Carl Fontana Day

July 18, 1928 – October 9, 2003

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Trombonist Carl Fontana was born on July 18, 1928, in Monroe, Louisiana.

A remarkably fluid and technically gifted jazz trombonist, widely regarded as one of the greatest in the instrument’s history. Born in Louisiana, Fontana launched his professional career in the early 1950s, making his breakthrough with the Stan Kenton Orchestra, where his clean articulation and flawless phrasing set him apart.

He went on to play with Woody Herman, Lionel Hampton, and the Terry Gibbs Dream Band, and became a fixture in Las Vegas jazz clubs. Fontana’s hallmark was his effortless use of legato phrasing and advanced bebop improvisation, techniques rarely mastered on the trombone.

His collaborations with fellow brass legends and appearances on countless recordings solidified his reputation as a musician’s musician. Despite never seeking the spotlight, Carl Fontana left a lasting mark on jazz, raising the technical and expressive standards of trombone playing to an unprecedented level.

Here is Carl Fontana performing “I Thought About You” in 1988.

Personnel:

Carl Fontana – trombone
Pim Jacobs – piano
Ruud Jacobs – bass
Peter Ypma – drums

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