Maynard Ferguson: Next Steps

An ace when it came to punchy pop-jazz and fiery swing, Maynard Ferguson also recorded gorgeously simple ballads like “Over the Rainbow”, in which the trumpeter's brilliantly clear melody cruises over plush reeds, and “The Way We Were”, a big-band take on the Barbra Streisand hit that's dipped in cool muted hues. His '70s detour through funk produced the relaxed “Mister Mellow”, also featuring a silky solo from guitarist George Benson.