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A bit about Clifton
Heading into his 52nd year, Clifton Sanders continues on his spiritual, intellectual and musical pilgrimage. Born in Baltimore, MD to musician parents, Clifton was exposed to all kinds of popular music at a very young age. During his undergraduate years as a chemistry major he played in the jazz and concert bands at Hamline University (St. Paul, MN) and studied saxophone performance with Paul Pizner and briefly with Ed Berger. He moved to Salt Lake City, UT to pursue a doctoral degree in organic chemistry at the University of Utah. During this time he studied saxophone with Joe Muscolino, played in the University of Utah Monday-Wednesday-Friday Big Band, and studied jazz combos and jazz improvisation with Al Weight. A call to Christian pastoral ministry, a rather protracted graduate school career (Ph.D., 1990 in Mechanistic Organic Chemistry), and a career as a research scientist and college teacher curtailed Clifton's musical efforts from 1985-1995. During that time he played in several worship bands and as a sideman for Dave Hahn's debut CD. In 1995 Clifton studied jazz performance and theory with Dave Bennett and began to freelance in Salt Lake City. During this time he arranged, performed on sax and co-produced a contemporary jazz version of Dave Hahn's 'Life on Fire.' In 1997 he joined Soul Patrol, performing on saxes, flute and background vocals. Clifton was a featured soloist on the 2000 Soul Patrol CD 'Don't Fake The Funk.' In 2003, after an R&B career which featured performances in almost every major venue, festival, pre-2002 Olympic showcase events, etc. in the Salt Lake City-Ogden-Park City/Deer Valley region, Clifton left Soul Patrol to concentrate fully on jazz performance with the G. Brown Quintet. Since that time Clifton and the Quintet have performed for numerous functions including national conventions, concerts, festivals and showcases, highlighted by opening for Cassandra Wilson in 2004 and other high-profile events. In 2004 the G. Brown Quintet was selected by Salt Lake City Weekly Magazine as Salt Lake City's 'Best Straight-Up Jazz Combo.' In addition to the Quintet Clifton plays saxophone at Mountain Springs Community Church most Sundays. He has also performed in jazz vespers and contemporary worship services in Salt Lake City, Bountiful and Provo UT. He has composed and arranged sacred works for flute duet, woodwind trio and piano, and he has taught classes and seminars at Salt Lake Theological Seminary on jazz and Christian worship and 'Theology Through The Arts.' Clifton also performs with his wife Sandra as a soprano sax/guitar duo playing contemporary and vintage songs in the 'urban folk' tradition.
Clifton's influences
My dad, David Sanders (d. 1996)--His approach to saxophone was very personal, spiritual and uncompromising, to the point of entirely devoting his art to God alone before he left this life. My mom, Mary Branch, whose talent, love for music and commitment to youth and to the downtrodden is deserving of wider recognition. My stepdad, Will Branch (Buck, aka "The Bull"), for his love, friendship and inspiration. As I raise my son, Nathaniel, I realize that I am channeling my stepdad. Amen. Rayburn Griffith (d.) my high school band teacher, who first suggested that I consider a professional career. George Brown, easily the most under-rated jazz mind in SLC. Al Weight (d.) master musician, teacher, role model--still sorely missed. Dave Bennett, my sax teacher in the 90's, for his exceptional proficiency and influence as a musician, teacher and supporter. A model of excellence. Dave Mitchell, probably the best flugelhorn player you never heard of. Alan Michael, an incredible and rare mix of talent and grace. Dave Weisenberg, Steve Lindeman and Rodney Strong, particularly for their instruction and encouragement in theory and composition. Henry Wolking--for his jazz and classical compositions. Joe Muscolino--for his foundational instruction and encouragement. Cannonball Adderly--his ability to infuse virtuoso execution with authentic emotion and empathy remains unmatched and underappreciated. The tenor sax masters, then and now--Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Sonny Rollins, Sonny Stitt, Dexter Gordon, Hank Mobley, Charles Rouse, Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, George Coleman, James Moody, Jan Garbarek, Arnett Cobb, Sam Rivers, Sil Austin, Red Prysock, Jr. Walker, Eddie Harris, Grover Washington Jr., Ernie Watts, Wilton Felder, Branford Marsalis, Joshua Redman, Michael Brecker, Joe Lovano, Bob Berg, Chris Potter, Bob Mintzer, David Sanchez, Walter Blanding (many thanks and blessings), my dad--David Sanders, Eric Alexander, Stanley Turrentine, Kirk Whalum. The alto and soprano sax masters--Benny Carter, Charlie Parker, Sonny Stitt, Jackie McLean, Eric Dolphy, Ornette Coleman, Cannonball Adderly, Anthony Braxton, Lee Konitz, Eric Kloss, Charles McPherson, John Handy, Sonny Fortune, Arthur Blythe, Paquito D'Rivera, the late Don Myrick (of Earth, Wind and Fire), Bobby Watson, Kenny Garrett, Greg Osby, Phil Woods, Maceo Parker, Grover Washington Jr., Donald Harrison, Wessel 'Warmdaddy' Anderson (for my money--a modern day Cannonball Adderly), Miguel Zenon, Wayne Shorter, Branford Marsalis, Jane Ira Bloom. Flute: James Moody, Rashaan Roland Kirk, Dave Valentin, Hubert Laws, Ray Smith (particularly his work on alto flute). Trumpet/Trombone: George Brown, Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Lee Morgan, Wynton Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Roy Hargrove, Arturo Sandoval, Scott Devey, J.J. Johnson. Piano/Keyboards: Herbie Hancock, Thelonius Monk, McCoy Tyner, Oscar Petersen, Gil Evans, Kenny Kirkland, Chick Corea, Geri Allen, Patrice Rushen, Marian McPartland, Michel Petrucciani, JoAnn Brackeen, Renee Rosnes, Deanna Witkowski, Cyrus Chesnutt. Bass/Drums/Percussion: Ron Carter, Charles Mingus, John Pattatucci, Jaco Pastorius, Reginald Veal, Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, Jack DeJohnette, Peter Erskine, Jeff 'Tain' Watts, Billy Cobham, Terri Lynne Carrington, Russ Hoskins. Composers/leaders: Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Thelonius Monk, Ray Charles, Oliver Nelson, Lee Morgan, Charles Mingus, Dave Brubeck, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Wayne Shorter, Terence Blanchard, Branford Marsalis, Kenny Garrett, Wynton Marsalis, Bob Mintzer, John Pattatucci, Sam Rivers, Klaus Doldinger, Jane Ira Bloom, Henry Wolking, James Brown. Musicians who appreciate the jazz legacy, extend the tradition with sensitivity and grace, who create, rest and play in musical spaces with introspection, mischief, and empathy.
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