Customer Reviews

Buddy Rich & Maynard Ferguson Play Selections From West Side Story & Other Delights

5 star:		(2)
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Unfortunately Buddy and Maynard do not perform together on this CD. It's a compilation of tracks from previously released work by each performer. For MF fans, what makes this title worth the price(and a bargin at that!) is that the 3 tracks contributed by MF (Maria, Got The Spirit, At The Sound Of the Trumpet)are actually from the "Maynard and Gustav" session. The original Lp containing these three tracks has always been rare, and is therefore highly desireable for MF collectors. For most fans, this is the only way to acquire these performances. The music is average MF from the late 60's. Not necessarily outstanding, unless you're like most MF fans that believe that everything he has recorded is outstanding, which it usually is!

Given the rarity of the tracks and low price, it's a must have for all MF collectors. The Buddy Rich tracks are average @Best, but when you're talking about Buddy Rich, his average is better than most people's finest!

What can I say, as a lifelong fan of these two artists, in my opinion this is some of the best music by either of them. Buddy solos with tons of energy, in his classic rudimental style. "West Side Story" gets pretty funky, very nice. Maynard's no slouch either. I like him best when he really attacks the piece, playing way out in front of the band. He does a nice job of it on "Maria" and "At the Sound of the Trumpet." Kind of a weird solo interpretation on "Got The Spirit," but it is such an excellent tune and rich arrangement that the band carries the day anyway. But the ridiculous part of this disc is, despite the title, at no time do the two guys play together! Half of the CD is Buddy's band, the other half is Maynard's. Clearly the title and the cover give the impression that they collaborated on it, but not so. Do you believe that audacity? Whatever, they each (independently) come forth with that great, high-energy, dynamic, fat big-band sound. If you don't mind Buddy indulging in a little cheesy 70s disco wa-wa-peddled guitar every now and then, you will be happy with it.

This is another of Ferguson's tasty album compilation recordings! Several years ago, I was talking to a cat I met on the road, and he mentioned that when Ferguson recorded these tracks, you can actually hear Ferguson break the microphone during the actual recording when he plays an "A" above the staff. Whether this is true, makes this part of folklore. Maynard actually plays so loud, that the recording is really distorted. Those Telefunkin microphones aren't really all, they are cracked up to be? The track "Maria" is priceless!!!!! And "Got the Spirit" will exercise those demons!!!!! This show is dfinitely worth the price of admission.

I played the actual Rich score in school and it was the hardest piece I've ever played. The lead trumpet part is for real screamers. To this day I have not found anything quite as amazing to play at any level. From the opening line to Somewhere to the beautiful Maria, this is the best piece for any group to test your skills and chops.

one of the best trumpet songs of all time.