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