Boy With Lots Of... BRASS

Excellent Maynard playing as usual. The only thing is I wish there were more Maynard solos and lead playing. A very nice record none the less.

Another vintage album from Maynard's finest era has made it to CD. In addition to Maynard's brilliant playing on trumpet and valve trombone, this 1957 session features brilliant arrangements by Willie Maiden, Al Cohn, Bill Holman, and Ernie Wilkins. The 12 tracks (including four that feature vocalist Irene Kral) come from the songbooks of popular composers such as the Gershwin brothers, Rogers & Hart, Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein, Johnny Mercer, and others. The selections have plenty to offer for both jazz listeners and lovers of danceable big band music.Four tracks on this CD also appeared on the 1996 Verve CD release "Jazz Masters 52 - Maynard Ferguson": "The Lamp Is Low," "Love Me or Leave Me," "Moonlight in Vermont," and "Easy to Love." Also, the same arrangement of "My Funny Valentine" is on the "Live at Peacock Lane Hollywood" CD, although that's a different recording from a live performance.The sound is clear but the tracks are mono. This may not seem unusual for mid-1950s recordings, but the four duplicate tracks on the Verve CD have very distinct stereo separation, which would seem to indicate that the original session was done in stereo.As of this writing, Amazon apparently has stopped carrying this CD in its own inventory, instead referring buyers to alternate vendors. I ordered it from Titan Music for a decent price and received it in a week.

This is my favorite record of the Maynard collection.Crystal clear trumpetplaying.Great tunes.Heartly recommended.If you buy one Maynard cd,buy this one.

Five for the music. Three for the digital transfers. Is this the best you can do?

There are two CLEARLY different versions of this record. The more popular (and slightly earlier) release in mono (with the more Jazz friendly cover, a photo of Maynard) and the later release in Stereo. I'm not certain exactly what the story is on these sessions, but the fade outs and endings are slightly different between the mono and stereo versions. The Stereo version has slightly more analog reverb. (Suggesting fake stereo) BUT there are many instances of soloists and sections being hard panned left or right. Some dislike it, but I prefer the stereo version, and as pointed out by another reviewer, the Stereo takes released on "JazzMasters 52" sound excellent. So.....what about it Universal? You've reissued everything except THIS record. What's it gonna take?

If you're looking for thousands of high notes...this is not the place.Although there are MANY exceptional passages from the master of the stratosphere , this is Maynard playing WITH a band , not a band backing Maynard. Most of the musicians get a chance to shine on these fine arrangements , and the results are very rewarding in terms of listening gratification. That was one of Maynard's finer points as a leader. He always knew his fan base wanted to hear him scream , but he balanced his playing with that of the members of his band. Probably why he garnishes the respect from everyone ever associated with him. If you're a Maynard fan , add this to your collection. Put it on when you want just a tasteful sprinkle of Maynard.

for any fan of the Ferguson band during his Roulette years, of which i am happy to say i own all of those original LPs,this album is a must. Although my mono version lacks some of the fidelity that. stereo offers, this is still a great album to make part of your collection. A very tight band with exceptional arrangements. Also, a few songs by a very young Irene Kral.

First heard this album in 1957, Had the L.P. and finally found this CD needless to say I think this is a great album.