Big Bop Nouveau is a band formed in the late 1980s by jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson. Originally consisted of four trumpets, two trombones and four saxophones plus a rhythm section (plus Maynard). Later reduced to what has become known as the "pocket big band" consisting of three trumpets, two saxophones, a trombone and rhythm section (plus Maynard). Big Bop Nouveau tours the world extensivley, most recently in 2003 with a tour of eight months playing up to five shows a week. Many of today's best studio musicians are alumni of this band.