• Imported from USA.

From March 1, 1957, when the Ferguson band on this CD was organized and went on the road, it had not had a layoff before these recordings. Ferguson astutely identified what may have been the most potent reason for his band's prosperity: It's very important that anybody who has anything to say on his instrument be allowed to say it in a band. That's why having 12 men in the band has made it easier to make everyone happier than would have been the case if I'd had 18. The group gets a virile sound, playing crisply, musically and with fire, with some of the main excitement deriving from the full ensemble and section passages. And adding to this quality of excitement is the individual calibre and energy of his young soloists, along with that of the leader, who blows excellent valve trombone and trumpet.