Primal Scream (Maynard Ferguson album)

Primal Scream is the eighth jazz album by Canadian trumpeter Maynard Ferguson on Columbia Records.[1] Primal Scream marks the beginning of the second phase of Ferguson's career with Columbia, where his live big band sound is set aside in favor of lavish studio productions. The album credits reveal an all-star ensemble made up of New York's finest musicians, along with backing vocalists and strings were recruited for this release.[1]

Primal Scream
Studio album by
Maynard Ferguson
Released1976
RecordedAugust–October 1975
StudioMedia Sound
Genre
Length35:58
LabelColumbia
ProducerBob James
Maynard Ferguson chronology
Chameleon
(1975)		 Primal Scream
(1976)		 Conquistador
(1977)

While most of the tracks would remain studio creations only, his rendition of "Pagliacci" would become a concert feature for his touring band, and was heard by millions when he performed it as part of the closing ceremonies of the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal.[2]

Reviews

Maynard's late-'70s recordings were generally not well received by jazz purists,[3] but AllMusic's Jim Newsom described Primal Scream by saying "Ferguson's trademark trumpet playing is featured in all its screaming glory..."[4]

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[4]

Reissues

In 2004, Primal Scream was reissued by Wounded Bird Records.[5]

Track listing

All tracks arranged and conducted by Jay Chattaway

Side one
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Primal Scream" (Rhythm section arranged by Gerry Block)Jay Chattaway, Maynard Ferguson7:07
2."The Cheshire Cat Walk" (Rhythm section arranged by Chick Corea)Chick Corea10:06
Total length:17:13
Side two
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Invitation"Bronisław Kaper5:32
2."Pagliacci" (Arranged & adapted by Jay Chattaway from the aria Vesti la giubba)Ruggiero Leoncavallo5:53
3."Swamp" (Rhythm section arranged by Eric Gale)Eric Gale7:20
Total length:18:45

Personnel

All credits adapted from album cover.[1]

Musicians
  • Maynard Ferguson: Trumpet

Rhythm

Reeds

Brass

Singers

Strings
  • Violins: David Nadien, Max Ellen, Harry Cykman, Paul Gershman, Emanuel Green, Charles Libove, Joseph Malin, Frederick Buldi
  • Violas: Theodore Israel, Emanuel Vardi
  • Celli: Alan Schulman, Charles McCracken

Production

Solos
  • All Trumpet: Maynard Ferguson
  • Soprano sax solo on Invitation: Mark Colby
  • Tenor Sax solo on Primal Scream and Cheshire Cat: Mark Colby
  • Synthesizer solo on Cheshire Cat: Chick Corea
  • Flute solo on Pagliacci and Swamp: Bobby Militello

References
  1. Primal Scream (album). Columbia. 1976. PC 33953.
  2. Weiner, Tim (August 25, 2006). "Maynard Ferguson, 78, Trumpeter and Bandleader, Dies". The New York Times. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  3. Dixon, Euan. "MAYNARD FERGUSON – Primal Scream/New Vintage/Carnival (review)". Jazz Views. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
  4. Newsom, Jim. Primal Scream at AllMusic. Retrieved July 4, 2015.
  5. Primal Scream (Media notes). Wounded Bird. July 6, 2004. WOU 3953.
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