Maynard Ferguson

Maynard Ferguson - jazz legend, internationally famous big band leader and one of the world's great trumpet and brass instrument players, is now in his fourth decade as a leader with a constantly changing band. Maynard Ferguson is always experimenting on the edge of what's happening and approaches his music as a constant adventure.

Maynard Ferguson had his own jazz and dance band at 16. All the players were twice his age except his brother, Percy. By 1948, Maynard had made his debut in the U.S. in Boyd Raeburn's band and the first of three major career periods had begun. In the 50's, he played with Charlie Barnett and Jimmy Dorsey dazzling the jazz world with his high trumpet blasts in the Stan Kenton band. After Kenton, for the next three, he was first-call studio trumpeter and recorded film soundtracks for Paramount including The Ten Commandments. Guesting with symphony conductor Leonard Bernstein in 1955, Maynard Ferguson performed the "Titans" by William Russo, with the New York Philharmonic.

The recording of "Gonna Fly Now" from Rocky catapulted Maynard into "Pop" popularity with a top 10 single, a gold album, and one of his three Grammy nominations in 1978. Maynard accomplished what no other jazz artist had. Says critic, Leonard Feather in a Los Angeles Times article: "Conquistador earned Ferguson a unique place in the big band world; he alone was able to crack the pop charts."

Meet the Band:

Patrick Hession- Trumpet was born on April 29, 1968, in Lafayette, Indiana and began playing trumpet at age twelve. Patrick enrolled at Ball State University in 1986, where he studied with trumpeters Paul Everett, Larry McWilliams and Jeff Anderson. In 1991, he won Outstanding Lead Trumpet at the Elmhurst College Jazz Festival with the Ball State University Jazz Ensemble I. Hession joined the Lionel Hampton Big Band as the third trumpeter in 1992, where he apprenticed the lead trumpet book with Tony Barrero. Hession then played lead and solo trumpet for Lionel Hampton on various tours over the next four years. In 1992, Hession accepted a full music scholarship to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he studied with trumpeters Michael "Rocky" Winslow, Tom Porrello, Bobby Shew, Stan Mark, Walt Blanton and William C. "Billy" Hodges. Patrick also studied with Keith Whitford, Bob Schlatter and Martha Ream.

In 1996, Hession joined The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, where he was the lead and feature trumpeter for almost three years. Hession then realized his dream in 2000, when he joined Maynard Ferguson's Big Bop Nouveau Band, where he has been the lead trumpeter for over the past five years. As well as being an active sideman, Hession has played with Marty Allen & Steve Rossi, Paul Anka, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Susan Anton, The Association, Randy Brecker, Ray Brown, Conte Candoli, Charo, Pete Christlieb, Denis DiBlasio, Vince DiMartino, The Temptations Review Featuring Dennis Edwards, Michael Feinstein, Carl Fontana, The Four Freshmen, The Four Tops, Heart, Steve Houghton, Jerry Lewis, Frank Mantooth, Rich Matteson, Rob McConnell, Don Menza & The Don Menza Big Band, The Mills Brothers, Bob Mintzer, The OJ's, Diane Reeves, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Rufus Reid, Mavis Rivers, Lalo Rodrigues, Ed Shaughnessy, Diane Schuur, Bobby Shew, Marvin Stamm, Dave Steinmeyer, Spyder Turner, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Ben Vereen, Joe Williams, Phil Woods Quintet, Snooky Young, the International Symphony Orchestra, recorded with Diane Schuur & Maynard Ferguson, "Swingin' for Schuur", 2001, Reggie Watkins, "A-List", 2004 and Kenneth Robinson's debut classical CD,"Festive Masterpieces for Trumpet and Organ", where Patrick played 2nd piccolo trumpet in A and 4th, 5th and 6th trumpet in G. He has authored a book in 2003, "For the sake of lead trumpet playing - HESSIONS SESSIONS Guide to consistent, reliable and sometimes, Invincible Chops!" Also in 2003, Patrick subbed on 3rd trumpet for "The Producers". In 2005, Patrick played lead trumpet for "The Rat Pack Returns in The Tribute to Frank, Joey & Dean". Hession plays Monette Trumpets and Mouthpieces exclusively and is a clinician for the David G. Monette Corporation.

Peter Ferguson- Trumpet
Peter Ferguson grew up in upstate New York performing with many different groups including Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus. Peter was also the musical director for the Great Escape Amusement Park Circus in Lake George, NY. Peter then went on to study with Lou Soloff at the State University of New York at Purchase. After college, Peter joined Carnival Cruise Lines, performing and conducting in their show bands onboard over ten different Carnival vessels. Peter went on to become a Musical Supervisor and band leader for Carnival Cruise Lines, and worked with them for eight years. Peter moved to Las Vegas in 1996 where he has performed in all the major venues, and with many headliners as well as local acts. In 1999, Peter joined Maynard Ferguson and Big Bop Nouveau, touring and recording for three years before returning to Las Vegas. Peter can be heard on the Concord release "Swingin For Schuur", featuring Diane Schurr, Maynard Ferguson, and Big Bop Nouveau. In 2005, Peter returned to Maynard Ferguson and Big Bop Nouveau, with which he is currently touring.

Kenneth G. Robinson - trumpet
Kenneth G. Robinson was born on December 26, 1967 and started playing trumpet at the age of 12. Mr. Robinson attended Interlochen Music camp in the summers during high school, where he was a concerto competition winner, and graduated from East Detroit High School in 1986. Mr. Robinson then attended Wayne State University on a full talent scholarship. In the spring of 1991, Mr. Robinson met and studied with his boyhood hero Maurice Andre at the New York Brass Conference. Some of Mr. Robinson's teachers also include Brian Moon, Jim Underwood, Armando Ghitalla, Walter White, Jerome Callet, Gordon Stump, Kevin Good and Bill Lucas.

Mr. Robinson has been featured in numerous TV and radio commercials as well as having performed and recorded with the Ann Arbor Symphony, Rochester Symphony, Warren Symphony, Michigan Opera Theatre, Musica Sacra, International Symphony, Moody Blues, Harry Belofonte, Kenny Rogers, Jerry Lewis, Frankie Ruiz, Lalo Rodriguez, Sponge, ICP, Snoop Dog, Josh Bramhall, Spyder Turner, The Temptations, The Ojay's, Reggie Watkins The A - List, and many more.

Jamie Hovorka- Trumpet
Jamie completed his Masters in Jazz Studies this spring from the University of North Texas, and was lead trumpet in the One O'Clock Lab Band from 2004-2005. Jamie has traveled the world with various jazz, classical, Latin, pop, and blues ensembles. Being from Vancouver, Canada, Jamie has been enjoying learning to say "huh" instead of "eh"!

Julio Monterray- Sax
Julio Monterrey was born in Managua, Nicaragua but left at a young age with his parents to Miami, Fl in search of political asylum and the American Dream. At the age of 15 he was introduced to the magic of song. Something drew Julio to the saxophone which has become the fountain of his inspiration. Jazz came soon after where he immersed himself in the classic recordings of Charley Parker, John Coltrane, Louie Armstrong and many others. While attending Florida International University, Gary Campbell and Mike Ortta were great influences in his musical beginnings. At this time Julio was also experimenting with his own acid jazz group, winning several local polls. In 1999 Julio was admired by the New School. A year later he found himself drawn back to his boyhood home of Miami where he has written and sold many highly acclaimed original compositions to a local record label. Julius is a lover of many styles of music and is always in search of fresh ideas.

Matt Parker- Tenor Sax
Matt was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, FL, where he picked up his first saxophone at the youthful age of 14. After graduating high school, Matt found himself in New York City - that sleepless American metropolis, wherein he could finally devote his practice to a unique collection of resources, energy, and culture. In this fertile yet chaotic arena, he acquired a degree in jazz performance from the New School. Matt has since played with artists such as David O' Rourke, Junior Mance, Phil Woods, and Reggie Workman to name a few. He carries a sundry pallet of both bold and delicate tones, which compliment a powerful yet warm presence on the stage. Matt is currently composing and recording original music for a variety of artistic venues, ranging from film to dance.

Jeff Lashway- Piano
Jeff Lashway, originally from Pittsburgh, PA. has performed all over the U.S, Canada, and Europe. Formal training consisted of 11 years of private, classical piano before branching out into jazz and pop music on his own. Having lived also in Indianapolis and New Orleans, Jeff has incorporated many styles of playing into his own unique style. In addition to Maynard, Jeff has played with Slide Hampton, guitarist Joe Negri, and legendary New Orleans cornetist Connie Jones.

Brian Mulholland- Bass
Hailing from Anderson, SC, Brian Mulholland is the bassist for Maynard Ferguson. Despite starting on piano at age 3, he switched to the bass in fifth grade. After only three months, he substituted for the high school jazz band bassist. Befriending Victor Wooten at age 12, Brian performed with Grammy winner Bela Fleck after learning his repertoire. Brian has gone on to share the stage with Darol Anger, Chris Potter, Terri Lyne Carrington, and David Haynes, to name a few. He has performed at International Association of Jazz Educators and International Society of Bassists conferences, toured Europe with the USC Left Bank Big Band, and transcribed Bass Day '98: Victor Wooten for Hudson Music. Brian holds degrees from the University of South Carolina (B.M.) and the University of North Texas (M.M.).

Stockton Helbing- Drums
Since the fall of 2003, Stockton Helbing has been the drummer for Maynard Ferguson. While working with Maynard, Stockton has toured and performed throughout the United States and in Germany, Thailand, Sweden, England, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, and St. Lucia.

Stockton recently released Lodestar, his debut album as a bandleader. Lodestar, a NohJoh Music release, is an all original music project that also features Stockton's contemporaries Ken Edwards, Tom Luer, Noel Johnston, and Brian Mulholland. Lodestar was selected by Maynard Ferguson to be the newest album in his MF Presents series.

Stockton graduated from the University of North Texas with a bachelor's in Music in May 2003. He attended the highly esteemed jazz school from the fall of 1998 until the spring of 2003. During those years Stockton studied with world renowned drum set teacher Ed Soph. Stockton was also a member of the Grammy award winning One O'clock Lab Band, under the direction of Neil Slater. Stockton appears on two of the One O'clock Band's albums, LAB 2002 and Lab 2003.

Maynard Ferguson and His Big Bop Nouveau Band Tour Dates:
• Mar 24 Glen Dale , WV John Marshall High School
• Mar 27 Kennett Square, PA Unionville High School
• Mar 28 - New Mendham, NJ West Morris Mendham High School
• Mar 29 - New Moscow, PA North Pocono High School
• Mar 31 Tarrytown, NY Tarrytown Music Hall
• Apr 4 Waseca, MN Waseca High School
• Apr 7 Brownstown, MI Woodhaven High School
• Apr 9 Goshen, NY Goshen Middle School
• Apr 10 Manchester, CT Manchester High School
• Apr 12 Vandergrift, PA Casino Theatre
• Apr 15 Norwell, MA The Company Theatre
• Apr 22 Durant, OK Southeastern Oklahoma State University
• Apr 28 Shippensburg, PA Shippensburg University
• Apr 29 Ridgefield, CT Ridgefield Play House
• May 6 Bay City, MI State Theatre of Bay City
• May 11-14 Washington, DC Blues Alley
• May 26 Porterville, CA Porterville Memorial Auditorium
• May 27 Los Angeles, CA Four Points Sheraton - LAX
• July 14-15 - New Philadelphia, PA Zanzibar Blue
• July 18-23 New York, NY Blue Note
• Sep 9 Las Vegas, NV Boulder Station Hotel & Casino
• Sep 16-17 Sugadaira, Japan Great Hands Jazz Camp
• Sep 18 Kariya, Japan Sound Creation Jazz Orchestra
• Sep 19 Kochi, Japan The Fake Jazz Orchestra
• Sep 20 Kurashiki, Japan Count Herd Jazz Orchestra
• Oct 14 - New Fargo, ND Fargo South High School
• Oct 29 - New Grayslake, IL College of Lake County
• Nov 4 N. Andover, MA Rogers Center for the Arts
• Nov 11 Webster, MA Point Breeze
• Nov 12 Lebanon, PA Lebanon Catholic School
• Nov 16-19 Washington, DC Blues Alley