Primal Scream is the eighth jazz album by Canadian trumpeter Maynard Ferguson on Columbia Records. 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.
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.
Reviews Maynard's late-70s recordings were generally not well received by jazz purists, but AllMusic's Jim Newsom described Primal Scream by saying "Ferguson's trademark trumpet playing is featured in all its screaming glory..."
Reissues In 2004 Primal Scream was reissued by Wounded Bird Records.
Track listing All tracks arranged and conducted by Jay Chattaway
Personnel All credits adapted from album cover.
Musicians Maynard Ferguson: trumpet
Rhythm Drums: Steve Gadd Bass: Gary King Guitar: Eric Gale, Jeff Mironov, Jerry Friedman Percussion: Ralph MacDonald Piano, Arp Synthesizer, Clavinet: Bob James Electric piano and Mini Moog Synthesizer: Chick Corea ("The Cheshire Cat Walk" only)
Reeds Flute and Baritone saxophone: Bobby Militello Soprano & Tenor saxophone: Mark Colby Alto saxophone: David Sanborn Tenor Saxophone: Joe Farrell
Brass Trumpet: Marvin Stamm Trumpet and Flugelhorn: Jon Faddis, Bernie Glow, Stan Mark Trombone: Tony Studd Bass trombone: David Taylor, Paul Faulise French Horns: Brooks Tillotson, Earl Chapin
Singers Patti Austin Lani Groves Hilda Harris
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 Record producer by: Bob James Arranged and Conducted by: Jay Chattaway Recorded and Mixed by: Joe Jorgenson Additional Engineering by: Gerry Block Mastering Engineer: Jack Ashkinazy Cover Photo: David Arky, John Barrett Cover Design: John Berg, Andy Engel
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
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