A native of Florida, Bruce Saunders earned his masters degree in jazz performance from the University of North Texas where he studied with Jack Peterson and Tom Johnson. Since moving to New York city in 1988, he has appeared on recordings with Jack DeJohnette, Peter Erskine, Dave Holland, Kenny Werner, Bill Stewart, Dave Pierto, Michael Cain, Glen Velez, Harvie Swartz, Mark Murphy, Ben Monder, Steve Cardenas and many others. In addition, he has performed with Bobby Previte, Scott Colley, George Garzone, Hal Cook, Ray Anderson, Rom McClure, Harvie Swartz, Don Braden, Brad Shepik, Rick Margitza, Rich Perry, Johnny Vidocovitch, Leon Parker, Terry Clarke, Donny McCaslin and many others. He has toured Europe, South America, Australia, Portugal, Japan, and the United States. His first CD as a leader (“Forget Everything”) was released in 1996 and featured Jack Dejohnettes on drums, Michael Cain on piano, Dave Pietro on saxophone and Tony Scherr on bass. His 2nd CD, “Likely Story” (Moo Records) was released in 1998. “Likely Story” includes Peter Erskine, Otmaro Ruiz, Dave Carpenter and Dave Pietro. His 3rd CD as leader, “Fragment”, includes drummer Satoshi Takeishi, bassist John Hebert and on saxophone, Adam Kolker. In addition to his playing career in New York, he has been active in the teaching community as well. Since 1992 Bruce has been on the faculty of the Berklee School of Music (Boston) where he leads classes in improvisation, jazz harmony, ensembles (including a John Coltrane/Joe Henderson ensemble) and teaches private guitar lessons.

Download the track "Another Happy Drinking Song" from 8X5.

Review: 8 x 5
All About Jazz