Hot could be the absolute worst of trumpeter
Maynard Ferguson's '70s recordings. It's not just that it contains more over the top versions of theme songs -- "Rocky II Disco" anyone? -- and generally vomitive dancefloor-ready production, but more to the point, 'ol
MF just doesn't sound good. His chops, long overworked by years of obscenely high trumpet squealing, are beginning to let him down. The problem is particularly glaring on the "Gospel John" reworking "Gabriel," in which
Ferguson "fracks" and plays out of tune more than once. Beyond his generally tired-sounding performance, the album feels rushed and features a lousy mixed-bag track selection. To these ends, you get the odd faux raga "Om Sai Ram," featuring
MF attempting to replicate a traditional Indian instrument with a muted trumpet, a kitschy disco-style version of "Theme from Star Trek," and an average version of
John Coltrane's "Naima." Similarly,
Stanley Clarke's "Dayride" is a forgettable '70s big-band funk/Latin number and "Topa-Topa Woman" is just too silly to bother with. ~ Matt Collar