Tom Saunders and the Wild Bill Davison Legacy: Call of the Wild

Tom Saunders: Cornet
Bill Allred: Trombone
Chuck Hedges: Clarinet
Rick Fay: Tenor Sax
Johnny Varro: Piano
Paul Keller: Bass
Warren Sauer: Drums

"Wild Bill's prime gifts to jazz will always be remembered by future generations of musicians influenced by his distinctive style. I am sure that his proudest endowment is his band's continuing heartfelt affection and admiration. These are the men who worked with "Wild Bill." They traveled with him, learned from him, and were inspired by him; they benefited greatly from Bill's encouragement and assistance. These are tunes they played with him in saloons, on concert stages, and at festivals in the U.S. and Europe. Many of these musicians are leaders in their own right. Yet, these artists of world class stature proudly unite to sustain their mentor«s image. In these capable hands, the "... fire will burn on and on!" That is unquestionably "Wild Bill" Davison's greatest legacy!"

—Floyd Levin, award-winning jazz writer for more than 40 years, jazz producer, lyricist and contributor of scores of oral history interviews to the Jazz Archive at Tulane University in New Orleans.

Selected by Owen Cordle as a Critics' Pick for 1996 in the March 1997 issue of JazzTimes, by Tex Wyndham as a 1996 Writer's Choice in the January/February issue of Coda and by Floyd Levin as a 1996 Critics' Choice in the February 1997 issue of Jazz Journal International.

Selections:
At the Jazz Band Ball
Squeeze Me
Running Wild!
Constantly
Beale Street Blues
In a Sentimental Mood
Cornet Chop Suey
Satan Takes a Holiday
The Battle Hymn of the Republic
Love Is Here to Stay
You're Lucky to Me
On the Alamo
A Cottage for Sale
I Never Knew (That Roses Grew)