Customer Reviews

Hot

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As with all of Maynard Ferguson's late-Seventies/early Eighties output, it's important to recognize the context in which "Hot" was recorded. Most importantly, remember that this is an album released in the wake of MF's "Rocky" hit-making heyday - so it includes rather agonizing tunes like "Rocky II Disco", featuring Stallone on grunts and punching bag (!). But this album, on CD for the first time, is a must-own if for nothing else but the gorgeous version of John Coltrane's "Naima" - the arrangement soars, and Maynard's playing is beautiful on both flugelhorn and trumpet. Just be sure to hit the stop button at the end of the tune, though, or you'll be subjected to "Topa Topa Woman"...

Even as a Maynard fan, I find this one hard to enjoy. There are a couple good tracks: Gabriel, which is clearly a follow-up to Maynard's successful "Gospel John" on the Chameleon album; and Naima, which is a very good ballad. But Rocky II (also an attempt to build on an earlier success) and Star Trek in disco are painful experiences. As always, the band and Maynard are in fine form, even if the tunes aren't that interesting.

So, if you're a Maynard fan, this one can easily join your collection, but if you're taking a first look at Maynard, start somewhere else!

It's worth it just for Gabriel. Love the bridge where he rips that high note. It's vintage Maynard. The ballad is great too. As to the other tunes, you have to listen to them with a different expectation. Don't be a jazz snob. The whole beauty on MF is that he went his own way, despite the snobs saying he had a bad tone. He can play disco, whatever he wants, that's how good this guy is. No other trumpet player has even come close to how he plays. I was impressed with Walter White though when they played the Fox Hunt together.

Ok, as a lifetime Maynard Fan, I have to say, skip the pathetic Rocky II Disco - the sequel is never as good as the original. Gabriel soars and is joyous to experience. Maynard, the great experimenter pulls off some interesting Indian magic with Om Sai Ram, you just have to change gears and get into the mystical mindset for this one. As with most Maynard albums there is plenty of variety here - Star Trek is great, but since it was released earlier I think it just acts as filler here, Columbia brass were probably trying to push around Maynard's bras a little too much on this one. Day Ride is enjoyable and Naima is fantastic, but Topa-Topa Woman is wonderous - in that it makes you wonder who in their right mind would put this on an album.

Kevin Brett
CEO, Kevin Brett Studios, Inc.
Author: "The Way of the Martial Artist: Achieving Success in Martial Arts and in Life"
The Way of the Martial Artist: Achieving Success in Martial Arts and in Life!

Producer: The Art of Intelligent Driving (DVD)
The Art of Intelligent Driving