Chameleon - Maynard Ferguson (1974)

"Chameleon" is a jazz standard composed by Herbie Hancock in collaboration with Bennie Maupin, Paul Jackson and Harvey Mason. One of the more notable of the many cover versions of the song is the title track of a 1974 album by Maynard Ferguson. Walter Maynard Ferguson (May 4, 1928 August 23, 2006) was a Canadian jazz trumpet player and bandleader. He came to prominence playing in Stan Kenton's orchestra, before forming his own band in 1957. He was famous for being able to play accurately in a remarkably high register, and for his bands, which served as stepping stones for up-and-coming talent. Ferguson was one of a handful of virtuoso musicians/bandleaders to survive the end of the big band era and the rise of rock and roll. He demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to the musical trends that evolved from the 1940s through the 2000s. Ferguson's albums show an evolution from big band swing, bebop, cool jazz, Latin, to jazz/rock fusion with classical and operatic influences. Through his devotion to music education in America, Ferguson was able to impart the spirit of his jazz playing and technique to scores of amateur and professional trumpeters during the many Master Classes he held throughout his long career. Ferguson designed and popularized two unique instruments, the 'Firebird' and the 'Superbone'. The Firebird was similar to a trumpet, but had the valves played with the left hand instead of the right and a trombone-style slide played with the right hand. The Superbone was another hybrid instrument, which was fundamentally a trombone with additional valves played with the left hand. Ferguson regularly incorporated Indian instruments and influences in albums and concerts. He was not the first trumpeter to play in the extreme upper register, but he had a unique ability to play high notes with full, rich tone, power, and musicality. While regarded by some as showboating, Ferguson's tone, phrasing and vibrato was instantly recognizable and has been influential on and imitated by generations of amateur and professional trumpet players. Although some had believed that Ferguson was endowed with exceptional facial musculature, he often shared in interviews that his command of the upper registers was based mostly on breath control, something he had discovered as a youngster in Montreal. Ferguson also attributed the longevity of his demanding bravura trumpet technique through his later years to the spiritual and yoga studies he pursued while in India. This channel is dedicated to the classic jazz music you've loved for years. The smokin' hot, icy cool jams that still make you tap your feet whenever you hear them . . . Cool Jazz is here!

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[WarriorMigs24]

I saw Maynard Feruson live the best. Godspeed and RIP

[rubiksdude555]

sad he died

[CaiaphasFlag]

One of my favorite notes of all time happen at 2:29!

[jasonmit]

Got this album on vinyl. One of his best works in my opinion, well in his Fusion days at least.

Yeah, Maynard was the man. Artists these day can't compete so they try to copy.

[MrMam16]

I wish i cud of met him.