Carol Sanders, R.I.P.

I learned yesterday that singer Carol Sanders died this week. Carol and I worked together for a couple of years in a Houston jazz combo called Straight No Chaser. She was a dear friend, an authentic trouper, and a real professional. She treated everyone she met with the same decency and respect.

I had the opportunity to play many gigs with her and the late drummer Irv Feldt (usually with Jimmy Ford on alto and Jay Berg, who had played with Charlie Parker, on trumpet). She showed up and brought her 'A' game to every one of them.

Although I hadn't seen her in almost ten years, I held her in the highest regard. She did me the great honor of singing one of my songs, just one of her many kindnesses. My condolences to all who loved her -- and deepest sympathy to any Houston musician who never got to play with her.