Born: August 12, 1970 Primary Instrument: Guitar
Carl Amundson and the Modern Guitar Quintet Guitarist, Composer, Arranger and Educator Carl Amundson, a native Chicagoan currently living in Florida, is one of the most exciting and talented young guitarists in the music industry today. Carl's energetic and tasteful playing, along with his arranging talents, are spotlighted throughout his group's, the Modern Guitar Quintet, CDs, which include Back to Business, Kinda Cool, A The Modern Guitar Quintet and his latest release, Guitarists!, all on Blue Line Music. These fine works have received enthusiastic praise from journalists, musical peers and fans alike. They represent the extensive depth of Carl Amundson's musicianship as he continues to evolve. His unique mixture of Post-Bop, Cool Jazz, Latin, Swing and Classical idioms are evident throughout his recordings, compositions, arrangements, repertoire and ensemble concepts.
Known as a guitarist's guitarist, Carl has received praise from fellow players such as:
Toots Thielemans: “Thanks for Bluesette and the clean ensemble playing all through the record. Nice tribute to the JAZZ GUITARISTS.”
Jimmy Bruno: “ The writing is very inventive and the playing is superb.”
Russell Malone: “ I want more!”
Guitarists! is a tribute to the guitarists that have made an impact on Carl Amundson as a player and composer. From Oscar Moore (guitarist for the Nat King Cole trio) to Toots Thielemans (guitarist for the George Shearing Quintet before finding fame playing the harmonica) to Jim Hall, each guitarist's composition is arranged and performed by Carl Amundson and his group. All the guitarists whose composition is featured on this recording have touched and influence countless individuals through their playing, writing and teaching. This CD is a small token of Carl's, and many others, gratitude.
Kinda Cool is Carl Amundson's third recording featuring his quintet “the Modern Guitar Quintet”. It was greeted with enthusiasm from the public and critics alike. Steven Rosenberg of Just Jazz Guitar wrote the following about Kinda Cool: “Classy, cool, vituosic -- all these words describe an album that is a joy to hear.”
Back to Business, Carl's second recording, raised awareness of his talent as musicians and critics embraced it. Jazz Review said the recording “brings to life the sounds of the classic jazz guitar recordings” and it “will satisfy those who enjoy the natural sound of the jazz guitar”.
In addition to leading the “Modern Guitar Quintet”, Carl continues to work regularly in the Tampa Bay area, as well as throughout the country.
Carl has worked with John Lamb, Buster Cooper (both Alumni of Duke Ellington's Orchestra), Frank Mullen, Kenny Drew Jr., Michael Ross (from Nat Adderly's quintet), and Grammy nominated Dan McMillion.
Carl's varied credits have earned recognition in such publications as Just Jazz Guitar, 20th Century Guitar, St. Petersburg Times, among others.
