Maynard Ferguson, 77, may be best known for his 1978 smash hit “Gonna Fly Now,” the theme from “Rocky,” but the artist is also a world-renown jazz trumpet player and bandleader. Born in Montreal, Ferguson (pictured) learned piano and violin at age 4 and the trumpet at 9. As a teen, he led warm-up bands for the high-caliber likes of Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie. He moved to the United States in 1949, joining Stan Kenton’s
orchestra as the top trumpeter, and had a reputation for hitting the highest notes with ease. He founded his Big Bop Nouveau Band almost 20 years ago, and tours with the group about eight months a year. When writing songs for his ensemble, he digs into bebop, classic jazz, swing, funk and classical music. Ferguson and his Big Bop Nouveau Band appear at the Blue Note (131 W. Third St., off Sixth Avenue; [212] 475-8592; bluenotejazz.com) Tuesday through July 17. Sets are at 8 and 10:30 p.m., and tickets are $25 at tables and $15 at the bar.