Search - David Sanborn :: Here and Gone

A little too laid-back, but still a solid, 'classic' Sanborn

ippo77 | 08/14/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"David Sanborn is, and has always been, rather better than that. An A-list session player, perhaps best known to the wider world for guesting on David Bowie's "Young Americans", he was also a stalwart of the Brecker Brothers band, and on top form he can lend more content to the crossover jazz format than any other altoist.

His technique is fabulous, his command of harmonics and the high register flawless, and his rich, chewy tone is as dense as molten caramel - and when cooled down, as instantly brittle, too.

He has undoubtedly been a huge influence on the smooth jazz wailers with whom no note goes unornamented and no phrase is not weighed down by the heaviest of emotional baggage.

While his previous album were geared toward the crossover jazz market, on his last few releases, particularly "Timeagain" and "Closer" he's been playing with artists who have pushed him, including top bass players like Christian McBride and Marcus Miller. And his playing has been both soulful and boppish.

Now that crossover jazz has given way to an even more watered-down genre known as smooth jazz, the saxophonist has finally "returned to his roots and influences -- R&B, blues and gospel -- and to the music that saxophone players like David "Fathead" Newman and Hank Crawford were playing in the '50s and '60s".-Michael Walch

Recent Ray Charles tribute albums by John Scofield, David "Fathead' Newman and Maceo Parker have mined this territory in the past few years, and all to greater effect.

Perhaps it's his studio-slick sound that betrays him, but Sanborn has to do a lot more before he can get really down and dirty.

With a core backing band of Russell Malone (guitar), Christian McBride (bass) and Steve Gadd (drums), Sanborn has plenty of room to showcase his chops and from the first cut, "St. Louis Blues", jumps out front with his soulful sax.

Eric Clapton, Joss Stone and Sam Moore lend a hand to craft an understated tribute to sax man Hank Crawford, the great arranger for Ray Charles in the 1950s.

The nine songs unfold in the classic Charles style, big on feeling yet economical in delivery.

The highlights: "St. Louis Blues," "Brother Ray" and "I'm Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town" specialize in restraint. "The latter features a few tasty guitar licks and a cocktail-lounge vocal by Clapton, above a simmering big-band arrangement".Jim Abbott

Other highlights: "I Believe to My Soul", featuring Joss Stone, who tries her best to sound natural and soulful, and Sam Moore's moving "I've Got News for You".

It may be a little too laid-back, but it is still a good snapshot of what he's doing now.

The overall style remains tasteful, soulful and classy.

David Sanborn's fans will not be disappointed.



That's What I Say: John Scofield Plays the Music of Ray Charles

I Remember Brother Ray

Roots and Grooves



"

Best David Sanborn yet.

Jazzy Drummer18 | CT | 08/13/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This a great unexpected release from David Sanborn. I usually tend to stay away from commercial jazz releases but here the guest artists (Clapton,Trucks,Stone,Moore) are stellar and give tasteful performances. Sanborn's playing is more bluesy than usual, and his tone is the classic sound as always. The backing band, especially bassist Christian McBride and Drummer Steve Gadd, are extremely tight which would be expected if you know these musicians. The quality stays consistent through the nine tracks, and with a shorter length the album doesn't overstay its welcome. If you usually find David Sanborn a little too sappy I urge you to give this recording a chance."

Lovely slow jazz from a sax master

R. Kyle | USA | 09/03/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I love David Sanborn whether he's playing sweet and slow or hot and fast. This tribute CD's got some of jazz standards and heavy hitters from other genres as guests. It's 9 songs and about 2 minutes--could be a bit longer. Still it's a very listenable CD, maybe not Sanborn's best, but well worth having on the shelf.



My favorites:



I'm Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town--featuring Eric Clapton

Basin Street Blues

I Believe it to my Soul--Joss Stone



Okay, it's all good, but these are my current faves. Give this one a listen.



Rebecca Kyle, August 2008"