A Message from Newport
Maynard Ferguson · 1958
44 min · 9 tracks · jazz
A vibrant tapestry of hard bop that intertwines intricate melodies with dynamic brass harmonies and infectious rhythms.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Fugue Start here — This track opens the album with complex counterpoint and showcases Ferguson's skillful trumpet lines, setting an energetic tone for the entire record.
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Fan It, Janet — With its playful melody and lively rhythm, this track exemplifies Ferguson's ability to create engaging jazz tunes that invite audience participation.
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Slide's Derangement — The lengthy improvisational sections highlight both the band's cohesion and Ferguson's prowess, making it a standout piece that emphasizes the album's adventurous spirit.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album displays strong compositions and vibrant brass arrangements, though it lacks a cohesive narrative arc.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of brass instrumentation, with the trumpet often taking the lead over a backdrop of saxophones and rhythm section.
- Each track showcases complex arrangements that shift between intricate melodies and improvisational sections, allowing for dynamic interplay among musicians.
- The tempo varies significantly across tracks, with several pieces maintaining an upbeat pace while others explore slower, more contemplative themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady rhythmic journey throughout
- vibrant energy for gatherings
- engaging arrangements for detail lovers
- playful interludes and playful themes
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- avoid complex arrangements
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album helped establish Ferguson's reputation in the jazz scene.
- Career context
- In 1958, Maynard Ferguson was emerging as a prominent figure in jazz, having gained recognition for his powerful trumpet playing and innovative arrangements. This album followed his successful release of 'Maynard Ferguson's Jazz at the Newport' and showcased his ability to blend traditional jazz elements with modern influences, solidifying his reputation within the genre during a pivotal time in his career.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Buddy Rich· Chuck Mangione· Doc Severinsen
Tracklist
- 1 The Fugue Start here 3:28
- 2 Fan It, Janet 3:15
- 3 The Waltz 4:05
- 4 And We Listened 5:44
- 5 Tag Team 5:08
- 6 Slide's Derangement 7:55
- 7 Humbug 3:30
- 8 Frame for the Blues 6:54
- 9 Three Little Foxes 4:01
What to play next
Maynard Ferguson Plays Jazz for Dancing
1959
Continues the vibrant energy with danceable rhythms and engaging brass arrangements.
Swingin' My Way Through College
1958
Sets the stage with a similar lively hard bop style that leads into Newport's dynamic sound.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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