MARINA PACOWSKI

NEW JAZZ STANDARDS VOLUME 7 – THE MUSIC OF CARL SAUNDERS

Summit Records

Marina Pacowski, vocals/piano on one song; Josh Nelson, piano; John Clayton & Ken Wild, bass; Roy McCurdy, drums; Larry Koonse, guitar; Rickey Woodard, saxophones; Ron Stout, trumpet; Scott Whitfield, trombone. SPECIAL GUESTS: John Proulx, vocals; Ken Peplowski, clarinet.

Marina Pacowski is a French songstress who transplanted to Los Angeles in 2017.  This project showcases the composer mastery of the late trumpeter, Carl Saunders.

Pacowski is also an awesome pianist and has toured extensively in Europe, performing in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.  In fact, she teaches private lessons in Los Angeles of piano and she offers vocal jazz improv classes.

One thing you notice right away is how intricate and melodic the compositions of Carl Saunders are.  His music is brilliant.  Pacowski was first introduced to Saunders when trombonist, Scott Whitfield brought her to his home for a private jam session.

“Carl was known for his demanding standards. I was thrilled that I was welcomed into a very special inner circle of fellow artist and friends,” Marina Pacowski shared in her press package.

She opens with “August in New York” because Pacowski loves the joyful, swinging arrangement and the great lyrics by Pat Tuzzolino.  This tune also gives her an opportunity to step up and showcase her impressive scat-singing talents.  She and trumpeter Ron Stout trade fours briefly.

Track #2 is a tribute to Carl Saunders’ favorite dessert, “High on Blueberry Pie.” This tune has special meaning to Pacowski, because the first time she heard it, Carl Saunders actually sang it to her while she played piano.  Speaking of the piano, Josh Nelson takes an awesome solo during this song.

Alan Bergman penned the lyrics for the Saunders’ tune “Theme for Jobim.”  Pacowski is quite creative when spontaneously singing a brand new melody during her smooth scat presentation. She seems to think like a horn player. Larry Koonse enters the scene on his always brilliant guitar, soloing over the lilting moderate tempo tune. Pacowski has surrounded herself with some of the best jazz musicians in Los Angeles, including Scott Whitfield on trombone who plays as smooth as velvet.

Every song on this album is a diamond in the raw, just begging the music community to expose it’s glittering beauty to a wider audience.  What a blessing for Marina Pacowski to get this wonderful opportunity to vocally introduce Carl Saunder’s music.

Her former release was titled “Inner Urge” on Summit Records.

On “Feels Like Home” I am intrigued by the wonderful melody and the John Clayton opening introduction using his magic bass.  His bow is like the magician’s wand, hypnotizing our attention with an amazing solo entry.  When Marina Pacowski’s soprano vocals enter, her high tones against Clayton’s rich bass accompaniment is stunning.  I had to play this one twice. When Josh Nelson joins the arrangement, he repeats the melody on piano. This tune is so beautiful it takes my breath away.

Pacowski swings hard on “Is That Asking Too Much?”  She is a scat-master on this blues. The band jumps in with gusto and features Rickey Woodard on tenor saxophone. Everybody wants a piece of this tune. Josh Nelson takes a turn improvising wildly, followed by master bass man, John Clayton. The legendary Roy McCurdy takes a noteworthy drum solo, before the vocalist re-enters to close the tune out with her scat singing.

Every song on this album is a journey into the mind and genius of Carl Saunders. The music is grandly presented by a group of his close friends and features the talented vocalist, Ms. Marina Pacowski.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Order the New Book From Making a Scene

Breaking Chains – Navigating the Decentralized Music Industry

Breaking Chains is a groundbreaking guide for independent musicians ready to take control of their careers in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized music. From blockchain-powered royalties to NFTs, DAOs, and smart contracts, this book breaks down complex Web3 concepts into practical strategies that help artists earn more, connect directly with fans, and retain creative freedom. With real-world examples, platform recommendations, and step-by-step guidance, it empowers musicians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build sustainable careers on their own terms.

More than just a tech manual, Breaking Chains explores the bigger picture—how decentralization can rebuild the music industry’s middle class, strengthen local economies, and transform fans into stakeholders in an artist’s journey. Whether you’re an emerging musician, a veteran indie artist, or a curious fan of the next music revolution, this book is your roadmap to the future of fair, transparent, and community-driven music.