Customer Reviews

Live From San Francisco

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am a trombonist and a fan of Maynard Ferguson. This live recording from 1983 has some of the best musicians Ferguson ever put together. Not only are there tallents shining in the performances themselves but in the fact that these musicians are talented arrangers and writers as well. If you are a fan of jazz and big-band, a student-musician, or a pro-musician, you will love this CD. On the technical side of it, this recording is of amazing quality for it's time...you would guess that it was recorded in 100% digital because of the clarity (remember, 1983...).

I attended a concert on this tour in 1985 (though not in San Francisco) and the album is a faithful reprodution, except for the greatest hits portion, of course! The music is energetic, powerfully played, and incredible. I have a couple of Maynard's older live albums, but this one is my favorite. The interplay between Maynard and Denis DiBlasio is awesome. I had the record and searched for the CD for years until finding it released recently. If you are any sort of fan of Maynard Ferguson, this album is a must-have! It makes me remember those days when Maynard's was the not only the best, but the only big band still playing for the sheer joy of playing music. Thanks, Maynard for an unforgettable, inspirational career.

Just listen to "Lush Life" !! It will completely blow you away!!
R.I.P. Mr. Ferguson..

this is perhaps the best MF cd i have ever heard. This cd provides great arrangments, mainly by Dennis DiBlasio, and extend from funk, chant, latin, to hardcore bebop. The excitement picks up heavily on Coconut Champagne, one of my new favorite latin songs of all time. The song comes hard with an extremely exciting bari sax solo and an amazing drum solo by the always impressive greg bissonette. lush life provides a very maynard outlook on a slow and beautiful ballad. south 21st shuffle provides a nice little bluesy tune. the highlight of the entire cd for me is bebop buffet, with an variety of bebop songs put into one. the trombone solos provide some of the best sounding 'bones you might ever hear. and finally, the cd gives maynard and dennis a chance to sing on a hilarious, yet absolutely fun version of sunny side of the street. its too bad he didnt hit that one note on the song though. all in all, you should buy this albulm.

I got this CD because the tape I had this album on had worn out! There's the review! It is one of Maynard's best and bears repeat listening. It's GREAT!!

Maynard was at his highest level of musicianship during the MF Horn years, including the Chameleon album. The disco/studio recordings he made after Chameleon were just commercialized junk. I remember buying the albums as they came out and found myself being very disappointed. This Live from San Fran album reminds me of the great bands he had in the 1970's. This is probably one of the last recordings when Maynard used 2 bones and 3 saxophones. It was a joy to hear an MF "full-sized" band, again. Maynard's performance is strong. For some reason, this album reminds me of MF Horn 3.

In my opinion, this is the best live recording of MF ever! It took place in the early 80's, right when Maynard was coming out of the disco series. All of the songs on this album are beautifully recorded and performed by Maynard and his best.

Dennis DiBlasio plays his great Bari Sax on this like non other album that I have ever heard. COCONUT CHAMPAIGN is one of his greatest. BeBOP BUFFET has great sections of the most popular bebop songs of our time, including: A Night in Tunisia, Take the A Train, and Salt Peanuts. Denis also does an amazing scat part in this song.

GANESHA is a great funk song from when Maynard was in India.

Maynard does one of the best but weirdest versions of SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET.

Finally, LUSH LIFE is the coolest balad of Maynard's. It's get's really weird, really fast. He, of course, brings it back to baladness.

This album has is all. Lots of rhythm, blues and Maynard's famous high notes. I think it may also be that he performs his absolute BEST when he is live. Thanks, Maynard.. Whenever I need a jumpstart to my day, I listen to your energizing music.

This album is truly a masterpiece. If you're a fan of Maynard Feruguson and his Big Band, or even if you're not--if you like the high-octane sort of jazz that Ferguson brings to the table, this is really a must-have. Denis DiBlasio (resident bari sax player/arranger/scat vocalist) comes through with the best track on the disc, "Coconut Champagne." His frantic and the double bass drum pedal on the drum solo carry the song above any of the other tracks. "Bebop Buffet" is an enjoyable medley of a set of bop tunes, with a particularly enjoyable rendition of Dizzy's "Salt Peanuts" by Denis on scat vocal. "On the Sunny Side Of The Street" is a bit awkward at times, but manages to swing really well with Maynard putting his trumpet down and singing (to be joined by, guess who--Denis once again). "Ganesha", the final track on the album, is an interesting mix of funk, jazz, and some sort of chant--from my naive and uneducated ear I'd say it was Native American. Buy this album before any other Maynard album.

This CD kicks from one end to the other! "Fireshaker" is an explosive blend of funk, jazz, and pure soul. The Bissonette brothers (Matt-bass, Greg-Drums) along with Ron Pedly (keyboards) provide a powerful rhythm section that compliments an outstanding horn section. One highlight(of many)on this recording is "Coconut Champagne". Kudos to Dennis DiBlasio for writing this tune. A must have