Solar Bell

With the confirmed announcement of Maynard's passing, why don't we share some of our thoughts or stories of this great trumpet player.



-cw-

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Chuck Willard
The Willard of Oz

"Don't be afraid to see what you see."
Ronald Reagan

bandman

I’m sitting here is stunned silence – I don’t want to believe this news. Maynard was a childhood idol of mine – a man who was bigger than life in my world. My friends and I would get together starting in 8th grade and listen to his albums.

I’ve known guys who played with him, and had the chance to meet him on several occasions. He was just kewl! I hope he’s not gone, but if he is I know that I had the chance to “experience” live one the of the greatest that will ever live. You didn’t listen to Maynard play a concert – it was an experience. You could feel his playing like few others who have ever touched the horn.

I’m still choosing to trust that this is just a rumor. I have not seen an official media release on his death, but this does make me realize what an enormous impact he had on my life as a musician.


Okay -- I just saw the media release. I'm stunned -- I'm just sorry he had to pass. May he rest in peace.

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Siegtrmpt

Aside from his legendary trumpet style and abilities the thing I admired most about Maynard was his obvious zest for life. Long after most people his age hung up whatever they did Maynard was on the road living life to the fullest playing music and connecting with young and old alike. What a great way to have lived.

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Bill S.- NY Bach 6, 38 Mt. Vernon 43 Bach "C" cornet, NY Bach trombone 6vii Monette mouthpieces

GordonH

This is sad news.

I remember some of the young brass players from Glasgow presenting him with a Ferguson tartan scarf at the stage door of the theatre. He went on stage wearing it but then tied it round his flugel and played like that for most of the concert (he was going through a big flugel period then).

scream machine

Heaven just got a new lead player. I'll miss you maynard, I know your watching over me. Today before I found out, I was really on. Then something amazing happend. I started just nailing double and even triple c's! I now know that maynard was watching over me. Thank you for everything you've done.....boss.

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"I'm not a fighting man, but I really wasted that cat."- Maynard ferguson

gtromble

I loved Maynard and everything he stood for -- touring on the road, playing live for people, bringing young musicians into the business, and most of all, enjoying the hell out of what he did.

I'd heard Maynard's recordings since the 60's, but first saw him live in Seattle just a few years ago. I was seated at the first table in front of the stage -- about 5 feet from the end of his horn -- what a Blast that was!

Since then I'm gone to see Maynard and the BBN whenever I could, most recently in May. I'm sorry that I won't get another chance, but I'll always
remember the energy, charisma, and positive energy that he emanated. Truly one of a kind, and a man who exemplified the saying "Do what you love, and love what you do."

Galen

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Galen Tromble
Silver Spring, MD

highbrass

A friend of mine just emailed me this morning about Maynard's passing. I'm feeling sad that I never got a chance to hear him perform live. He was our idol in high school and inspired a lot of "screaming contests" apres marching practices. So imagine our thrill when our band director pulled out some Maynard charts in jazz band for us to perform in upcoming concerts. And although he is primarily known for the high-note playing, MF was also very capable of lyrical playing, IMHO. May you rest in peace, Boss.


Liz

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"I'd like to think they were singing about something so beautiful, it can't be expressed in words, and makes your heart ache because of it."

~from "The Shawshank Redemption"

Vessehune

I just recently found out about Maynard’s passing. It is extremely moving to me because I know I would not be where I am today with out Maynard. I was in high school and really had no direction. I wasn’t really into band yet and had no plans for the future. My band teacher let me borrow a Maynard cassette form him, Maynard Ferguson (Columbia) release, and my life changed. I suddenly found out how exciting trumpet and music in general could be. My life took a new direction and I knew from then on that I had to be involved in music in my life. My life has gone through many different twists and turns, but I recently graduated with my Bachelors of Music and I am starting my first year as a band teacher. All this thanks to one man on one tape.

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---Brian P. Vessey---
Horn: Calichhio 1s7 Ultra; Large Bore
Mouthpiece: Out on Safari

upoils

I also found out today that The Boss has passed away. So much of his sound is permanently locked in my brain-- sounds from his horn come to me at times and still send chills up my spine... we are truly fortunate that Maynard recorded so much music, and so much of it full of life, energy, and passion. Although I only heard Maynard live a few times, those are cherished memories. One was at a small trumpet clinic where he had his trumpet section (Lin Biviano, lead) demonstrating Give It One -- wow!

-Ken

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http://www.ultrapureoils.com
http://www.myspace.com/ultrapureoils
ken "at" ultrapureoils.com

40cal

I don't think there are many trumpeters of my generation that had not heard of Maynard. I can remember listening to tapes of him, dumbfounded as to how someone could do what he did so well.

Rip some screamers from above brother.



RIP

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