M.F. Horn Two
Maynard Ferguson · 1972
41 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A vibrant showcase of jazz fusion, blending powerful brass with intricate rhythms and emotive melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Give It One Start here — The opening track sets an energetic tone with its catchy melody and showcases Ferguson's signature trumpet style, drawing listeners into the album's vibrant atmosphere.
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Theme From "Shaft" — This cover highlights Ferguson's ability to reinterpret popular music through a jazz lens, infusing the iconic theme with exhilarating brass arrangements and dynamic solos.
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Hey Jude — Ferguson's take on this classic demonstrates his skill in transforming rock ballads into expansive jazz pieces, balancing poignant melodies with lush orchestration.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album blends vibrant brass arrangements with intricate rhythms, showcasing Ferguson's jazz fusion style.
What we noticed
- The opening track 'Give It One' sets an energetic tone with fast-paced brass lines that are maintained throughout most of 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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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
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 pacing with gradual buildup
- vibrant arrangements for engaged listening
- catchy melodies for sing-alongs
- energetic tracks for lively moments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, standalone songs
- seek slow, introspective pieces
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Ferguson's reputation in jazz after the success of M.F. Horn.
- Themes
- brass-driven energy· popular music reinterpretation· high-octane performances
- Career context
- M.F. Horn Two is Maynard Ferguson's follow-up to the successful M.F. Horn, released in 1971. At this point in his career, he was solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in jazz, particularly known for his high-energy performances and innovative arrangements that appealed to both jazz aficionados and mainstream audiences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Buddy Rich· Chuck Mangione· Doc Severinsen
Tracklist
- 1 Give It One Start here 3:32
- 2 Country Road 4:40
- 3 Theme From "Shaft" 4:56
- 4 Theme From "Summer of '42" 4:05
- 5 Mother 5:47
- 6 Spinning Wheel 4:26
- 7 Free Wheeler 6:57
- 8 Hey Jude 7:30
What to play next
M.F. Horn 3
1973
Continues the vibrant jazz fusion with rich brass and dynamic arrangements.
M.F. Horn
1970
Sets the stage for the energetic sound and style found in M.F. Horn Two.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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