Earl Gardner

Earl Wesley Gardner, Jr. (born April 19, 1950 in New York City) is an American jazz trumpeter known for his stint in the house band on Saturday Night Live, a chair he held from 1985 until 2022.

In 1976, he joined The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. He has later joined Carla Bley's Big Band.

Discography With Carla Bley Looking for America (Watt, 2003) Appearing Nightly (Watt, 2008) With George Benson Big Boss Band (Warner Bros., 1990) With Andy Bey Tuesdays in Chinatown (N-Coded, 2001) With Angela Bofill I Wanna Love Somebody (Jive, 1983) With David Bowie Never Let Me Down (EMI, 1987) With David Byrne Grown Backwards (Nonesuch, 2004) With Betty Carter The Music Never Stops (Blue Engine, 2019) With Casiopea Sun Sun (Alfa, 1986) Platinum (Polydor, 1987) With Hank Crawford Tight (Milestone, 1996) With Robin Eubanks Karma (JMT, 1991) With Charlie Haden's Liberation Music Orchestra Dream Keeper (Blue Note, 1990) With Tom Harrell Time's Mirror (RCA Victor, 1999) With Joe Henderson Big Band (Verve, 1997) With Dave Holland What Goes Around (ECM, 2002) With James Ingram Never Felt So Good (Qwest, 1986) With Branford Marsalis I Heard You Twice the First Time (Sony, 1992)With John ScofieldUp All Night (Verve, 2003) That's What I Say: John Scofield Plays the Music of Ray Charles (Verve, 2005)With Zoot Sims and the Benny Carter OrchestraPassion Flower: Zoot Sims Plays Duke Ellington (1979)With Bob StewartGoin' Home (JMT, 1989)With The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis OrchestraThad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra with Rhoda Scott (Barclay, 1976) It Only Happens Every Time (EMI, 1977) Live in Munich (Horizon/A&M, 1976)With Stanley TurrentineNightwings (Fantasy, 1977)With McCoy Tyner'''The Turning Point (Birdology, 1992)Journey'' (Birdology, 1993)