David Sanborn has been the most influential saxophonist on pop, R&B, and
crossover players of the past 20 years. Most of his recordings have been in the
dance music/R&B vein,
although
David Sanborn is a capable jazz player. His greatest contributions to music have
been his passionate sound (with its crying and squealing high notes) and his
emotional interpretations of melodies which generally uplift any record he is
on. Unlike his countless number of imitators,
David Sanborn is immediately recognizable within two notes. While growing up in
St. Louis,
David Sanborn played with many Chicago blues greats (including
Albert King) and became a skilled alto saxophonist despite battling polio in
his youth. After important stints with
Paul Butterfield (he played with
the Butterfield Blues Band at Woodstock),
Gil Evans,
Stevie Wonder,
David Bowie, and
the Brecker Brothers,
David Sanborn began recording as a leader in the mid-'70s and he racked up a
string of pop successes. Over the years he has worked with many pop players but
he has made his biggest impact leading his own danceable bands. Occasionally
David Sanborn throws the music world a curve: his eccentric but rewarding Another
Hand, a guest stint with avant-gardist
Tim Berne on a 1993 album featuring the compositions of
Julius Hemphill, and a set of ballads (Pearls) on which he is accompanied by
a string orchestra arranged by
Johnny Mandel. For a couple years in the early '90s,
David Sanborn was the host of the syndicated television series Night Music which
had a very eclectic lineup of musicians (from
Sonny Rollins and
Sun Ra to
James Taylor and heavy metal players), most of whom were given the unique
opportunity to play together. It displayed
David Sanborn's wide interest and musical curiosity even if many of his own
recordings remain quite predictable. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Contact Grabow for more information or to book
David Sanborn for your next corporate or private event.
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