Sunam Gyamtso
Music Group
1983-1993
Sairam! I used to be part of the Sai Symphony at Prashanthi Nilayam and Brindavan. I consider the passing away of such a great soul as Maynard Ferguson a great loss to the world of music. I still recollect the golden moments that we spent together with him. He was so humble in his bearings despite his colossal stature.
One particular incident that is ever etched in my memory is when he had come to our dining hall in the hostel at Parthi and performed in the divine presence. He began by saying that he had been inspired to compose a special song that morning. The words of the song were:
Sathya Sai Baba, Why don't you look at me?
Sathya Sai baba, Why don't you talk to me?
His performance was so spontaneous and he possessed no inhibitions whatsoever. I felt as though he was articulating the prayers of millions of devotees in those simple words. And of course his musical improvisation that day was a masterpiece. Wish I could share more such incidents, but for the paucity of space and time.
I need not pray for his immortal soul. He was definitely a Jeevan Mukta, born to teach the world the pathway to liberation through music.
Music Group
1983-1993
Sairam! I used to be part of the Sai Symphony at Prashanthi Nilayam and Brindavan. I consider the passing away of such a great soul as Maynard Ferguson a great loss to the world of music. I still recollect the golden moments that we spent together with him. He was so humble in his bearings despite his colossal stature.
One particular incident that is ever etched in my memory is when he had come to our dining hall in the hostel at Parthi and performed in the divine presence. He began by saying that he had been inspired to compose a special song that morning. The words of the song were:
Sathya Sai Baba, Why don't you look at me?
Sathya Sai baba, Why don't you talk to me?
His performance was so spontaneous and he possessed no inhibitions whatsoever. I felt as though he was articulating the prayers of millions of devotees in those simple words. And of course his musical improvisation that day was a masterpiece. Wish I could share more such incidents, but for the paucity of space and time.
I need not pray for his immortal soul. He was definitely a Jeevan Mukta, born to teach the world the pathway to liberation through music.
posted by passerby at 11:36 PM
2 Comments:
I am an American trumpet player and, like countless people across the globe, a life-long follower of Maynard Ferguson. I wanted to know what Maynard's students in India thought about Maynard's passing. Your blog demonstrates that the love and respect we have for the Boss is universal.
God bless Maynard Ferguson.
Om Shanthi,
Lou Spagnola
To all the friends and fans of Maynard Ferguson,
First of all I want to thank everyone for their kind words since my father's passing. We all share a great loss, but with time the sadness will fade and we will be left with wonderful memories.
I received many heartfelt emails and letters from people who believe that Maynard's music changed their lives, that he inspired them, that his overwhelming joy of performing and love of life rubbed off on them, that his mantra of "Music has to be fun", was proven at every show and clinic. Maynard and the people who love him are proof that music matters.
That said, I would like to ask everyone who would like to, to please write their Maynard experience and email it to me. My goal is to create a powerful document, that proves the power and importance of music education. Maybe it will also help get Maynard a life time achievement award, maybe it will just be a beautiful testament to a wonderful human being who we were lucky to know. When it is put together I will post it. --Love Wilder (Maynard's youngest daughter)
How has music affected your life in a positive way, using your Maynard experience(s) as an example?
If you don't mind please include your name, age, profession, where you live and if you can remember the year your story takes place.
If you have a photo from that time that you would not mind me using, I would love to put it with your story.
I am particularly interested in India stories as I have none and it was such a huge part of my father's life. I even took my father and mother to India for their last trip there. They loved Baba, India and the students so much.
Please Email me at
wilderproject@wilderjazz.com
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