| Cinco De Mayo Precelebraton |
| May 2nd, 2008 00:00 |
 May 03, 2008
Hosted By: Salsa Detroit & Club TV (Half Past 3)
When: Saturday May 03, 2008 at 11:00PM
Where: Club TV (Half Past 3)
2548 Grand River Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: 313-965-4789
United States
www.myspace.com/hp3detroit
The debut of Orquesta Iré @ Club TV (Half Past 3) on Saturday, May 03, 2008. An all-star cast from several local orchestras will be performing LIVE!
www.myspace.com/orquestaire
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| View this Event! |
| The 2008 Detroit Music Awards - April 25, 2008 - 7:00PM |
| April 22nd, 2008 00:00 |
 April 25, 2008
The Fillmore Detroit
2115 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
313-961-5451, ext. 21
www.livenation.com
Main Floor VIP Tables are $1,000.00 for a table of 10. Two Valet Parking passes are included.
Main Floor 4 Top Tables are $200.00 and $100.00.
8 Ft. Inner Lobby Space tables for Companies are available for $500.00. Subject to product approval.
Please contact Terri Koggenhop at: immunitymgt@hotmail.com or 248-360-2455 to purchase any of the above tables.
General Admission tickets are $20.00 and will be available only through Ticketmaster and at the door the night of the event.
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| DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS - 2008 |
| "Back to Balboa: The Music of Stan Kenton" |
| March 27th, 2008 00:00 |
 April 5, 2008
"Back to Balboa: The Music of Stan Kenton" The Toledo Jazz Orchestra wraps up the 2007-2008 Harold Jaffe Concert Series with great flair as it performs its annual tribute to Stan Kenton. Always one of the most eagerly anticipated concerts on the TJO calendar, the band will once again pay tribute to Kenton’s vast legacy of fresh, innovative musicmaking. With screaming horns, progressive grooves and brilliant arrangements aplenty! |
| Visit Toledo.com! |
| DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS - 2008 - NOMINATIONS FOR THE SCOTT GWINNELL JAZZ ORCHESTRA |
| March 26th, 2008 00:00 |
OUTSTANDING JAZZ COMPOSER
SCOTT GWINELL (spelled wrong on ballot)
OUTSTANDING JAZZ INSTRUMENTALIST
SCOTT GWINNELL, (KEYBOARDS) - SCOTT GWINNELL ORQUESTRA
OUTSTANDING TRADITIONAL JAZZ ARTIST/GROUP
SCOTT GWINNELL JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Voting closes at midnight on April 4th and is FREE at the following link: |
| DETROIT MUSIC AWARDS - 2008 |
| The Interlochen Center for the Arts Scholarshop is stocking the HESSIONS SESSIONS Guide! |
| February 16th, 2008 00:00 |
 The Interlochen Center for the Arts Scholarshop is stocking Patrick's book, "For the sake of lead trumpet playing - Hession's Sessions Guide to consistent, reliable and sometimes, Invincible Chops!"
Martin Van Maanen
Music Department Manager
Scholarshop
Interlochen Center for the Arts
P.O. Box 199
Interlochen, MI 49643
www.interlochen.org
vanmaanenmd@interlochen.org
Phone: 231-276-7383
Fax: 231-276-7883
A Review by Matt Keller |
| Buy The Guide! |
| Toledo Jazz Orchestra's Tribute to Maynard Ferguson |
| January 13th, 2008 11:16 |
 Review by Rick
This doesn't have a lot to do with running, but I went to the Toledo Jazz Orchestra's Tribute to Maynard Ferguson featuring Patrick Hession and Ric Wolkins with my pals from CrossRoads Community Church's worship band brass, Jeremy, Leo, and Vicki. It was phenomenal! Brought back a lot of memories of high school when we listened to the album Chameleon perpetually, the Interlochen concert, and camping road trips with Mom and Dad and Vicky listening to the album, Carnival, over and over and over again. The screaming trumpets last night courtesy of Mr. Hession and Mr. Wolkins definitely jacked me up for today's race so, I guess this does have a bit to do with running. My trumpeting pal, Leo, has run 6 marathons in his now ended running career including the Toledo, Columbus, and Boston. I've been gleaning some tips from him. My other band-pal, Vicki, is also a marathoner having done one in her college days. Dad, wish you coulda gone to the concert with us, you would have loved it! |
| View full Thread |
| Annual Local 5 Orientation & Holiday Open House |
| December 26th, 2007 11:19 |
 The Annual Local 5 Orientation & Holiday Open House will happen on Monday, January 7 in the Hospitality Room at Local 5 Headquarters. The Orientation begins at 7:00 PM, followed by the Open House at around 8:00 PM. Come to enjoy refreshments and hang with old and new Local 5 colleagues.
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| Visit Detroit Musicians Entertainment Website! |
| Toledo Jazz Orchestra, continues with a salute to trumpeter Maynard Ferguson |
| December 3rd, 2007 00:00 |
January 12, 2008
The 2007-2008 Harold Jaffe Concert Series featuring Toledo's premier big band, the Toledo Jazz Orchestra, continues with a salute to trumpeter Maynard Ferguson. Patrick Hession, who performed with Ferguson, will be the special guest, and the TJO's own Ric Wolkins will be featured as well. Join us for a salute to the great Maynard Ferguson by the best big band in town!
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| Visit Toledo.com! |
| 'Tis the Season with PAS/CAL |
| November 23rd, 2007 00:00 |
 Here are two Christmas songs that Patrick and Dan Ladouceur, Patrick's web designer, recorded with Casimer Pascal in December 2002. Dan, who had not touched his trumpet since the last Christmas season, took Patrick to Casimer Pascal's basement one night and came up with all of the trumpet tracks for the following two Christmas songs. Season's Greetings and Happy Holidays from PAS/CAL, Dan and Patrick!
Jingle Bell Rock-a-Nova (2:08)
Blue Christmas (2:35)
Lead and solo tracks written and played by Patrick.
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| Visit PAS/CAL's Website! |
| NEW Monette FALL 2007 NEWSLETTER! |
| November 20th, 2007 00:00 |
 Dave Monette has just finished his FALL 2007 NEWSLETTER and has nine stories that include ten videos and four audio clips to showcase their work and the talents of some of the players they work with. There are three new audio clips of Patrick's live performance with the Jeff Holmes Big Band, using his XLT BL4 S6 on his MF PRANA Bb TRUMPET, and a new video clip of "Fanfare for Dave" written for Patrick Hession, Charles Schlueter, Manny Laureano and Phil Snedecor (arranger) at the 2007 ITG Conference.
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| Visit Monette's Website! |
| Young Composers Music Forum > Discussion > Performance - Trumpet vs. Trombone? |
| November 19th, 2007 07:44 |
There is no method out there that will increase your range to a high C in any 'short' amount of time, but there are several that will get you there correctly, strongly, and effectively. Patrick Hession, possibly the greatest high note player alive today (RIP Maynard), has a method out, too.
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| View full Thread |
| Detroit Federation of Musicians, Local 5 Meeting on Monday, November 19, at 7:00PM |
| October 23rd, 2007 02:15 |
Detroit Federation of Musicians, Local 5
If you are Jazz Musician please see letter below. Please share with other interested Jazz Musicians
Dear Patrick,
There’s no question that the 28th annual Detroit Jazz Fest was a tremendous success. While the lineup, publicity and weather were a big part of it, the improved relationship with Local 5 also played a significant role.
Great strides were made this year between the local musicians and the festival. Being a musician and a member of Local 4 in Cleveland, I reached out to implement a collective bargaining agreement with Local 5 to ensure that musicians would be compensated fairly. In this new agreement, the festival also makes a contribution to the Pension Fund. Kudos to Gordon for his eagerness to work with me, help his musicians and repair the relationship with the Festival.
This year we also established a committee and policies to identify, review and select performers from the area. You may be interested to know that while 260 national musicians performed at Detroit Jazz Fest, 160 local/regional musicians were featured as well.
Another improvement in ’07 was the engagement of Terri Koggenhop in artist relations, who contracted musicians, sent detailed directions and passes in a timely way and basically stayed in touch with the performers throughout the summer.
I would like to meet with all of you to talk about programming, special projects and other issues that may be on your minds.
I hope you can join us at the Union Monday, Nov. 19, at 7pm.
Looking forward –
Terri Pontremoli
Executive Director
Detroit Jazz Fest
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Copyright Detroit Federation of Musicians, Local 5 2007. All rights reserved. www.detroitmusicians.net Powered by GroupMail
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| Visit Detroit Musicians Entertainment Website! |
| JazzTimes CD Review of "The One and Only Maynard Ferguson" from the September 2007 issue |
| September 1st, 2007 00:00 |
 MAYNARD FERGUSON AND HIS BIG BOP NOUVEAU BAND
The One and Only Maynard Ferguson (Maynard Ferguson Trust)
The reduced big band (four trumpets, three saxophones, trombone and rhythm), steered by lead trumpeters Wayne Bergeron and Patrick Hession, performs the collection of fresh-sounding standards and originals with precision and utmost musicality.
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| View full Review |
| Lafayette Citizens Band Performs a Spectacular July 4 Concert! |
| July 5th, 2007 00:00 |
 There was a lot of red, white and blue music at the concert, and some special soloists and groups were featured. Lafayette's native son Patrick Hession, who played for six years with the Maynard Ferguson Band, and his brother Phil, were featured on a Bill Kisinger arrangement of "MacArthur Park," and the "Theme from Rocky."
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| Visit Lafayette Citizens Band Website! |
| fan fare - umass amherst department of music & dance - summer 2007 |
| June 21st, 2007 00:00 |
| Outstanding visiting artists and ensembles joined with Department of Music & Dance faculty and student performers for five evening concerts that included UMass Amherst Professor Jeff Holmes’ Big Band with Wayne Bergeron and Patrick Hession, The Washington Symphonic Brass, The New England Brass Band with Terry Everson, Philip Cobb and Rene Hernandez, and Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band. |
| View full Article |
| Monette PRANA "XLT" BL4 S6, Standard "XLT" BL4 S6 & Signature Double Trumpet Mouthpiece Cases are Here! |
| June 12th, 2007 00:00 |
Patrick's Monette PRANA "XLT" BL4 S6 B-flat Lead Trumpet Mouthpiece, Monette Standard "XLT" BL4 S6 B-flat Lead Trumpet Mouthpiece & Monette Signature Double Trumpet Mouthpiece Cases are now available on the Products Page.
 
(These mouthpieces are NOT bent, so if you would like, the Monette Shop will bend them for you for FREE! All you have to do is pay for shipping & handling).
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| ITG 2007 Event Reports - Friday |
| June 1st, 2007 17:00 |
 5:00 pm - David Monette: Design, Fabrication and Performance - A Guided Video Tour
Written by Elisa Koehler
A large crowd gathered to hear the latest information from custom trumpet maker David Monette about his new innovations in instrument design and manufacture. Following the traditional ITG trumpet ensemble prelude by students from Drake University, Phil Snedecor introduced another trumpet ensemble playing one of his own compositions, Fanfare for David. Performing with Snedecor were fellow Monette players Charles Schlueter, Manny Laureano, and Patrick Hession, who wowed the audience with his white hot lead playing.
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| View full Article |
| ITG 2007 Event Reports - Thursday |
| May 31st, 2007 19:00 |
7:00 pm - Washington Symphonic Brass "At The Movies!"
Written by Neville Young
For a moment I was surprised when the "Rocky" fanfare started up again - surely they're not just going to repeat that? - but all was explained when the music took a turn in the direction marked "loud" and Patrick Hession strolled on stage - my goodness, what a Maynard-style extravaganza this last tune became. Like the rest of the audience I left bowled over by the versatility and skill of the Washington Symphonic Brass and with the memory of a really great concert full of variety and flair. Nice one, Milt and the WSB.
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| View full Article |
| ITG 2007 Event Reports - Wednesday |
| May 30th, 2007 19:00 |
 7:00 pm - Jeff Holmes Big Band
Written by Gary Mortenson
If you like to hear lead trumpet playing featured in the jazz ensemble setting, then this concert had to make you feel like a kid in a candy store. Patrick Hession (Maynard Ferguson's last lead trumpet player) was featured on three tunes on the first half including arrangements of "Danny Boy," "Superman," and "Rocky." It was obvious to all why Maynard hired Patrick as his last lead trumpet player. Through all three tunes he displayed great power, presence, range, and volume. Hession's ability to "power-up" the trumpet in the highest register and still play a nice melody in the middle and extremely low registers is astounding. Maynard fans got exactly what they wanted, and audience members who might not have been familiar with that type of trumpet playing got a true initiation into what that special fraternity is all about. The last tune of Hession's set, "Rocky," really brought me back to my youth as a high school trumpet player in mid 1970s suburban Chicago, and to the many times I went to various area high schools to see Maynard with his big band perform for his fanatic following (of which I was a fully-vested member). Thank you Patrick, for bringing back those great memories...
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| View full Article |
| ITG 2007 Event Reports - Wednesday |
| May 30th, 2007 09:00 |
 9:00 am - Maynard Ferguson Tribute
Written by John Irish
How does one sum up the career, importance, influence, or the person as unique as Maynard Ferguson. A panel discussion led By Ed Sargent, paid tribute to the great Maynard who passed away in August, 2006. Contributors on the panel included Wayne Bergeron (started in the band 1986), Carl Fischer (started in 1993), and Patrick Hession (from 2000—Maynard’s last lead trumpet player), and Dan Potts, who helped with the video montage and historical information. Maynard’s daughters, Lisa and Wilder were also in attendance.
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| View full Article |
| "Maynard Ferguson Tribute" DVD |
| May 4th, 2007 00:00 |
 This Double DVD Tribute Package includes the Maynard Ferguson Tribute Concert held September 20, 2006 at the University of Missouri Touhill Performing Arts Center in St. Louis and over 60 minutes of Historical Bonus Footage.
The featured concert from St. Louis brought together more than 30 alumni artists from Maynard's sixty plus years of entertaining audiences around the world. In a manner of words, the tribute was the ultimate symphony dedicated to a man so many called “The Boss”. The DVD of the concert has a running time of over 120 minutes and also includes many great photos of Maynard throughout the years.
The second DVD includes more than an hour of bonus footage excerpts, many of which have never before been seen, from performances all over the world. Recorded between 1950-2006, these excerpts demonstrate Maynard's trumpet artistry and trademark exuberance as a world renowned bandleader.
A portion of the net proceeds from the DVD sales will go to the Maynard Ferguson Music Scholarship Fund at the University of Missouri - St. Louis.
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| "Maynard Ferguson Tribute" DVD |
| "The One And Only Maynard Ferguson" CD |
| May 4th, 2007 00:00 |
Recorded in July of 2006 (only weeks before Maynard's passing), The One and Only Maynard Ferguson is Maynard's final studio recording. The musicians on this album are a collection of old friends and alumni from Maynard's amazing career.
Personnel:
Maynard Ferguson - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Bandleader
Wayne Bergeron - Trumpet and Flugelhorn (lead on tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6)
Patrick Hession - Trumpet and Flugelhorn (lead on tracks 5, 7, 8, 9)
Serafin Aguilar - Trumpet and Flugelhorn
Ken Edwards - Trumpet and Flugelhorn
Mike Dubaniewicz - Alto Saxophone
Chip McNeill - Tenor and Soprano Saxophones
Denis DiBlasio - Baritone Saxophone
Steve Wiest - Trombone
Jeff Lashway - Piano
Brian Mulholland - Bass
Stockton Helbing - Drums and Cymbals/Music Director
Special Guest: Christian Jacob - Piano
Track Listing:
1. Without A Song - Arranged by Chip McNeill
2. Besame Mucho - Arranged By Steve Wiest
3. Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone - Arranged by Steve Wiest
4. Vita Bella - Composed and Arranged by Denis DiBlasio
5. Dr. Fox PHD - Composed and Arranged by Denis DiBlasio
6. Lost Horizons - Composed and Arranged by Christian Jacob
7. Surviving Soho - Composed and Arranged by Denis DiBlasio
8. The Days of Wine and Roses - Arranged by Denis DiBlasio
9. Darn that Dream - Arranged by Denis DiBlasio
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| "The One And Only Maynard Ferguson" CD |
| My lesson with Patrick Hession |
| April 28th, 2007 04:55 |
By Mikester
Patrick’s breath capacity is amazing! We would breath at a constant rate for 7 beats. Even though we were breathing at close to the same rate, I was completely full before 5 beats. Patrick went all the way through 7 beats. To give you some idea of the difference in our sizes, Patrick is about 5’7” medium-athletic. I am 6’6” large frame. So, I was shocked at how much more air he could intake.
Other items he stressed in the exercises were the breath attacks versus the tongue attacks. As we worked on the breath attack, Patrick demonstrated his mastery of “whisper tones.” I have heard of them, but have not witnessed a demonstration. Patrick can begin a note that is so faint it is barely audible. Hence their name. He begins these notes and crescendos to double forte and back to whisper. Tremendous control. |
| View full Thread |
| 4th Edition HESSIONS SESSIONS Guides Coming Soon! |
| April 1st, 2007 00:00 |
 SPECIAL APRIL 1ST ANNOUNCEMENT: THE MONETTE OCTAV-EYE-ZER!
If you have been looking for a way to improve your upper register and really "zero-in" on those troublesome high notes, consider our special April 1st edition Monette "OCTAV-EYE-ZER."
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| View Outrageous Monette OCTAV-EYE-ZER Video! |
| South Medford High School in Medford, Oregon annual Jazz Celebration in May 2007! |
| March 3rd, 2007 13:40 |
 Hey Patrick,
I just learned that you will be gracing the stage of South Medford High School in Medford, Oregon, for our annual Jazz Celebration in May 2007! What a thrill it will be to have you play with our outstanding students musicians and WOW our community with your music! We still revel in the memory of a couple years ago, when Maynard , himself, came to our school and set it ablaze with his trumpet! (When my son, the trombonist in The Suitz, lost his Razr cell phone last year, his greatest grief was that it had his only photo of him and Maynard on it!)
Our school is blessed to have the invaluable services of the amazing Stan Mark as coach for The Suitz, and we love him and what has has done for all our bands and for music in our community! In a time when public schools are slowly losing music education, our community still works hard to support music!
If anyone out there wants to hear pure Jazz Music deeply honored in small-town America, come to Medford, Oregon, on Saturday, May 12, 2007, for a stunning evening of Jazz, as it deepens its roots in our stellar student musicians, accompanied by the famous Patrick Hession!!
See you in May, Patrick--and this time we'll have the cameras ready!!
Tricia
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| Patrick Hession and Reggie Watkins performed at Utah Valley State College in Orem, Utah |
| February 26th, 2007 10:21 |
Review by Jared Hearld
Concert Date: December 8, 2006
Utah Valley State College, Orem, Utah
Patrick Hession and Reggie Watkins recently performed at Utah Valley State in Orem, Utah. They arrived in town on thursday just in time for one rehearsal before the show on friday. On tap for rehearsal was "Chameleon," "Rocky," "Gospel John," "MacArthur Park," "Danny Boy," "Birdland," "Superbone Meets the Badman," "The Way We Were," and "Frame For the Blues." Through the three hour rehearsal the band was no less than amazed at the talent of Patrick and Reggie. We not only saw a great display of brass wizardry, but saw two great educators. The night rehearsal ended with powerful and slick soloing from Reggie and Patrick just wasting Double C's on "Chameleon." I could have swore these two had enough chops for another three hour rehearsal.
The show started with Reggie and Patrick on "Chameleon." The band started it's groove on "Chameleon" and within just a minute or so in came Patrick with ear bleeding descending lines starting on Double G. Just as we were ending up the 'A' section Patrick led us in to the 'B' section with a Maynardesque Double C. Reggie soon took over with his JB's inspired solo. I believe he even threw in a quote from "Pass the Peas Please." Put some pounds on Reggie and I swear I was listening to Fred Wesley with more grace. To end the song Patrick electrified the crowd with his over Double C usage.
Just in case the crowd didn't get enough of Patrick's high wire act he began playing "Frame For the Blues." Except for Maynard I have never heard anyone nail the beginning and end of this song the way Patrick did. Maynard would be proud! The soloing moments again belonged to Reggie. This guy is so diverse with his playing. I could just imagine myself being at Birdland listening to Slide Hampton playing his own arrangement.
Next on the list was a favorite ballad of Maynard's, "Danny Boy." Patrick's chops just never seem to quit. Patrick gets to show his delicate side as well as his lyrical playing in all registers. Remember, this is all after a long rehearsal the night before and a dress rehearsal the day of. This piece really does show how complete a player Patrick is. The descending lines from G, A, and finally Double C were all done with such grace. If I didn't know which notes he was playing from seeing them on the page I would have never guessed they were that high. He just played with such ease all the way to low F# at end the song.
Next up was "Superbone Meets the Badman," featuring Reggie. This hard swinging chart was just more evidence of Reggie's diversity. As Utah Valley's bari player and Reggie went head to head it was fun to hear the mingling of ideas. Always a playful conversation! What a spark that was given to the band through Reggie's heavy swingin', hard hittin' solo. Reggie was also featured on "The Way We Were." Reggie demonstrated a great lesson in ballad playing to the packed house.
To end the show Reggie, Patrick, and the Band hit the packed house hard with "MacArthur Park," "Gonna Fly Now," and "Birdland." Throughout the night there was flawless execution on the part of Patrick and Reggie. The love for the audience, music, and Maynard Ferguson were all very apparent in their playing. The crowd was left electrified!
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| Patrick's personal statement about Maynard Ferguson |
| February 23rd, 2007 04:29 |
 "The first time I saw Maynard Ferguson, GOD told me in a very loud and clear voice, 'That is what you are going to do!' So from that day forward, I always dreamed about being a trumpet player. When I finally started playing the trumpet, I always had faith in the fact that I just knew that I would play lead trumpet for Maynard Ferguson and that I would be his very last lead trumpet player. With this faithful knowledge, I then dedicated my entire life to Maynard and his band. As a result of my dedication, it got me on a lot of other gigs, but all I really wanted to do was be there for Maynard. I really miss hangin' out with Maynard (Walter) until 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM in the morning, playing a gig that same day and then doing it all over again that night! What times! Maynard taught me to laugh, make people happy and have fun while doing it! He used to say to the band, 'This is not a moment in modern American music history, so just play and have fun.' I was on the road with Maynard Ferguson a little over six years (June 23, 2000 - August 23, 2006) and it was the best, happiest, most musically satisfying time of my life! Thank you GOD and thank you BOSS!"
Patrick E. Hession, Lead Trumpet
Maynard Ferguson & Big Bop Nouveau
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| "MF Horn VI: Live at Ronnie's" |
| January 13th, 2007 00:00 |
 all about jazz
By Jack Bowers | MF Music (2007)
There are some talented newcomers in this edition of BBN and a few holdovers including trombonist/music director Reggie Watkins and lead trumpeter Patrick Hession. There’s even a distinguished alumnus, Denis DiBlasio, sitting in on baritone sax. One of the newbies, pianist Jeff Lashway, is a real find, while veteran drummer Stockton Helbing continues his steady improvement.
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| View full Review |
| The HESSIONS SESSIONS Upcoming Events Calendar is here! |
| January 1st, 2007 00:00 |
Due to the overrun of spam on the HESSIONS SESSIONS Forum, Patrick has decided to replace the forum with the "All-New" HESSIONS SESSIONS Upcoming Events Calendar! 
(The Upcoming Events Calendar is also located at the top of this News Page).
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| View Calendar |
| 'Tis the Season with PAS/CAL |
| November 24th, 2006 00:00 |
 Here are two Christmas songs that Patrick and Dan Ladouceur, Patrick's web designer, recorded with Casimer Pascal in December 2002. Dan, who had not touched his trumpet since the last Christmas season, took Patrick to Casimer Pascal's basement one night and came up with all of the trumpet tracks for the following two Christmas songs. Season's Greetings and Happy Holidays from PAS/CAL, Dan and Patrick!
Jingle Bell Rock-a-Nova (2:08)
Blue Christmas (2:35)
Lead and solo tracks written and played by Patrick.
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| Visit PAS/CAL's Website! |
| The Louisville All-Star Big Band: Remembering Maynard Ferguson |
| September 27th, 2006 06:56 |
 The show was incredible!!!
By The BST Blast
What a show! I mean, WOW!!! I'm not just blowing my own horn (pun intended). Sure, I put it together - but I take no credit for all the musicians' talents. Patrick Hession (Maynard Ferguson's last lead trumpet) was absolutely phenomenal. His tone and mastery of the stratosphere immediately made jaws drop. Many couldn't believe their ears. His double-C at the end of "Danny Boy" was held out longer than I've ever heard! It really made the audience reminisce about their favoite Maynard concert/recording. The only thing that would've been better? Maynard himself. It was obvious more than a little of M.F. rubbed off on Patrick in the 6+ years he occupied the most gruelling chair in jazz!
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| View full Article |
| Maynard Ferguson, 78; Trumpeter, Big Band Leader Achieved Pop Success |
| August 25th, 2006 00:00 |
 By Jon Thurber, Times Staff Writer
August 25, 2006
Maynard Ferguson, the big band leader and trumpeter whose screaming, high-register solos and pop-tinged arrangements thrilled his fans and sometimes appalled his critics, died Thursday. He was 78.
Ferguson died of kidney and liver failure, brought on by an abdominal infection, at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, said Steve Schankman, his manager.
FOR THE RECORD:
Maynard Ferguson obituary: The obituary of jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson in Friday's California section said he died Thursday. He died Aug. 23rd.
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An active musician, Ferguson recorded 60 albums in his long career and generally played about 150 annual engagements up until last year, Schankman said.
He had a weeklong run at the Blue Note in New York City last month, which he followed up by recording a new album with his Big Bop Nouveau band. He was due to begin a tour of Japan with the band in mid-September.
He started experiencing health problems on his return to his home in Ojai, Schankman said, and was hospitalized as his condition deteriorated.
Schankman said he spoke to Ferguson by phone on Monday and the musician told him, "Don't cancel anything . we are going to beat this."
Ferguson was nominated for a Grammy award in 1978 for his soaring recording of Bill Conti's composition "Gonna Fly Now," the theme from the film "Rocky." The song, on Ferguson's album "Conquistador," was one of his few chart-hitting recordings. It reached No. 22 on the pop album charts in 1977.
He also made commercially appealing recordings of the Jimmy Webb tune "MacArthur Park" and the Beatles' "Hey Jude."
His success with pop tunes was unusual for a player who cut his teeth on the classic jazz ensemble: the big band.
Ferguson was born May 4, 1928, in a suburb of Montreal. A child prodigy, Ferguson was playing violin and piano at age 4. At 13, he was soloing with the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. Orchestra. By 16, he was playing trumpet and leading a dance band that featured a young pianist named Oscar Peterson.
His band was often the opening act for visiting American big bands, including those led by Count Basie and Stan Kenton. The Americans were impressed with Ferguson's trumpet.
"I got a lot of offers to go out on the road," Ferguson told The Times some years ago. "Kenton told me I had a place as a featured trumpet player any time I wanted it."
By 1949, Ferguson had moved across the border, but Kenton was taking a break from touring and recording. So Ferguson made his U.S. debut in saxophonist Boyd Raeburn's big band. He also played in Jimmy Dorsey's band and Charlie Barnet's band before Kenton went back to work in 1950 with Ferguson in the trumpet section.
From 1950 to 1953, Ferguson was arguably the hottest trumpeter in jazz. His screaming, high-register trumpet was the cornerstone of Kenton's noted brass section. His dramatic style is featured on the tune "Maynard Ferguson," written by Ferguson, Kenton and Shorty Rogers and featured on the now-classic album "Stan Kenton Presents."
Ferguson was taking individual honors as well as being named best trumpeter in Down Beat magazine's annual poll for three consecutive years starting in 1950.
After leaving Kenton in 1953, he set out for Hollywood and got a job with Paramount Pictures playing on soundtracks. But he quickly found that work unsatisfying and returned to jazz. He led the Birdland Dreamband in New York and then formed what would be one in a series of 13-piece touring bands known for their biting brass sections.
His bands also would be known as great training grounds for some noted players. Over the years, his alumni would include saxophonist Wayne Shorter and keyboardist Joe Zawinul, who were founding members of Weather Report; pianist Chick Corea, trumpeter Chuck Mangione and arrangers such as Don Sebesky and Don Menza.
By 1967, however, big bands took a sharp dip in popularity and Ferguson disbanded his group.
His life took some sharp turns as well.
He moved his family to India on a spiritual quest and then lived in England. He began forming bands that used more pop-oriented material. This paved the way for his success in the 1970s with the theme from "Rocky."
And though this formula proved commercially viable over the next two decades, it often didn't play well with critics, who faulted the lack of subtlety in his playing and some dubious material.
Reviewing a 1979 performance at the Roxy, critic Leonard Feather wrote that "Ferguson's audiences, seeking the ultimate in pyrotechnical displays by a trumpeter with chops of steel, need look no further. On the other hand, music lovers searching for taste, dynamic contrast and sensitivity will have to look elsewhere."
Critics had a generally more sympathetic view of his later ensembles, notably the Big Bop Noveau band, which focused on straight-ahead jazz.
The spiritual quest Ferguson started in India in the 1960s led him to move his family to Ojai, then the base of operations for the Indian philosopher J. Krishnamurti.
Ferguson was also a noted jazz teacher at the high school and college levels.
He is survived by his daughters Kim, Lisa, Corby and Wilder.
A memorial service, to be held in St. Louis, is being planned for mid-September. Memorial contributions may be made to the Maynard Ferguson Scholarship Fund at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
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Copyright (c) 2006 Los Angeles Times
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| Jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson dies at 78 |
| August 24th, 2006 08:40 |
 Musician found mainstream success on "Gonna Fly Now" solo in 'Rocky'
Efrem Lukatsky / AP
Updated: 8:40 p.m. ET Aug 24, 2006
Jazz star Maynard Ferguson, known for his soaring high notes and for his hit recording of "Gonna Fly Now," which lent the musical muscle to the "Rocky" movies, died Wednesday night. He was 78.
Updated: 8:40 p.m. ET Aug 24, 2006
LOS ANGELES - Jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson, known for his soaring high notes and for his recording of "Gonna Fly Now," a hit version of the theme from the "Rocky" movies, has died. He was 78.
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| View full Article |
| Jazz Improv Magazine |
| August 23rd, 2006 00:00 |
Maynard Ferguson - Interview
by Joe Patitucci
MF: There are changes that go on. For instance, when we’re at the Blue Note in New York, I’ll have Mike Dubanowitz, Chip McNeil, and Dennis DiBlasio in the sax section. The trumpets are Patrick Hession, Michael Manthey and Serafin Aguilar who’s fantastic. Steve Weist is the only trombone. My long-time rhythm section of Jeff Lashway, piano Brian Mulholland, bass and Stockton Helbing, drums will be there. Stockton is also the musical director. Some have been with me for a long time and some are coming back.
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| View full Article |
| Patrick Hession - The Trumpet is a Soprano Instrument |
| June 9th, 2006 00:00 |
 Friday, June 9 - 9:30 am
By Chuck Tumlinson
The clinic included several ideas for high range playing. If you improve in the normal range, this will also help your higher range. Also practice pretty melodies in higher keys. Either practice up in half steps, or take those melodies up an octave. (Hession learned this from Maynard!).
These are just a few of the ideas that Patrick Hession imparted to the receptive audience. He is obviously a strong player with an easygoing, pleasant personality. Hession is a goldmine with regard to his perceptive insights in the lead and bravura tradition of trumpet playing.
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| View full Article |
| FYI - Patrick is available for Trumpet Lessons, Clinics/Concerts and even your Wedding Ceremony! |
| May 27th, 2006 00:00 |
 Patrick's MySpace Music
Patrick's MySpace
Patrick just loves giving lessons to eager trumpet students and he also loves giving trumpet clinics/concerts and even play for your wedding ceremony! So, if you are interested in any of these services, please feel free to contact Patrick Hession or Daniel Falcone through the information below:
For Trumpet Lessons, Weddings, etc. - Email Patrick Hession at: patrick@hessionssessions.com or call Patrick at: 248-770-0560.
For Clinics/Concerts - Email Daniel Falcone at: danielfalcone@earthlink.net.
(This information is also located on the Contact Page).
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| Maynard Ferguson and his Big Bop Nouveau Band |
| May 7th, 2006 00:00 |
 Even with the unusually long performance, lead trumpet player Patrick Hession never flinched. He continued to perform amazing feats of stratospheric trumpet work all the way to the end of the performance. He has a command of technique, style, range, and endurance that the rest of us can only dream of.
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| View full Article |
| Michael L. Hession, 61 |
| April 8th, 2006 00:00 |
 Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
April 8, 2006
Section: OBIT
Page: 2C
Michael L. Hession, 61
Author: AR
Michael Lawrence Hession, 61, of 1009 Southlea Drive, was overjoyed to depart from this life to meet his Maker and others on the other side at 8:35 p.m. Thursday, April 6, 2006, at his residence, after suffering over 10 years with cardio obstructive pulmonary disease.
Born on March 1, 1945, to Leo Lawrence and Mary (Klinker) Hession he was the fourth of six children. He was raised in Lafayette, educated at St. Mary's Elementary School and Central Catholic High School, graduating in 1963. Prior to his senior year, he joined the Indiana Army National Guard, and served until he underwent 6 months of basic training and clerk school at Ft. Knox, Ky., following graduation. He then served as battalion medical clerk, battalion armorer and company clerk for Headquarters Company A,113th Medical Company, 38th Infantry Division from 1962-1968.
His first venture into the outside world was served in the timekeeping department of Ross Gear Division of TRW, Inc., from 1964-1966, where he left to serve as a professional letter carrier for nearly 30 years at the United States Postal Service. He retired on disability in 1995.
A lifelong member of St. Mary's Cathedral Church, he served as an altar boy there and at the Sisters Adorers Precious Blood Monastery during his elementary years, as well as sang in the boy's choir. He then became the 50-year ranking member of the Cathedral Adult Traditional Choir, giving up due to failing health.
Married on July 29, 1967, in St. Mary Cathedral Church to Anna Maxine Yorko of Punxsutawney, Pa., she was a ninth twin-sister of nine children. She preceded in death, following nearly 23 years of marriage and a 10-year battle with breast cancer at the young age of 44, after blessing him with four handsome and successful sons.
He served proudly as the third generation Grand Knight of Lafayette Council #456 of the Knights of Columbus from 1987-1988, when he was appointed Indiana District Deputy #15 by State Deputy Bernard Gannon. He served for over two years, relinquishing his duties through second term due to the health of his wife, who died in early March of 1990. He also served as Council Envoy to Fr. Gibault School for Boys and Girls, owned and supported by the Indiana K of C south of Terre Haute on U.S. 43S, and was a proud member and honor guard for the Marquis de Lafayette Fourth Degree Assembly of the Knights of Columbus and American Legion Post 11.
He was a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers #466, AARP, an active member and supporter of the 12-Step AA Program. He oversaw morning meetings and volunteered each Tuesday at the S.U.R.F. Center for over four years after retirement, by the grace of God. He was also a charter member of the Old Hickory Democratic Club and a former member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Moose Lodge.
Surviving are four sons, Patrick Edward, on tour as lead trumpet for the legendary Maynard Ferguson and his Big Bop Nouveau Band, Philip Michael of Elk Grove, IL, Stephen John of Vernon Hills, IL, and Michael Joseph of Lafayette; one brother, Patrick Joseph (wife: Penny) of Millers Creek, N.C.; three sisters, Mary Cecilia LaReau (Jim) of Lafayette, Jude Ann Synesael (Jerry) of Lafayette and Eileen Joan Hession-Weiss (Jim) of Seabring, Fla. Preceded in death include his wife and parents, as well as a younger brother Philip Edward, who died at 17 months.
Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Sunday at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., with scripture service at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Mary Cathedral, Fr. Bob Klemme officiating. Interment St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Mary Cathedral Restoration Project or Father Gibault School Foundation.
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Copyright (c) Journal and Courier. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
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| "MF Horn VI - Live at Ronnie's" |
| March 10th, 2006 00:00 |
MAYNARD FERGUSON RELEASES FIRST LIVE ALBUM IN 12 YEARS!
"MF Horn VI - Live at Ronnie's"
St. Louis, MO (March 10, 2006) - Maynard Ferguson Music USA, Inc. announces the release of their new live album, "MF Horn VI - Live at Ronnie's" on Tuesday, March 28th, 2006. Recorded in the summer of 2005 at the legendary Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London, England, this album features exciting new arrangements of classic jazz standards done in the colorful Ferguson way, as well as a few quintessential Ferguson chart toppers.
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| Amazon.com |
| Ferguson wows Severinsen's crowd |
| February 27th, 2006 00:00 |
 Lead trumpeter Patrick Hession also uses yoga breathing techniques, but one could not see it during his brief appearances at the solo mike. Not a practitioner of the Stephen's method, Hession's sound is considerably darker in the upper register than Ferguson's. Hession told me after the show that he uses his Ferguson equipment and set-up for classical gigs because he can play with full, rich overtones over the whole spectrum.
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| View full Article |
| Maynard Ferguson - Live at Santa Fe Station, Las Vegas, NV - October 9, 2005 |
| February 20th, 2006 00:00 |
 New video from Maynard Ferguson & Big Bop Nouveau has been added to the video page. This footage is from October 9, 2005 at Santa Fe Station in Las Vegas. There are two versions of each video clip available for download (Windows Media format and iPod-ready format).
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| Click here to see the video! |
| Voice of Raisin - Concert Review: Maynard Ferguson and His Big Bop Nouveau Band |
| February 7th, 2006 00:00 |
February 7, 2006
Concert Review: Maynard Ferguson and His Big Bop Nouvea Band
Filed under: Music - Willy @ 4:27 pm
February 6, 2006 - Bingham High Auditorium
Wow. Maynard and his band know how to put on a show! Ferguson's playing is still very strong. High notes that defy belief, and a tremulant, floating style that is urgent, but un-hurried. Maynard seems to have assembled a top-flight group to accompany him. Trumpets - Patrick Hession, Jamie Hovorka and Peter Ferguson (Maynard's Nephew). Good, solid trumpet section to back up the master. Hession shined on a medley of Maynard Ferguson favorites. He was trumpetting some truly stratospheric pitches. Saxes - Julio Monterray (alto) and Matt Parker (tenor), Trombonist Reggie Watkins seemed very comfortable in the second-in-command spot, directing traffic on the band stand. Watkins' playing left very little to be desired. Pianist Jeff Lashway played brilliantly on a couple of nice ballands. The bassist, Brian Mulholland, played some virtuosic solos. I love it when a good bass player is really wailing in their upper register, and you realize they're still walking, too. To me, the highlight of the evening was the extended, snares-off drum solo by Stockton Helbing. Helbing is a graduate of the University of North Texas, where he studied drums with Ed Soph. The band played a blistering and inventive arrangment of "Girl From Ipanema" and when the drum solo started, the rest of the group vacated the stage. Helbing proceeded to take the audience on a comprehensive tour of the drumset. I was blown away by his control of dynamics, and the different colors he was able to pull out of his kit were absolutely stunning. The solo lasted between 5 and 10 minutes, and I didn't breath the whole time. Blazing single stroke technique, coupled with a flowing melodic style. Incredible.
Also worth noting is the lighting. Now, I'm not too into the commercialization of our dear art form, and if you'd told me there was to be a light show, I would have scoffed. Well, I'm re-assesing that this morning. From subtle red-hues for the band while Maynard wailed in a single pin-spot to precisely timed lighting to accompany kicks from the horn section, the lights for the show were complex but never distracting. In fact, they served to focus the audience's attention on the soloist or to enhance sudden mood changes in the score. Amazing.
The outstanding technical and artistic mastery of the musicians, coupled with the sensitively applied lighting combined to make this one of the most entertaining performances of Jazz I have ever seen. Kudos to Maynard and the Band.
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| Christmas and Hanukkah and Skynyrd, oh my! |
| January 21st, 2006 00:00 |
 The holiday season was as busy as ever for Patrick in 2005. Since Christmas and Hanukkah fell on December 25th this year, Patrick not only played three Catholic Masses but he then played a four hour rehearsal followed by a three hour and fifteen minute Hanukkah show that very evening. On December 30th, Patrick had the honor of playing with Rock Legends Lynyrd Skynyrd, 2006 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees.
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| Lynyrd Skynyrd Official Website |
| 'Tis the Season with PAS/CAL |
| November 25th, 2005 00:00 |
 Here are two Christmas songs that Patrick and Dan Ladouceur, Patrick's web designer, recorded with Casimer Pascal in December 2002. Dan, who had not touched his trumpet since the last Christmas season, took Patrick to Casimer Pascal's basement one night and came up with all of the trumpet tracks for the following two Christmas songs. Season's Greetings and Happy Holidays from PAS/CAL, Dan and Patrick!
Jingle Bell Rock-a-Nova (2:08)
Blue Christmas (2:35)
Lead and solo tracks written and played by Patrick.
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| Visit PAS/CAL's Website! |
| Scenes from Arts-burgh - PittsburghLIVE.com |
| October 25th, 2005 00:00 |
 Maynard Ferguson
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Trumpeter Maynard Ferguson showed Saturday at Dowe's on 9th that he is willing to start acting his age.
At 77, the high-note wizard spent most of his act directing his Big Bop Nouveau from a stool in the middle of the bandstand. That decision was helped by the fact that trumpeter Patrick Hession is able to play his role and reach the soaring trumpet heights for which Ferguson is known.
Oh, he played quite a bit himself and showed he still is the phenom who has been on the road more than 50 years. And that seemed to please the full house at the Downtown club who gave the band an enthusiastic response.
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| On the Road Again with Maynard! |
| September 21st, 2005 00:00 |
 After getting off the road with Maynard Ferguson & Big Bop Nouveau, Patrick had a pretty busy summer of 2005. As soon as Patrick got home in May, he had a baroque trumpet and organ wedding with organist Larry Przybysz. Patrick then flew out to play with Paul Anka at Harrah's Casino in St. Louis, MO. Patrick was then called by Lon Bronson to play lead trumpet in "The Rat Pack Returns in The Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey & Dean" for a six-week run at the Detroit City Theatre. Patrick also had various summer gigs with Maynard Ferguson & Big Bop Nouveau and some of them included, the Blue Note in New York, the Cesky Krumlov International Music Festival 2005 and a fun filled week at Ronnie Scott's in London! To end off the summer, Patrick had a Local 5 trust fund gig, a gig with Grupo Fuego, The OJ's and a couple of gigs with Spyder Turner. One of which was at the world famous Woodward Dream Cruise! Kicking off the fall tour, Patrick will be back on the road with Maynard Ferguson & Big Nouveau starting September 23rd. We hope to see you there!
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| Sneak Peek at Monette's ALL-NEW 2006 Line of PRANA Instruments! |
| August 24th, 2005 00:00 |
 Here is a Sneak Peek at Monette's ALL-NEW 2006 Line of PRANA Instruments! We hope you enjoy the seven-minute video collage featuring some of the top artists play-testing Monette's new PRANA Instruments. Patrick appears in this video collage three times, so check it out!
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| View Amazing Video at Monette's Website! |
| Maynard Ferguson's Big Bop Nouveau, London |
| August 5th, 2005 03:00 |
 By Mike Hobart
Published: August 5, 2005
03:00
Ferguson was never known for the subtleties of his trumpet technique, though he still strings together the occasional well-crafted phrase. His renown lies more in his spectacularly powerful high note playing, which is so full-on that it grabs audiences by the throat. Now in his late 70s, he restricts these trademark stratospheric blasts to a few warmly received bars on each number, though he did indulge in a bit of high-note jousting with the lead trumpeter Patrick Hession.
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| View full Article |
| Dose of the real world Still powering ahead; JAZZ |
| August 2nd, 2005 00:00 |
 The Evening Standard (London, England)
August 2nd, 2005
Byline: JACK MASSARIK
Maynard Ferguson's Big Bop Nouveau
Ronnie Scott's Club, W1
Maynard finally revved the volume back up with a medley of his big-band hits. His soaring, whinnying flourishes were electrifying, but the sheer precision of the brass, with Patrick Hession on lead, was the trump card.
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| View full Article |
| Hessions Sessions Guestbook Updated |
| July 23rd, 2005 00:00 |
 The Hessions Sessions Guestbook has been updated to a newer version. You can now post pictures with your entries and spamming will not be a problem anymore.
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| Visit the Guestbook |
| Trumpet Guru Wows Kobalt Crowd |
| June 25th, 2005 00:00 |
June 25, 2005
A Review by Peter Landsdowne
Big Bop Nouveau is packed with impressive soloists, but the band's ensemble playing is something to hear as well. This attribute became evident on "The MF Hit Medley," a crowd-pleaser that elicited the first standing ovation of the evening. Hession was a standout throughout the medley, handling everything from "MacArthur Park" to a beautifully rendered version of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" with aplomb and some impressive high-register work.
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| View full Article |
| Haydn Student Trumpets Blog - Trumpet News and Tips: Pro Trumpet ... |
| June 7th, 2005 00:00 |
 June 07, 2005
Maynard Ferguson and his Big Bop Nouveau Band
I saw Maynard Ferguson and his band perform recently. It is great to see that he is still out there giving it his best. He is obviously moving on in years and not playing a whole lot while on stage. His lead trumpet player, Patrick Hession, more than fills in however. Maynard and the band tour extensively, often conducting master classes at schools in the afternoon before giving their evening concerts. Check out their schedule to see if they are coming to your area.
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| View Haydn Student Trumpets Blog! |
| Crowd pleaser |
| May 7th, 2005 00:00 |
 Crowd pleaser
Audience loves trumpeter Ferguson's all-out assault on senses
Saturday, May 07, 2005
BY ZAN STEWART
Star-Ledger Staff
Master blaster trumpeter Maynard Ferguson's still got it.
Celebrating his 77th birthday with a concert with his nine-piece Big Bop Nouveau band Wednesday at John P. Stevens High School in Edison, Ferguson took the stage on the opening blues and laid out one of his legendary about-as-high-as-you-can-go trumpet tones. He then kept on laying them out for the entire show.
Ferguson has to be championed for his ability at the twilight of his career he led his first American band in Long Branch, he told the packed house of about 1,000, in the mid-'50s to play these incredibly demanding notes. Few at any age can do it, though Ferguson's lead trumpeter, Patrick Hession, sure could.
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| View full Article |
| Maynard Ferguson at Beethoven Hall |
| April 8th, 2005 00:00 |
 Maynard's trademark was his ability to play very high notes. Now he has a young stud, Patrick Hession, who plays his parts on a medley of classic tunes that made Maynard famous, like Gonna Fly Now (theme from Rocky), MacArthur Park and others.
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| View full Article |
| Hessions Sessions Photo Gallery Updated |
| March 14th, 2005 00:00 |
The Hessions Sessions Photo Gallery has now been updated! In Celebration of Black History Month, Patrick played in Port Huron and Sarnia, Canada with the International Symphony Orchestra. Patrick is back on the road with Maynard Ferguson and Big Bop Nouveau until May 15th. We hope to see you there!
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| Visit the Photo Gallery |
| "A-List": A Review by Kelly Beaman |
| February 22nd, 2005 00:00 |
 "A-List": A Review
Kelly Beaman
Published: 2/22/2005
"A-List" JFP-CD01 Personnel: Reggie Watkins, trombone and compositions; Eugene Stovall, vocals; David Throckmorton, drums; James Johnson III, drums; Nathen Peck, electric and acoustic bass; Howard Alexander, piano and synthesizer; Eric Defade, tenor saxophone and flute; Rick Matt, soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones; Patrick Hession, lead trumpet; Ken Robinson, trumpet; Ian Gordon, trumpet; Jamie Moore, trumpet; Craig "Izzy" Arlet, guitar; Alex Peck, tambourine; Scott McIntosh, alto saxophone; Carmello Torres, percussion. Selections: "Three Girls On Two Chairs," "Weight For Six," "You Don't Know What Love Is," "Molero," "Sittin' Here In My Room," "Whisper Not," "December Twentieth," "Two Colors," "Ask Me Know," "Star Jive."
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