Phil Urso and Carl Saunders

Reprinted from http://jazzwax.com

One of the finest albums of the early 2000s is Phil Urso and Carl Saunders Salute Chet Baker. Recorded in 2002 for the Jazzed Media label, the album featured tenor saxophonist Phil Urso and trumpeter Carl Saunders (above) backed by Keith Waters (p), Colin Gieg (b) and Paul Romaine (d). The album recaptured the pairing of Urso and Baker in 1956 and in the mid-1960s, in particular songs from what is perhaps their best album together—Playboys, also known as Picture of Heath, recorded in November '56.

Carl Saunders may not be familiar to you. Trombonist Carl Fontana once referred to him as the "best trumpeter you've never heard," largely because Saunders spent a chunk of his career in Las Vegas, where he played in show bands. In 1984, he moved to Los Angeles and played with Bill Holman's orchestra. There also were stints with Supersax, the Dave Pell Octet and his own big band along.

Carl is still on the scene today (go here). Phil (above) died in 2008 (to read my JazzWax interview with Phil's brother, go here).

JazzWax tracks: You'll find Phil Urso and Carl Saunders Salute Chet Baker here.

JazzWax clip: Here's the entire album...

Used with permission by Marc Myers