Features
Merl Saunders Quiets Down
Veteran San Francisco musician Merl Saunders has been forced to cancel tour plans through June while he battles cancer once again. Doctors found a malignant tumor in the back of the band leader’s sinus cavity and he is scheduled for surgery in April, with radiation treatment following.
“I had a very similar condition several years ago and underwent treatment, which almost no one was even aware of,” said Saunders. “But this time I am forced to cancel so many gigs that I didn’t want to hide the reason from my fans.
“I’ve been through this before and nothing keeps me from the stage. In fact, I’m going to use this time to finish a recording project I’m excited about,” continued the optimistic Saunders.
Best known for his work with Jerry Garcia and The Grateful Dead, Saunders began his career as Johnny Mathis’ first bandleader and went on to record and tour extensively. His 1992 album, Blues From The Rainforest, is his most recognizable work.