Carl Saunders Albums (7)
'The Lost Bill Holman Charts'
Release Date 9/4/2007
Tracks 11
Label Mama
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What The Critics Say
In the early '80s, saxophonist Ted Richardson, a geologist by day, commissioned Bill Holman to write material for a septet album. After all of the ten arrangements were written, the project never took place and the charts sat in a closet for 20 years. Carl Saunders, lead trumpeter with Holman for many years and a brilliant soloist, unearthed the arrangements, and on this 2007 CD the music was finally recorded. Since Holman is one of the most brilliant arrangers in jazz history, the wait was worth it. While there are many fine solos along the way by Saunders (whose lines on the trumpet seem both effortless and endless), tenor saxophonist Pete Christlieb (showcased on "Dearly Beloved"), trombonist Andy Martin, pianist Christian Jacob, and guest Sam Most (on flute and baritone), it is the written ensembles that are most adventurous and memorable. Whether deconstructing and reinventing five standards, introducing five pieces of his own, or arranging Saunders' "The Hook" especially for this project, Bill Holman shows that he is more than just a premiere big-band arranger. A gem. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Carl Saunders is one of the great trumpeters in jazz today. His strong sound, wide range (playing lead trumpet with Bill Holman's orchestra), very long flowing lines full of rapid but logical notes, and ability to think fast makes him a potent force in any setting. Although he is still drastically underrated, particularly on the East Coast, Saunders' recent series of recordings (including holding his own with Phil Woods) is finally resulting in him getting some recognition. Can You Dig Being Dug is a quartet set with pianist Christian Jacob, bassist Dave Stone, and drummer Santo Savino that was recorded live in 2003. Although the rhythm section is stimulating and swinging, Saunders is the star throughout. He rips into a set of standards and mostly basic originals (of which "What Can I Say" is well worth catching on), playing one stunning improvisation after another. The music is all straight-ahead, even the medium-fast "One Note Samba," and Saunders never seems to run out of ideas even during his lengthier solos. This is outstanding music that is highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Live in San Francisco'
Release Date 1/1/2003
Tracks 8
Label Birdland
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What The Critics Say
Trumpeter Carl Saunders has been leading big bands on a part-time basis ever since he was a youth, including in Los Angeles since 1984. This 1999 recording was the first set by his impressive orchestra. Although several writers contributed charts to the CD (Larry Dominello, Bill Rogers, John Boice, John Hall, and Mike Barone, plus two from Jackson Stock), it is the five arrangements by Herbie Phillips that set the mood for the rewarding project. The late Phillips, a close friend of Saunders from his Las Vegas years, was a talented trumpeter and arranger/composer who loved bebop. There are many highlights through this stirring set, including "Compilation" (a run-through on rhythm changes with solos from Saunders, altoist Lanny Morgan, trombonist Bob McChesney, tenor saxophonist Jerry Pinter, and pianist Christian Jacob), a medium-tempo interpretation of "Emily" (with trombonist Andy Martin), "I'm All for You" (based on "Body and Soul"), "Some Bones of Contention" (featuring the trombones of Martin and McChesney), "Autumn in New York" (which has some beautiful ballad playing by Saunders), "An Apple for Christa" (featuring trumpeter Bob Summers, Morgan, and Martin), and "Baby Blues." In reality, all 12 selections have their moments of interest, the musicianship of the band is quite impressive, and the music always swings. Highly recommended, this is one of the best big band albums of the early 21st century. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Carl Saunders' second CD for the SNL label is the equal of his first. The brilliant if underrated trumpeter is joined by 23 strings, three French horns (including Richard Todd), and a rhythm section (with pianist Billy Childs). With arrangements by several top-notch writers (including Clare Fischer, Bob Florence, and Bill Holman), Saunders is showcased on a variety of tempoes. Among the highpoints are "Fascinating Rhythm," "The Surrey With the Fringe on Top," "Blues for the Common Man" (written and arranged by the leader), and Chopin's "Valtz Opus 64 #2" (arranged by Saunders). The release of this CD and its previous set, Out of the Blue, will lead listeners to wonder why Carl Saunders is not world famous yet. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This CD could have been titled "It's About Time!" It is hard to believe that trumpeter Carl Saunders, a fixture in Los Angeles since he moved from Las Vegas in 1984, had never before led his own record date. A superb bop-based improviser whether featured in big bands, with the Dave Pell Octet, or in smaller combos, Saunders has long been in demand for jazz sessions. For this release, he is showcased in a quartet with pianist Roger Kellaway, bassist Buster Williams, and drummer Santo Savino; two numbers add the tenor of Jerry Pinter and trombonist Andy Martin. Saunders gets the opportunity to stretch out on four standards, five originals (either by him or Scott Tibbs), and -- best of all -- an unusual and exciting version of Chopin's Minute Waltz. Varying romps with ballads and showing off not only his creative ideas but his warm tone, Carl Saunders' maiden effort as a leader is quite impressive and highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
