Compiled By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs

BASSIST TONY SAUNDERS FINDS A NEW, SMOOTH GROVE WITH GERALD ALBRIGHT

During the recent National Association of Music Merchants Show (NAMM), two‑time Emmy‑winning bassist Tony Saunders played a demo mashup of Mark Morrison's "Return of the Mack" that weaved in El DeBarge's classic jam, "I Like It" for multi-Grammy nominee Gerald Albright. The saxophonist instantly heard its radio potential and agreed to play on the recording. Since then it has enjoyed success on the Billboard and Mediabase charts.

Joining Saunders and Albright on the track is Grammy-winning keyboardist Michael Mani (Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, Tori Kelly), who produced the single with Saunders along with playing keyboards, synths, key bass, vocal processing, drum programming, and guitar synths. John Mitchell added live drums to anchor the rhythm track.

"I've always loved 'Return of the Mack'--the groove is off the hook--and I knew I'd record it someday. 'I Like It' has also been one of my favorites, and because it's in the same key, the mashup came together naturally. The reaction from fans when we play it live is incredible," said Saunders, who records for the Baja/TSR label and received clearance to release the single on his own imprint.

Saunders dedicates the new single to the memory of two of his cousins, Kurt Kaywood and Oliver Rodgers. They passed away two weeks apart as Saunders was finishing up work on the track. "They played an important part of my life, always introducing me to new things."

For anyone not familiar with these classic beats, "Return of the Mack” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1996. El DeBarge's "I Like It" was the group's breakthrough hit, peaking at No. 2 on Billboard’s R&B chart in 1982.

Saunders has been busy lately. He was also on-set in Sacramento, California shooting a cameo appearance in the Belton Mouras Jr's Entertainment film "Fingers: The Vegan Zombie Musical," (See "The One To Watch") which is expected this Halloween. In addition to scoring several films, Saunders made his big screen debut in 1986 in the Francis Ford Coppola blockbuster "Peggy Sue Got Married" playing in a scene as a band member of Nicolas Cage.

Saunders’ musical path began with taking piano lessons from the greatHerbie Hancock. He was gifted with an organ by Sly Stone and received his first bass from Creedence Clearwater Revival's Tom Fogerty. His professional career began when he was invited to play in his father's band. His father was Merl Saunders, and the co-band's leader was Grateful Dead legend Jerry Garcia. Tony Saunders' diverse musical journey spans jazz, funk, rock, R&B, and Latin music. He also composed the musical "Rock Justice" with Jefferson Starship's Marty Balin.

Saunders debuted as a solo artist with 2011's Romancing the Bass. His latest collection, 2024's The Romance Continues, spawned multiple Billboard Top 10 hits. Over the years, Saunders has collaborated with contemporary jazz luminaries Jeff Lorber, Paul Brown, Paul Jackson Jr., Nils, Jeff Ryan, Randy Crawford, Blake Aaron, and Adam Hawley.

In addition to releasing more new music this year, Saunders is eager to perform with his new band which includes: John Mitchell on drums, bassist Vernon Hall (Tony! Toni! Tone!), guitarist Tim Landis, and keyboardist Ray Roland. "I have played with a lot of musicians in my life, but this group really gets the Tony Saunders vibe," he said.

For more information on Tony Saunders, check out his Website at https://www.tonysaunders.com/