Q&A with David Sanborn

Courtesy of Jazz Iz- April 2004

Alto saxophonist David Sanborn’s resume includes jazz sessions with Paco Pastorius, Gil Evens, and the Brecker Brothers, among others; pop-rock work with Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, and the Eagles; as well as a full career as a leader. Born in Tampa, Florida, raised in St. Louis, Missouri, and currently living in New York City, Sanborn, 58, recently released timeagain (Verve). It features Sanborn playing both saxophone and piano on a set that includes both originals and interpretations of Stanley Turrentine’s “Sugar,” Earl Hagen’s “Harlem Nocturne,” Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely,” and Joni Mitchelle’s “Man From Mars.” In the early 1990s, Sanborn showcased his versatility and open mind by hosting the TV program “Night Music”, which featured instrumental music with a variety of guests. “The guys I grew up around in St. Louis would listen to a lot of different types of music and judge them on their own merits,” Sanborn says, “and I’ve always felt the same way: If it’s good, it’s good.”

What makes you swing?
Interaction.

Three records worth mentioning?
Well, that’s an impossible question to answer. Not necessarily the only three worth mentioning, but three that come to mind are E.S.P. by Miles Davis, Juju by Wayne Shorter, and a James Brown collection called Star Time.

Favorite movies?
Again, it’s not the kind of stuff that I think about. I don’t really have a favourite anything. One is a Jean Cocteau version of Beauty and the Beast, another one is a little fluff of a French comedy by Jacques Tati called Mr. Hulot’s Holiday, and, just for the beauty of it, Children of Paradise by Marcel Carne.

Favorite books?
I pretty much read everything and listen to everything. That’s the great thing about life – there’s so much stuff out there. But two books that I always come back to and refer to are The Meditations by Marcus Aurelius and Awake Healing Energy Through Tao by Mantak Chia. They’re good for reference and also inspirational.

Favorite television programs?
I usually either watch the news or old movies, but “Curb Your Enthusiasm” on HBO, “Frontline” on PBS, and “Late Night with David Letterman.”

What’s your favorite ride (car or otherwise)?
The ride home.

When and where were you happiest?
Well, the jive answer would be right now. But in a way, it’s true. I try not to dwell on the past or project about the future, so the answer would have to be right now.

What sport moves you?
I watch ‘em all, but lately I’ve been getting back into football.

Guilty pleasure?
Doing nothing.

War – what is it good for?
Well, refer to Edwin Starr on that one.

Who do you invite to your last supper?
My last supper? A paramedic! And I guess I’d want to have something light.

The most important lesson you’ve learned?
Keep your ears open and your mouth shut.

What does “jazz” mean to you?
Freedom.