Anchormensemble: Tribute to Maynard Ferguson

The Anchormen Ensemble from Elland, West Yorkshire are proud to present a tribute concert on Saturday 19th April 2008 in memory of the life and music of the legendary jazz trumpeter and musician Maynard Ferguson, who inspired a generation of trumpet players worldwide and who sadly passed away in Ventura, California, on 23rd August 2006. He was 78 years of age. Born in Montreal, Maynard started his career at age 11 performing as a featured soloist with the Canadian Broadcasting Company Orchestra. He went on to play with many great Big Bands including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie and Stan Kenton before starting his own band in 1945 at age 17. He recorded more than 60 albums, and his version of the Rocky theme, "Gonna Fly Now," was a top-10 pop hit in 1978 and earned him one of his three Grammy nominations.

Maynard took trumpet playing to a new level and was famously known for his screaming power in the high octaves and could reach a high double C with regular ease. His contribution to bringing big band music to the masses has been unmatched. An unselfish musician, his support for fellow musicians was genuine and true. In 2005, Maynard performed sold-out shows in New York and London, recording his penultimate album with his Big Bop Nouveau Band, at Ronnie Scotts, London which was released after his death at the end of 2006.

The Anchormen Ensemble is an all brass ensemble which captures the essence of a Maynard Ferguson performance. Their high octave trumpet section blends with baritone horns and mellophoniums, made famous by the Stan Kenton Orchestra in the 1950’s.
Accompanied by a driving rhythm section, their Maynard Ferguson tribute repertoire includes some "MF" favourites such as Danny Boy, MacArthur Park and Hey Jude all played and performed with that unique Maynard style. 

This latest performance comes on the back of an already successful preview performance the Priestley Theatre in Bradford in November 2007, and promises to be a very enjoyable evening, leaving the listeners asking for more. 

To book tickets, priced at a modest £10, please call the LBT on 01484 430528 or visit their website www.lawrencebatleytheatre.co.uk