most famous musicians in jazz. Never known for his exquisite taste (some of his more commercial efforts are unlistenable), Maynard Ferguson has nevertheless led some important bands and definitely made an impact with his trumpet playing.
After heading his own big band in Montreal, Ferguson came to the United States in 1949 with hopes of joining Kenton's orchestra, but that ensemble had just recently broke up. So instead, MF gained experience playing with the big bands of Boyd Raeburn, Jimmy Dorsey and Charlie Barnet. In 1950 with the formation of Kenton's Innovations Orchestra, Ferguson became a star, playing ridiculous high notes with ease. In 1953 he left Kenton to work in the studios of Los Angeles and three years later led the all-star "Birdland Dreamband." In 1957 he put together a regular big band that lasted until 1965, recorded regularly for Roulette (all of its recordings with that label are on a massive Mosaic box set) and performed some of the finest music of Ferguson's career. Such players as Slide Hampton, Don Ellis, Don Sebesky, Willie Maiden, John Bunch, Joe Zawinul, Joe Farrell, Jaki Byard, Lanny Morgan, Rufus Jones, Bill Berry and Don Menza were among the more notable sidemen.
After economics forced him to give up the impressive band, Ferguson had a few years in which he was only semiactive in music, spending time in India and eventually forming a new band in England. After moving back to the U.S., Ferguson in 1974 drifted quickly into commercialism. Young trumpeters in high school and colleges were amazed by his high notes but jazz fans were dismayed by the tasteless recordings which resulted in hit versions of such songs as the themes from Star Wars and Rocky and much worse."

[@paulcombs-bomuse6172]

Miles’ courteous side is too often forgotten. When I was 13, my folks took me to hear him, and I asked him for his autograph, which he graciously gave me. There is more to say about that day, but I’ll save it for another time.

[@JazzVideoGuy]

Don't believe everything you read, or what people say.

[@kiml3617]

No Trumpetman will ever surpass the excitement, and power and fuking hip soul of minnardo the great!!!! saw him at 15 and taught me what delivery means!!! VIVA MAYNARD!!! Force!!

[@JazzVideoGuy]

I saw him 15 as well, and he totally blew my mind.

[@chesterfieldstorage1647]

Maynard was SO right about Clark Terry. Effortless PERFECT trumpet player. OWNED the horn man. Not a huge sound but CT knew how to use that damn microphone!! Most underrated jazz trumpeter of all time. Clifford Brown would OWN the greatest jazz trumpeter of ALL TIME crown had he not died so young. As it is, FREDDIE HUBBARD is the GREATEST jazz trumpeter of ALL TIME!!

[@JazzVideoGuy]

There is no greatest. I love Lee Morgan, but Freddie and Clifford and Woody Shaw and Clark Terry and Maynard Ferguson, as well.

[@joemeyer6876]

I saw Maynard at Disneyland, of all places, with Akioshi and Lew, and it was Orgasmic! What a life he led!

[@timothydillow3160]

Being a 16 year old jazz trumpet player in high school in 1979, and watching his big band play in Garden Grove High School auditorium, from the front row, and shaking his hand, was far greater than any rock and roll show I've ever experienced. Hands down the greatest horn player I've ever seen in my life.

[@rhstrickland]

I spoke with Maynard on five occasions over the years, interviewing him once and sitting with him in the "green room" while he warmed up for a performance. He was always a polite, funny, and sophisticated gentleman. He really loved others, and his behavior showed it. He was an amazing musician that will never be duplicated.

[@rdewar4324]

Maynard was a beautiful cat. I met him 4 or 5 times and he was always the same gracious individual you see in this video. Great trumpeter. Some people prefer other players but there's room in my taste to appreciate the individual talents of each musician. Maynard had his strengths and weaknesses just like anyone. Enjoy them for their strengths...

[@TonyFrankJazz]

He played at Flowing Wells High in the early 2000s. I got a chance to talk to him a little bit after the show. I should have recorded it, damn it! Nice video, BP!

[@JazzVideoGuy]

Thanks, Tony. Had no idea MF was in Tucson.

[@charleswinokoor6023]

Saw his big band summer of ‘72 Boston Commons. I remember being very impressed with his bari player, who might have been from Australia. Headliner that night was Weather Report with Gravatt and Vitous.

[@JazzVideoGuy]

What a gig!

[@darkstarflashes]

Got to see Maynard perform in 1982, 1983, 1986, & 1989. Even got an autograph after the show when he let us come onto his tour bus one at a time to meet him (I was with a group of high school band musicians that had traveled in a van together with our director to see him). Love Maynard Ferguson.

[@clskmstg]

I never hear Blue Birdland and not think of Maynard. This is a *fantastic* video - a great inside look at the kindness that was Maynard. I still miss him to this day.

[@Bix12]

I got to see Maynard perform twice.....jaw dropping.

[@gmonet46]

Clark Terry...a MO native, and remember Maynard's visit to Greenville, NC, right around the time this interview was conducted...he still had the "chops."

[@Herehear49]

Maynard single handedly made EVERY trumpet player wish that the horn was easier to play! I'm sure that the angel Gabriel looked down from wherever and said "damn, that mortal can really play the horn and he cusses less than Miles..." M.F. ( strong initials!) is another great example of a master who was not only humble but helpful in getting young (and old) musicians motivated. Thank you, Maynard!

[@carrottop1519]

Maynard's chops are impressive but I like Miles best. His soloing is much more tasteful and cooler than Maynard's IMO

[@richardmbowman]

Miles' solos were/are cooler than anybody's.

[@macree01]

No they weren’t

[@lhalm88]

saw him once as a kid and then again 30 years later. What a great musician and all-around historical figure.

[@Jazz313]

Thanks for this Jewel ❤

[@JazzVideoGuy]

No problem 😊

[@takefive07]

This takes me back to the great Manchester 'Club 43' of the 60's where Maynard was a regular.Marvellous memories

[@JazzVideoGuy]

Thanks appreciate the kind words. It's a labor of love for me.

[@brabazon10]

Never forget seeing Maynard several times at Acker Bilk's jazz club in Bristol called the "Old Granary"; that was in the late 60s. tremendous band.

[@ChaoticEuphoria]

WOW! What a wonderful insight into who Maynard was! I went to at least 5 Maynard concerts when I was a young trumpet player in the 70"s. The most memorable was when a young trumpet player with a double high C range by the name of Lynn Nicholson played MacArthur Park. The crowd went wild. ! I never forgot it. I didn't realized Maynard knew Miles and Terry . With all the accolades he was a very humble man. No one has ever reached the stratosphere the way he did.I doubt anyone ever will.

[@nycboyforlife]

Maynard is one of my all time favorites. One of the most exciting trumpet players ever and he is spot on about Clark Terry and Clifford brown. Two more geniuses.

[@c.thompson6638]

Maynard is missed. He was a helluva trumpeter and showman. He gave and inspired musicians to play. A great man with a big heart. Thanks for producing this video Bret.

[@lesliecolonello9320]

I'm sure my first exposure to a Maynard record is the same as many other trumpet players. I was in my first year of college in 1966 and someone walked in my room with a Maynard recording of Maria. My world changed. And a hero was forever in my heart.

[@robertboone4714]

Always admired this legend. His chops off the planet. Energy crazy!

[@646879]

One of my first musical idols....only saw him once, but i probably still have a closet of records with his name on it....I once had a chance to get on stage with him and big band, but something held me back (this was rare)...i guess i didn't want to sully the memory of him being an unreachable measure of trumpet excellence....

[@claudthornhill]

So great. Nothing like oral history. Thank you Bret for what you do.

[@musamor75]

Wow, what a great interview! This beautiful man is so spontaneous, and knows how to keep things simple. I think his supersonic notes were helped by a phenomenal physical strength. What a privilege for him to have been around at the same time as all those great names. Being a soloist and a band leader must have put him on a more even footing with the giants. My God, to have been able to joke with Miles!!! Mind blowing. Thanks for sharing this with us. God bless.

[@JazzVideoGuy]

Glad you enjoyed it! I loved interviewing him.

[@bryandickerson5365]

Bret, that is so cool! I’m a sax player but my first jazz love was Maynard and his bands. MR Horn 4&5 Live at Jimmy’s was the one! Remember Ferdinand Povell and Bruce Johnston? I still feel they were some GREAT first influences! This video highlights an interesting aspect of his personality. He came off as such a hipster-cat show-boater but inside was a lot of humility.

[@JazzVideoGuy]

Maynard was one hell of a musician, and person, as well.

[@ChristopherSnow1960]

Thanks! I saw Maynard perform in Toronto a number of times in his 1970s white jump suit days. He was always exciting, and he always encouraged young musicians.

[@evdallas123]

I saw him a dozen times around the Atlanta area from 1977 to 07 the first time I was 15 years old it was always a huge thrill as much as Christmas when I went to see him

[@JazzVideoGuy]

He certainly knew how to reach an audience.

[@3233legacy]

Thanks for sharing this! I saw Maynard for the first time in Denver '82. I was a senior and lead trumpet player in my hs band. It was discouraging and exhilarating!

[@GodofTrombones]

I've been fortunate enough to see Maynard a few times and I've even gotten to play with Clark Terry :)

[@KB4QAA]

Maynard was always like a bubbling fountain when he talked.

[@ValB222]

that was wonderful. i'm sorry i never met Maynard. thanks, as always, Bret.

[@beyondoband]

So humble!

[@rrbcap]

Maynard, you were such an inspiration to me! I'm so glad I finally got to hear you play just two months before you passed away. You had it going all the way until the end, Boss.

[@scribblehip]

your videos will probably become essential repertoire for the next generation of jazz musicians. Nobody puts them together like you do, because nobody has the materials!!!! Truly the most valuable gem on youtube, in regards to music. Thank you so much for your effort!!

[@PJMPercussion]

Great Brett, the beautiful thing about Maynard was that he never seemed to present himself nor act any greater than the person he was speaking to. My brother toured with him for a while and I had a chance to speak often with many of the guys "on the band" and they all agreed Maynard was a great guy to work with and for always willing to share. Thanks for the footage- and keep the faith. PJM III

[@theosgr8]

This first piece made me shiver

[@Truth614]

When I first heard Maynard, it was on an LP with his sextet. I never knew he played high. It was just straight up jazz. That music really swung.

[@VoodooDewey69]

Maynard was a monster , he had chops of steel and although he wasn't my type of artist , I was more into Lee Morgan and Miles style .He was still a force to be reckoned with .

[@IOLTA]

Maynard was a stud. Eleven different ways. A virtuoso, of couse - but a *great* human, even more. RIP.

[@terrystrand]

Takes my breath away....thanx for putting this vid together for us.

[@Jazzinger]

Thanks for this wonderful clip of Maynard. I can't wait to show Raj when he gets back from his gig. Raj taught Maynard's kids guitar in Ojai. Maynard was a great musician and man and we love his music. I always wondered if all the musicians he helped have kept in touch and how many there were. His bands were always great and hugely exciting. Thanks for all you do Bret!

[@jeffreyknowles2977]

Thanks for the video. To say this is inspiring is an understatement.

[@JazzVideoGuy]

My pleasure!

[@chuckdee121]

Great stuff. Maynard, of course, was on the bus, and it would be interesting hearing his times with Leary at the mansion!

[@japanjazzman]

Yeah, me and my buddies were nuts over Maynard in high school. I played tenor so I went ape-s___ over Sal Nistico. Hey Bret - never saw those shots of the young Miles. The first one is absolutely STUNNING.

[@adeduction]

Great video. gives viewers a clearer picture of what kind of person Miles Davis actually was at core. Saw both the Maynard Ferguson band with Larry Bunker, Joe Maini and others from the West Coast and the Miles Davis Quintet with Coltrane, etc. in Chicago in the late 50's at the Blue Note & Modern Jazz Room. Both clubs had Sunday Matinees where kids could attend.For $1.50 cover you got 2 1/2 hours music, 2 cokes & all the autographs you could garner. Wish I could go back & do it all over again.

[@ResonanceMG]

This is one of the best youtube videos I've ever seen. Bravo! Many thanks for sharing!

[@ZombieBabyDoll]

Beautiful interview, had the pleasure of hearing him live a couple times, when he was on tour and came through our little town of Lawrence, KS in the late 70's. My oldest brother is still performing around the Chicago area, he plays trombone mainly and his son plays a mean trumpet and has his trumpet degree. Maynard Ferguson and Bill Chase were very big influences on him. He can wail on the trumpet too and sounds incredible, last name Keen. Really enjoyed this, thanks for posting it!

[@tomkelly5495]

Thank you so much for sharing , Not only is Maynard a great musician but he seems like a genuinely nice person also !

[@JazzVideoGuy]

+Tom Kelly Absolutely. Maynard HELPed countless musicians.

[@warvandal3443]

I was too young to catch him, but Maynard played in my hometown Manchester UK, in the 60s. A place called the 42 club. I heard he was dressed in buckskin and raised the roof every night he played. Must have been something but Damn! I was too young for the 60s grrrr!

[@junkyman2]

What an amazing interview--thanx for posting this.

[@ctouchton712]

Great video. Thank you for sharing this!

[@MrBoblangan]

played at my high school in East Stroudsburg Pa. 76-77 or so amazing

[@BMuse]

Thank you so much for this post.

[@DYNODRUM]

Many More Maynard ,Bless you

[@supershoreman]

Signature moment for me a now defunct place on Eggert Rd in Buffalo Fall of 1958 and Maynards band shoehorned in and played 3 Foxes. Still dig it.

[@viniguitarjazz]

very good !perfect trumpetist!

[@jonmathis]

Terrific!! Thanks!!

[@paulcombs-bomuse6172]

When I was 13, I got Mile’s autograph, and he was very nice, as were the rest of the band, ‘Trane, Winton, Paul, and Jimmy. Unfortunately, I lost those autographs in a sad turn of events that I would rather not talk about. I thought Miles was just concentrating on the music, and felt no offense at his often not facing the audience, nor did I sense any offense from the audience around me.

[@JazzVideoGuy]

You saw Miles and Trane when you were 13? What I love changing experience!

[@paulcombs-bomuse6172]

@@JazzVideoGuyI am a life-long musician. Yes, it certainly reinforced my desire to make music.

[@whippja]

Loved the video,thanks

[@winfriedzinser342]

Great Sir, thanks for this!

[@rayoll]

thanks Bret..that was really cool

[@dasglasperlenspiel10]

This is great!

[@Toracube]

Great post. Thanks faved and shared to my pals.

[@TheTkirk]

Thank you Thank you THANK YOU!!!

[@Groovebone]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@skullamus]

cool .loved it. thanx

[@Baritone45]

Cool interview, JazzGuy

[@pirihern9329]

From the corazon much thanks

[@IOLTA]

JVG - thanks again.

[@Bmants]

Great Post!

[@dunskie]

Great stuff. Thanks.

[@sellobodibe5888]

I am greatful that I am one of the few luck South African collector's who at a tender age was so luck to purchase MF music at a reasonable price. I have him playing Count Basie's " Everyday I Have the Blues" Joe William and LH&R parts are well done by MF on trumpet and that is one of my precious collection.

[@reggiewatkinsmusic]

This is Great.

[@mariogmusic]

what a lesson!!!

[@beagleman123456789]

Greatest

[@JazzVideoGuy]

One of the greatest musicians, and people.

[@JazzVideoGuy]

I haven't picked up a trumpet since 1984.

[@JazzVideoGuy]

@ValB222 A most remarkable man, one of my teenage heros.

[@bedlam6666]

I grew up believing that Maynard "couldn't swing," or was a sell out (his Rocky stuff pissed off people, I guess). But one day I saw "Maynard Ferguson's Jazz All-Stars at Lincoln Center. It featured him, The Marsalis brothers, Ron Carter---basically the jazz hall of fame. Let me tell you...Ferguson blew away Marsalis, and not by hitting high notes. He sounded like Miles, and other greats that did "swing." Marsalis was embarrassed and you could tell. Cool Jazz Festival, 1984, NYC. Go look it up.

[@i002492]

What a GREAT video! I've forwarded the link to Lynn Nicholson. I'll let you know what he says.

[@UMAMIMAMU]

"I knew you weren't all white!". Hilarious! Great video of an awesome man talking about another awesome man.

[@trumpetsingerman]

maynard forever

[@horowizard]

Maynard. Love him or hate him, he was a freak.

[@luisarmandoroche919]

Maynard is a hi guy!

[@JazzVideoGuy]

@centervilletn One of the most amazing people who has ever inhabited this planet.

[@Kridesaxguy]

He was my hero too. K

[@emilram]

Eliso 42,has presented the only observation worth considering.

[@JazzVideoGuy]

Opening and closing music: Blue Birdland

[@Grillhorn]

@boricuatrumpet69 I would agree with you regarding freddie in the 60's... after that it was "bad freddie" in the upper register

[@rollorhodes]

Gem

[@tommy33355]

im not sure you guys heard what happened at 1:19 correctly.

[@lovelutefisk]

IS HOT CANARY ANYWHERE ON HERE???.....MAN THE MEMORIES

[@ronwooden2002]

Hmmm.....I'm thinking......... Maynard has "blown" the top of my head off as well!

[@JazzVideoGuy]

Honestly, never. I stopped playing twenty years ago.

[@freddiefringe]

Just posted a rare Charlie Barnet version of 'Over the Rainbow' featuring Maynard Ferguson - may want to check it out.

[@miltonchiarelli4569]

thank goodness for the global archives called internet

[@NtropyPyroductions]

@lovelutefisk That was Dizzy, dude. I don't know if maynard did his own cover, but I don't think so.

[@twwallace]

Cause he was the best trumpet player in the world.