M.F. Horn 4&5: Live At Jimmy's
Maynard Ferguson · 1974
63 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A vibrant showcase of big band jazz infused with electrifying solos and complex arrangements, celebrating the spirit of live performance.
Top tracks — play these first
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MacArthur Park — This track exemplifies Ferguson's ability to transform a pop classic into an orchestral masterpiece, featuring intricate arrangements and powerful brass sections that captivate audiences.
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Teonova Start here — The opening track sets an exciting tone for the album with its bold horn lines and rhythmic complexity, showcasing Ferguson's signature high-energy style.
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Stay Loose With Bruce — This composition highlights the ensemble's improvisational skills, blending playful melodies with tight harmonies, making it a standout performance during the live recording.
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Two for Otis — This track pays tribute to fellow musician Otis Spann and features rich solos that display both emotional depth and technical prowess, embodying the essence of jazz expression.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album presents strong compositions and skilled performances but lacks a cohesive narrative across its runtime.
What we noticed
- The album features extended improvisations, with several tracks exceeding eight minutes, allowing musicians to explore themes in depth.
- Each piece showcases a prominent brass section, often trading solos among trumpet and trombone players, creating a dynamic interplay.
- The set includes both original compositions and arrangements of standards, blending them seamlessly into the performance.
- 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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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- energetic live performance atmosphere
- extended improvisational moments
- infectious brass-led celebration
- dynamic pacing with surprises
- nostalgic yet lively arrangements
Maybe skip if you
- prefer studio polish over live
- dislike lengthy instrumental passages
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — This live album showcases Ferguson's energetic performances, cherished by dedicated fans.
- Career context
- By 1974, Maynard Ferguson was transitioning into a prominent leader in the big band jazz scene following his success with 'M.F. Horn 3.' This album captures a period of creative vitality as he melded elements of hard bop and jazz fusion while performing live, solidifying his reputation as a dynamic trumpeter and bandleader.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Buddy Rich· Chuck Mangione· Doc Severinsen
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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MacArthur Park
The arrangement shifts from lush orchestration to intense brass bursts, creating a dramatic contrast during the climactic moments of the piece.
These dynamic shifts not only enhance the emotional impact but also reflect Ferguson's mastery in orchestrating tension and release within a live context.
Tracklist
- 1 Teonova Start here 6:19
- 2 MacArthur Park 8:28
- 3 Left Bank Express 5:52
- 4 I’m Getting Sentimental Over You 4:47
- 5 Two for Otis 7:02
- 6 Stay Loose With Bruce 5:28
- 7 Nice ’n Juicy 10:00
- 8 The Fox Hunt 3:59
- 9 Got the Spirit 9:54
- 10 Blue Birdland 1:43
What to play next
Chameleon
1974
Continues the live energy and showcases more of Ferguson's innovative arrangements.
M.F. Horn 3
1973
Sets up the vibrant sound and themes explored in M.F. Horn 4&5.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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