2 lesser-known gems from a young
Maynard Ferguson – back to back on a single CD! First up is Plays Jazz For Dancing – a record that hones the usual
Ferguson groove a bit more for the dancefloor, yet still keeps in plenty of room for the sorts of solo space that
Maynard first forged earlier in the 50s! The lineup here features some great work from Willie Maiden on tenor, Slide Hampton on trombone, and Jimmy Ford on alto sax – as well as performances from
Maynard himself on trumpet, valve trombone, and even a bit of euphonium. Titles include "Hey There", "Where's Teddy", "Soft Winds", "Tis Autumn", "Secret Love", "I'll Be Seeing You", and "If I Should Lose You". Let's Face The Music & Dance follows in very similar form – a well-crafted batch of big band numbers from
Maynard Ferguson, with more than enough swing and sway for the dancefloor, but also that stronger sense of personality and power you'd expect from
Maynard. As usual for the time, the lineup of players is totally great – a surprising batch of hipsters that includes Jaki Byard on piano, Slide Hampton on trombone, Joe Farrell on tenor and clarinet, and Willie Maiden on tenor and flute – plys some great drum work from Rufus Jones, who really keeps a nice punch in the rhythms. Titles include "Let's Do It", "Spring Is Here", "Teach Me Tonight", "Let's Face The Music & Dance", and "Mangos".