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Carl Randall (March 29, 1949—December 3, 2012) was an American jazz musician (saxophone, flute) who worked with many famed jazz musicians including Johnny Hammond Smith, Bill Withers, Gerald Wilson, and Donald Byrd.
Early life
Carl Randall was born Carl Norman Randall Jr. in Los Angeles, California, on March 29, 1949, to Carl Norman Randall, Sr. and Naomi Odell Randall.
Randall attended Mt. Vernon Jr. High School where he played alto and tenor saxophone. After graduating from Los Angeles High School in 1967, he enrolled in the jazz program at Los Angeles City College.
Career
After completing his education, Randall served in the military and played in the Navy School of Music. During military service, he was in the Gerald Wilson Orchestra and also played with Donald Byrd and Willie Bobo.
After discharge, Randall worked with Johnny Hammond Smith and recorded on Hammond's 1974 album Gambler's Life alongside Freddie Perren (backing vocals); Henry Franklin, Tony Dumas (bass); Fonce Mizell (clavinet, trumpet); King Errisson (congas); Harvey Mason (drums); Melvin "Wah Wah" Ragin (guitar); Stephanie Spruill (percussion); Jerry Peters (piano); Larry Mizell (synthesizer); and Al Hall (trombone).
In 1972, Randall joined Freddie Hubbard at the Palo Alto Jazz Festival. From 1974 on, he worked with Hubbard for three years and recorded Gleam and Liquid Love in 1975.
After touring with Bill Withers, Randall worked again with the Gerald Wilson Orchestra from 1978 on. In 1998, he played tenor saxophone on Wilson's Theme for Monterey with Trey Henry (bass); Mel Lee (drums); Anthony Wilson; Brian O'Rourke (piano); Louis Taylor, Scott Mayo (soprano saxophone); and Randall Willis, Scott Mayo (tenor saxophone).
Randall has also worked with Blue Mitchell, Bobby Bryant, Frank Rosolino, Barbara Morrison, Jimmy Scott as well as in different big bands of Frank Capp, with the John Clayton-Jeff Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, and the Buddy Collette's Big Band.
In the 2000s, Randall worked with Al Aarons and Phil Ranelin.
In 2007, Randall performed at Kenny Burrell's 75th Birthday Bash Live! concert at Yoshi's in Oakland, California.
Between 1974 and 2009, Randall was involved in 13 recording sessions
Personal life
Randall was married to Helen Corpuz Randall. He had two children—Darin Randall and Kristina Randall.
Death
Randall died on December 3, 2012.