Released 70 years ago
Around the Horn with Maynard Ferguson
Maynard Ferguson · 1956
39 min · 12 tracks · jazz
Brassy and exuberant, this album blends vibrant big band arrangements with Maynard Ferguson's signature high-register trumpet flair.
Top tracks — play these first
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Mrs. Pitlack Regrets Start here — Opening the album with a playful yet sophisticated arrangement, this track sets the tone for Ferguson's vibrant sound and showcases his technical prowess on the trumpet.
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Pork Pie — This piece features intricate brass harmonies and an infectious rhythm, exemplifying Ferguson's skill in blending traditional big band elements with modern jazz influences.
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Dream Boat — The melodic lines and lush orchestration highlight Ferguson's ability to create emotionally resonant music while maintaining an upbeat tempo, making it a standout within the album.
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Open Sesame — With its catchy hooks and dynamic interplay between instruments, this track perfectly encapsulates the energetic style that defines much of Ferguson's work during this period.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong brass arrangements and engaging dynamics, solidifying Ferguson's influence in jazz.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of brass instrumentation, with trumpet solos frequently taking the lead over rich big band arrangements.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, creating dynamic contrasts between sections and maintaining listener engagement.
- The last three tracks feature slower tempos that allow for more melodic exploration, providing a contrast to the high-energy pieces earlier in the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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
Significant within its genre. 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 mid-tempo grooves
- invigorating brass arrangements
- for lively gatherings
- ideal for afternoon relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, introspective music
- seek minimalistic soundscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album helped popularize hard bop and established Ferguson's reputation in jazz.
- Career context
- By the time of its release in 1956, Maynard Ferguson had already established himself as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, following his work with Stan Kenton. 'Around the Horn with Maynard Ferguson' was his first album after forming his own big band, showcasing his innovative approach to jazz that would further define his career trajectory.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Buddy Rich· Chuck Mangione· Doc Severinsen
Tracklist
- 1 Mrs. Pitlack Regrets Start here 3:11
- 2 Never You Mind 3:28
- 3 Pork Pie 3:27
- 4 Dream Boat 2:51
- 5 Well, Hardly Ever 3:26
- 6 The Roamin' Showman 3:05
- 7 Dancing Nitely 3:11
- 8 Ain't Life Grand 3:11
- 9 Idyll 3:17
- 10 Open Sesame 3:08
- 11 C'est La Blues 3:57
- 12 Wildman 3:12
What to play next
Boy with Lots of Brass
1957
Continues the brassy exuberance with a focus on big band arrangements.
Maynard Ferguson Octet
1955
Sets the stage for Ferguson's vibrant trumpet style and energy.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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