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A decade after leaving Stan Kenton's band, trumpet virtuoso Maynard Ferguson was truly "ridin' high" as a solo artist. Released in 1966, Ridin' High (also known as Freaky) captures a pivotal moment in Ferguson's career during a turbulent time for big band jazz. While many ensembles were folding or turning to pop to survive, Ferguson was experimenting with new sounds. Recorded in 1967 and released on the Enterprise label, this album stands apart from his later work with his British band, offering a vintage, unique flavor. Ridin' High showcases a transitional phase, as Maynard navigated the challenges of the jazz scene before his move to England.