Carl Saunders is a world-class trumpet player who has worked with Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, Harry James, Maynard Ferguson, and Benny Goodman, among many other great musicians. I’ve had the privilege of working with him at the Great Basin Jazz Camp for the past three years. In addition to being “the best trumpet player you’ve never heard,” as trombonist Carl Fontana once quipped (from Wikipedia), Carl is also a pretty good drummer and an amazing piano player. His harmonic awareness surpasses almost any piano player I’ve ever heard-despite his being primarily a trumpet player. This year I had the opportunity to record him in what may be the world’s tiniest room with a 9-foot Grand Piano! It’s a very nice Baldwin concert grand. Carl just played a bunch of tunes for me, most of which were first takes.
Carl Saunders with Doc Severinson
Carl has an incredible reach with his hands, and I’ve seen him play an 11th, from Bb to Eb over an octave away, with three notes in between. I want to transcribe some of this awesome material, but I’m not really sure I can even physically do most of it. Basically, everything you hear is only one note in the left hand, and about 5 or 6 in the right. It’s pretty impressive to watch! You won’t find these recordings anywhere but here at Learn Jazz Standards! Thank you Carl for allowing me to record you and put these up for everyone to hear. I have a few more clips I may release at a later date, so stay posted!
Click to hear the mp3 recordings of Carl Saunders at the Piano:
All The Things You Are
Here’s That Rainy Day
Come Rain or Come Shine
Laura
Bass and Comp-Rhythm Changes
All of the tunes have breathtaking harmonies. The first four are ballads, and the last clip is the most swingin’ version of rhythm changes I’ve ever heard from a piano player walking bass lines while comping! It’s makes me want to dance!
Here are some of his great trumpet recordings. All of his stuff is off the charts-check it out!
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3 Responses
Wow, Carl can really play. Beautiful piano player!
Carl is truly one of the mopst amazing people you will ever encounter. Marvelous performer, true gentleman. I am so honored to have him with the Great Basin Jazz Camp. Any student of trumpet who misses an opportunity to study with Carl for one week should seek professional mental health treatment!
Yes, Carl is an unbelievable musician, and such a cool cat to hang with! We are very fortunate to have him and Bruce Forman at the Great Basin Jazz Camp.