David Sanborn: Smooth-jazz saxophone master

Courtesy of Digital City.com Dallas-Fort Worth - June, 2003

As a jazz-schooled musician who made his name playing sideman gigs with pop artists, David Sanborn did more than just cash in on jazz-pop crossover – he virtually invented the concept. Sanborn’s crying, lyrical alto-sax style defined the “smooth-jazz” genre and has inspired numerous followers. But Sanborn is more than a swinging pop player; he is a masterful musician with deep roots in jazz, pop and R&B, and he takes pleasure in examining and interpreting all of these styles in his own way. While he occasionally draws criticism from purists who perceive his love of R&B as a lack of respect for pure jazz, no one questions his remarkable instrumental talent – David Sanborn is one of the finest alto players on the planet, period. And he’s no slouch in the upper register either; Sanborn occasionally wails on a custom “sopranino” saxophone, allowing him to reach ever higher notes. He is touring this summer in support of his debut disc on the Verve label, the cool and confident timeagain. The album is an exploration of many old standards from Sanborn’s youth: “Harlem Nocturne,” “Sugar,” and “Tequila” are a few of the familiar tunes he works through, giving them his signature stamp with high, crying sax solos and funky backbeats. In the hands of Sanborn, jazz gets to dress down and hit the dance floor. – P. Porter

What to Watch For: Plenty of solid funk, courtesy of powerhouse drummer Gene Lake (Screaming Headless Torsos, Me’Shell NdegeOcello) and thumping bassist Richard Patterson (Boz Scaggs). These guys know how to throw down.

Check the Set List: In addition to the familiar tunes off timeagain, done in funked-up style, Sanborn and his band will probably treat fans to a few signature romantic numbers. If you thought Kenny G had the market cornered on smooth melodies garnished with wailing sax solos, think again; this is David Sanborn’s stock trade.

Hey, You Looked Taller on TV: David Sanborn’s career as a television host was short, but it definitely showed off his vast knowledge and eclectic taste. He’ll probably go down as the only guy in history who once welcomed Miles Davies and The Red Hot Chilli Peppers to the same TV show, the briefly syndicated “Night Music.”