Fan Reviews

Find out what other people think of David's many albums and then post your own review of his work.

Closer (2005)

Review by: Rex Djere

I just got my copy of the new David Sanborn album Closer in the mail. I spent today listening to it and it is excellent! It is more mellow and mature than most of Sanborn's previous albums and the songs are very beautiful. The album contains eleven tracks including two new songs written by Sanborn himself. The album includes many classic songs such as the Gil Fuller/Chano Pozo piece made famous by Dizzy Gillespie, "Tin Tin Deo". It also includes two songs written by the great Horace Silver, "Señor Blues" and "Enchantment".

 

Review by: Melanie, Little Falls, NY

I've had my copy of the newest David Sanborn CD, Closer, for a long time and it's a great CD. I love the songs "Capetown Fringe" and "Tin Tin Deo". This CD rock and I think it's his best work ever.

 

Review by: Mike Jimenez, Birmingham, UK

Heh, it's back to the good ole days of David Sanborn at his jazzy best. What an album - fantastic. My personal view is that this is on par with As We Speak and a couple of other earlier ones. I can't wait for a UK tour!!!!

 

Review by: Carol Birch, Duncan, BC

I just purchased a copy of the new David Sanborn album Closer, for my grandson, Andrew. He has just started to play the sax and I wanted him to hear the best as well as his idol on the new release. It is a fantastic album; David just seems to get better and better. I am a "jazz nut" so Closer fits in so very beautifully with my collection. I really loved "Ballad of the Sad Young Men." David can blow pain and heartache like no other!!

 

Review by: Robert Reed, England

I have had a copy of David Sanborn's album Closer for some time now, and cannot stop playing this beautiful album. The track "Smile" is a truly fantastic song. He plays this song with such passion and the phrasing is wonderful. I was fortunate enough to meet him after the show he did in London in July at Ronnie Scott's. A great musician and man. Please keep making this wonderful music.

 

Review by: Mwiinga Sitali Hamatuli, Zambia

I finally got Closer. Wow! My wife and kids sing along Señor Blues in the car. I am African (Zambian), so I also love Capetown Fringe. It's well executed; he sounds South African.

 

Review by: Andi, Richmond, VA

I have all but 3 of David's albums... I was 9 when I first heard his music and I've been a fan ever since. Closer is by far my favorite. I love "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" and "You Must Believe In Spring". I wore out my first CD playing those two songs and had to go buy another, but it was worth it. Those songs have grabbed onto my heart and won't let go. I love David Sanborn and I look forward to his next album!

Legends: Live at Montreux 1997 (2005)

Review by: Steven Seeds, San Ramon, California

 

This is an outstanding performance DVD of David Sanborn. As an alto sax player, I have been a long time fan of David's. His playing abilities, both technically and tonally, never cease to amaze me. This is one very fine example as to why so many musicians have been so inspired by this man's genius. My hope is that this will be the first of many more David Sanborn DVDs to come.

 

Review by: Chris Wheeler, Wadsworth, OH

Watching this concert, I can remember seeing Sanborn in his earlier days. He plays great on this video. I only hope that people who never have seen Sanborn in concert have a chance to see this great sax player on this DVD and then go see him in concert. And check out how great he sounds on Verve Records, you will not be disappointed

timeagain (2003)

Review by: Chris

Just wanted to let you know that the first album of yours that I listened to was timeagain and trust me, after that I wanted to listen to even more of your music. I got exactly what I wanted from all of your music. My favorite song, well, one of my favorite songs from you, is "Man From Mars." It puts me in the mood. and also another of my favorites is "Tin Tin Deo." The latin sorta thang you got goin on is very groovy. And many countless others. Keep it Up! You Inspire me!

Promise Me the Moon (2003)

Review by: Kurt Van De Wiele, Detroit, MI

I bet you're surpised that this is one of my favorites. The Rev, Morning Salsa and Benjamin kill me! I've seen David and his horn at every date played in Detroit since 1980. Got all of his stuff including hundreds of other artists'; recordings whose records sold millions because of David's contributions. Simply the best.

Pearls (1995)

Review by: Brian, New York, NY

 

I love David Sanborn's music. And Pearls is just another great album. It's a smoother and more sophisticated journey into the heart and soul of Jazz as well as the saxophone. The man is a genius who somehow just gets better and better.

 

Review by: Mette Rugbjerg, Ryslinge, Denmark

I think that the album, Pearls by David Sanborn, is a great album. Smoothness and tenderness mixed together in a perfect blend. Mr. Sanborn understands how to catch the listener's attention, and make all kinds of music lovers listen to the wonderful music... I, myself, play the saxophone, and I find David Sanborn very inspiring, he is really controlled in his way of playing music and in another way not. It is difficult, making that kind of music sound well. But David Sanborn manages the task very well. Straight As for Sanborn!

 

Review by: Pete Chilstrom, Quartz Hill,CA

This is "wine sippin" music. It only gets better with each listening.

 

Review by: Micki Pirrotta, Philadelphia, PA

There are not many things in this life you can be sure of except, David Sanborn has never let me down. Listening to Pearls lifts my spirits, when anyone or anything brings me down. I absolutely adore David Sanborn. Thanks for the memories that never end.

 

Review by: Larry Pindar, Portland, OR

David Sanborn proves on this record, beyond any possible doubt, that while he is an acknowledged master of the blues-rock and fusion genres that he helped pioneer, he is also a master of the great jazz standards. Check out "Willow Weep For Me", "Try A Little Tenderness", "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" and "Come Rain Or Come Shine". Amazingly lyrical, melodic and yet technical at the same time. That's not a common combination.

As a professional musician of or 40 years myself, and a former woodwind player, I think David is one of the great sax players of all time. I first saw him with Paul Butterfield's band decades ago and have followed his career ever since. I still study his playing as a guitar player to get melodic ideas that are different and not intuitive to the guitar. He has a sound that while probably more copied than any living saxophonist, is instantly recognizable in almost any musical setting in the first couple of trademark notes. That's what made players like Parker, Coltrane, Cannonball,Hodges, Desmond and Getz stand so out so far from the field and David has that signature sound that is all his own in spades. Funky and elegant at the same time. He is an original American music master and there are not a lot of players that you can say that about, living or dead.

 

Review by: Don Liesch, Vancouver, B.C.

Fantastic album concept and beautifully executed. I love the extended variations and the backup is first class. Absolutely the best alto sax ballad playing available. I play alto, tenor, soprano and clarinet up in Vancouver, B.C. Time for another appearance David.

The Best Of David Sanborn (1994)

Review by: Michael Turner,Griffith, IN

Being a saxophonist myself, I must say "my hat goes off to you for your greatness in the gift you are blessed with". And also Mr.Sanborn, thank you for being an inspiration to me in my profession. I love your spirit, ideas and concepts, but most of all I love your music. I thank you David, and I thank God for you in my time. All of your music is wonderful.

Upfront (1992)

Review by: Jeff Sturgill, Beckley, WV

 

David Sanborn is in top form on this free flowing, non-stop funk marathon. Starting with the opening track titled "Snakes" you will immediately feel the influence of collaborator, and long time friend Marcus Millers. Throughout the album Sanborn travels from funk, to blues, to jazz, and then back again. The track "Crossfire" is possible the best way to hear the masterful craft Sanborn has for his horn. With blistering riffs, and a B3 to back him up, "Crossfire" is definitely one of Sanborn's best songs.

The Upfront album also contains possibly the best rendition of the classic song "Bang, Bang." With a festive, live sound, Sanborn and company to the song a world of justice. I've never heard it performed better. If you're in the mood for a soulful blues tune, be sure to listen to "Soul Serenade." The track is performed flawlessly, and shows how much passion can be packed into this timeless track. Nowadays, it's hard to find albums where all the tracks are worth listening to, but David Sanborn's Upfront not only breaks through this barrier, but it leaves you satisfied and wanting more. Be sure to pick Upfront to hear David at the top of his game. You won't be disappointed.

 

Review by: Arto Alamaunu, Finland

 

One summer back in mid 90's, I was driving my car from Turku to Kuusamo, about 850 km's alltogether, and after just some 50 kilometers my car audio crashed and all the music I had for the next 12 hours was a one cd that I had to play again and again... I think I heard this album about a million times on that summer night. Driving that car under the midnight sun listening to this album about 12 hours...well,it didn't make me any worse a person. :) And I still love these songs. I was singing all the solos aloud after 6 or 7 hours driving and listening. LOL! I know these songs better than Mr. Sannborn, I say!

Another Hand (1991)

Review by: Djamal Adib, Ratingen, Germany

David Sanborn is the greatest alto sax player ever!!! His bright, edgy and brilliant sound is amazing! His ability to play ballads with his individual expression and his impressive creativity makes Sanborn a jazz musician who shouldn't be compared to any other saxophone player. On Another Hand, Sanborn experiments with songs you won't have listened to before. David Sanborn is simply the greatest!!!

Close Up (1988)

Review by: Jeff, Nashville, TN

"Same Girl" is probably the most beautiful piece of music I've ever heard. Incredibly moving. Listen to it a lot. Thanks David. Missed seeing you in Nashville on 7/23/05. Damn flight got canceled. Love the music!

A Change Of Heart (1987)

Review by: Scott Rutledge, San Diego, CA

When I think back on the '80s, I can't help but think of some of the great rock innovaters of all time, like Bryan Adams, Blondie, the B-52's, David Bowie, Bon Jovi, The Cure, The Clash, Def Leopard, Depeche Mode, Foreigner, Peter Gabriel, REM, Talking Heads and of course the punk-reggae-rocker fusionists The Police; not to mention heavy metal "Hair Bands" like Alice Cooper and punk rockers like Adam Ant.

This era also ushered in the resurgence of the post-disco pre-techno dance club and artists like Paula Abdul, the Bangles, Bananarama, Pat Benatar, English Beat, Sheena Easton and the Go-Gos. Technology had come of age, and the microchip and integrated circuit changed music and the making of it forever. This generation shed the more earthy skin of the '70s groups behind, relying instead upon the fusion of technology - namely the synthesizer - with a cleaner, more sterile digital sound, all with an insistent, thumping, driving, dance-like electronic drumbeat underlying it all.

On its surface, David's release A Change of Heart is a fairly typical '80s outing, by these standards, but made all the more amazing and atypical by the fact that David himself was NOT a product of the '80s, but in fact, by this time, had already released 10 albums!! What's notable - no, stunning - about this release is the fact that the ever-popular and chameleon-like altoist managed, so successfully, to seamlessly fuse these new styles into his soul-infused funk-ified R&B-ish jazz roots, creating a VERY different musical experience in the process. The main difference from his past work is that the music often uses synthesizers and electronic rhythms to a much greater degree than it had previously, but Sanborn's distinctive crying sound and that bright "edginess" was still very much intact.

The music is produced by long-time friend and studio collaborator Marcus Miller ("Chicago Song" and "Imogene"), Michael Colina, Ronnie Foster or Philippe Saisse. Each of the producers plays keyboards and is responsible for the backgrounds behind the leader. "Chicago Song", which has become one of his many "signature" songs, is still played regularly on smooth jazz stations throughout the country, and "Imogene", "High Roller", and "Breaking Point" have an insistent driving beat that's both reminiscent of the day and irresistably toe-tap inducing. Funky and danceable is no real surprise, but give a listen to the wistful "Summer" and soulful "The Dream" - the guy still knows how to lay down a proper ballad and sing a song! One of my all-time favorites. Go get it.

 

Review by: Khongsak, Bangkok, Thailand

This album truly defines what instrumental music was in the ‘80s. "Chicago Song" is definitely his trademark and opener of his concerts through out the world. The "The Dream" is his best love song ever recorded with high notes and a crying sound. Yet again another "must have."

Double Vision (1986)

Review by: : David Bush, Knoxville, TN

Hopefully I'm allowed to mention collaborative efforts here. My favorite is the Sanborn/James collaboration, "Double Vision." I have few CDs that I enjoy so much EVERY time I listen to it! Everything about the CD is enjoyable (esp. Marcus' bass lines!), but David amazes me with his dynamic sensitivity, unfailing tone, precise pitch, perfect timing... There isn't anything about his playing on Double Vision that doesn't capture my heart.

 

Review by: Geoff Knowles, Bolton, UK

My all time favourite David Sanborn album. Ok it is half-credited to Bob James but it really is David at his best, the playing gets right to your soul. Fave track is "Maputo". As well as being a superb album the vinyl version is probably the finest recording I have in the medium and wipes the floor with most stuff on CD. A masterpiece, and no one I've bought this album for has ever been disappointed.

Straight to the Heart (1984)

Review by: H. Wijaya, Jakarta, Indonesia

Live version album with one studio recording track: "One Hundred Ways" - the final track on the album. I still prefer the album's video version Love & Happiness, which once appeared on VHS and LaserDisc format, especially for the "Lisa" track. Even though David had tried to re-release this very track on the Inside album, it was missing the aura that had attracted me in the song in the very first place. Same thing with "Run for Cover." You might want to squeeze your luck looking for the Love & Happiness DVD. I once saw its made in Japan disk on Ebay with a very high price tag. No wonder, it's very hard to find. Anyway, good luck and enjoy

 

Review by: Grif, San Antonio, TX

This was the first Sanborn album I'd ever heard. I was an instant convert. More than any of his solo albums, Straight to the Heart showcases the "Sanborn sound" - gritty, intense, soulful. Since most tracks are recorded live, you get the full experience - musicians playing off each other and the crowd. This is Sanborn at the top of his game.

As We Speak (1981)

Review by: Sonny, Sacramento, CA

I think As We Speak is the best David Sanborn album, and perhaps one the best smooth jazz albums of the 80s - like Grover Washington's Winelight and David Benoit's Freedom at Midnight. From the bubbly Back Again and the haunting Love Will Come Someday (with vocals by Dan Sembello) to the most inviting first song on this album, Port of Call. Simply my favorite and one of the best (yes, better than Hideaway, which I love too.)

 

Review by: Khongsak, Bangkok, Thailand

After 20 years or so, this album has become my favorite of all. Yet again, David is joined and backed by the best studio artists of then. "Love Will Come Some Day" is already a classic today. This album is a mix of funky music that’s not found in an everyday life.

 

Review by: Joe Selis, Las Vegas, NV

The highly influential altoist as usual blows his heart out over a lot of funky rhythms, as well as some of the best soprano saxophone to date, as heard on the title track "As We Speak." Bassist Marcus Miller is a key force in the background, leading the expanded rhythm sections through some contemporary material that is appealing and substantial.A favorite for this jazz fan.

 

Review by: Charlie Tuitt, St. Albans, WV

This album is a different turn for the altoist. He plays soprano sax with the same fluidity, and verocity as he does on alto. "Rain On Christmas," is one of my favorites, very warm and fuzzy. Back Again which features the dynamic vocals of Mike Sembello is another fav. People should buy this CD...I bought it 3 times!

Voyeur (1980)

Review by: Scott. San Diego, CA

I was a freshman sax player in college in 1980-81 when I was introduced to David Sanborn's Voyeur – my first-ever DS experience – by a friend of mine, who raved about this major up-and-coming talent. After listening to it, I was blown away, and had to agree with my buddy! His sound was fresh, unique, transparent in its emotion-drenched sensibilities, a haunting wail that pierced through convention and the status quo. And that style! What an amazing fusion of soul, R&B, pop, dance, funk, blues and gospel, all thrown in the blender and spun on "Jazz" speed...

As I listened to more of him and other albums that he had already produced by that time, it seemed that Voyeur revealed some restlessness to expand and explore beyond the formula he had been using on his previous records. Would his great popularity stifle him from changing direction much? With David, this has never been an issue; he just plays what he feels! And staying true to himself, in Voyeur David blows his heart out over a lot of funky rhythms, and he wonderfully throws us a "bonus pack" with an awesome supporting cast of jazz "Who's Who", with guitarist Hiram Bullock, drummer Steve Gadd and bassist Marcus Miller, who would become a large and persistent influence in David's studio, and who is a key force in the background, leading the expanded rhythm sections through some pop-soul- and funk-oriented material that is irresistible! You gotta have this one!

Hideaway (1979)

Review by: Scott Rutledge, San Diego, CA

Released in 1980, Hideaway put David on the solo artist map, earning him "Wow, who's THAT?!?" fame way beyond that of the highly acclaimed studio musician that he had achieved up to that point. And rightfully so. Many releases by studio musicians suffer from weak compositions and overproduction, focusing on the technical prowess and range of the musician rather than telling the story of the music underlying it all. Some critics had even debated that David himself had succumbed to this in his earlier releases.

While this seems a lot of "bunk" to me, Hideaway was more compelling than what had gone before, because it was tightly focused and featured a stripped-down, funky sound that showcases David's passionate and distinctive saxophone sound and style. This includes two tunes co-written with Michael McDonald and the "love theme" from the motion picture American Gigolo, appropriately entitled "The Seduction." But no matter how you slice and dice it, all eight tunes on Hideaway are winners. You just gotta have it.

 

Review by: Marydolores, Omaha, NE

My favorite song is "Carly's Song," When I was a teenager and feeling down and confused as teenagers do, I heard "Carly's Song" come on and it would put me right out of that mood. "Carly's Song" would also help me concentrate to do my research papers. I'm sure that if it wasn't for the Hideaway album I wouldn't have made it through my teen years.