Carl Fischer can be seen on some of the biggest stages in the world with iconic artists such as Billy Joel and Diana Ross.
Billy Joel, in whose band Fischer has performed as a member of for the past ten years, called Fischer a “gifted musician”. “… the crowd goes nuts…Maybe it’s unexpected but he’s just such a good musician. He just blows people away,” continued Joel (SiriusXM Interview- 2014). Late jazz legend Maynard Ferguson, who also featured Carl, called him “one of the best jazz trumpeters of today.”
Fischer’s career in the music industry has spanned all genres and has placed him in a circle with a virtual who’s who of the music world. This includes multiple groups of Fischer’s own incarnation.
The previously released CD, “Adverse Times”, by Carl Fischer & Organic Groove Ensemble, was released in 2009 to rave reviews and reached high placement on multiple music charts. As the esteemed Mr. Joel commented, “From pop melodies to hard-driving funk, from world flavors to renditions of some of my own compositions, the album will appeal to a wide range of listeners and definitely should not be missed.” The CD can still be found in rotation today.
Organic Groove was founded in 2001, with its well-received 2003, self-titled, release still having success in the digital market. “They will excite you, move you and leave you breathless as they individually and collectively explore new jazz-funk improvisational vistas. The spirit, rapport and drive are fresh and very high-octane, the musicianship first class.” (AllAboutJazz.com)
In 2011, Fischer also started the Carl Fischer Nouveau Big Band, featuring a small big band that comprises some of the finest first call musicians in the NYC area. The band is a mainstay in the New York City club scene as well as headlining jazz festivals.
The development of Carl Fischer’s unique playing style is the result of a lifetime in music. Fischer first picked up the trumpet at age 5, inspired by his father, who was a talented trumpet player himself. He began his professional music career 22 years ago with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, led by the highly acclaimed trumpet player Wynton Marsalis, and then moved on to join up with Maynard Ferguson’s outfit. Starting as Ferguson’s trumpet player/personal assistant and ending over a decade later as a featured soloist, musical director, and concert opener. This was the first time in Ferguson’s 40 years of touring that he had a trumpet player open a show for him.
Fischer has proven to be one of the most visible trumpet players in the world, keeping a consistent national and international touring schedule. Playing in sold out theater performances with Motown legend Diana Ross. Being a featured soloist and multi-instrumentalist (Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Trombone & Saxophones) as a part of record-breaking stadium tours with icon Billy Joel… so successful they have been featured in various publications such as Billboard Magazine.
Fischer’s most recent release, “Pure Imagination”, a collaboration with established producer Andy Snitzer, gives an exciting and original take on this classic movie standard, featuring the lush lyrical side of Fischer’s playing that is more commercial, but still with a dash of fireworks thrown in that can only be described as Carl Fischer!
The “Standards with Strings” project embraces the ever-changing music industry and focuses on releasing singles periodically in volumes. “Either change with it or get left behind. Shifting focus to frequently releasing singles keeps people engaged and new content constantly flowing,” says Fischer. The singles will focus on original arrangements of standards, with strings, from the great American songbook.
Fischer’s mantra during this latest endeavor: “Try to stay true to yourself and achieve your own sound while conveying emotion through a melody, which is probably one of the hardest things a musician can do.”
* Carl Fischer is an artist/clinician and presents many workshops and guest artist series shows throughout the U.S. and abroad. He is a Warburton Signature Performing Artist as well as being endorsed by Torpedo Bags, GR Technologies mouthpieces and AMT Microphones.