Conquistador (1985)

Maynard Ferguson's only gold album, Conquistador split its session time between his big band in San Francisco and a contemporary studio ensemble in New York. The 1977 album's memorable themes from Star Trek and Rocky, as well as the enchanting "Mister Mellow," made use of the studio ensemble with superlative results. Bob James and George Benson added a considerably fresh atmosphere to the album and ensured its crossover success. While "Gonna Fly Now" and "Theme From Star Trek" turned out to be the big hits, the rest of the album remains significant for its overall pleasant atmosphere and late 1970s pop/rock sentiment. The leader's trumpet sound was pure and solid during those years, and Columbia's new digital remix does the sessions justice. The title track stands out for its majestic Spanish ancestry and its fresh, contemporary attack. Electric bass, electric guitar and electronic keyboards combined with funk-laden horn arrangements. (Jim Santella)|