David Sanborn, "Here & Gone"

Typically within a couple of notes, music enthusiasts can identify the bluesy signature squawk, and tone of St. Louis native David Sanborn. The illustrious career of this six-time Grammy winner sits humbly at the number two position next to Grover Washington Jr. as the second most influential saxophonists in modern music for more then thirty years.

An inimitable beacon in the music world Sanborn resurfaces and armed with passion after a three-year hiatus from recording. On this outing, he brings us more than a half glass of distinctive blues, which could be considered one of the most highly acclaimed projects of his career. Yes, I’ll say this record qualifies as a dapper jewel enmesh with satisfying plate of soulful music on the Decca U.S. titled “Here and Gone,” produced by the legendary Phil Ramone.

With each project, Sanborn manages to draw and exceptional cast of musicians into the studio. Without exemption, he calls special guests to the session vocalists Eric Clapton, Sam Moore and Joss Stone add their touch. Also, in the mix is who’s who of some of today’s finest instrumentalist to showcase their skills features guitarists Anthony Wilson and Derek Trucks, along with trumpet maestro Wallace Roney, as well as arranger / keyboardist Gil Goldstein, bassist Christian McBride and drummer “Bad” Steve Gadd round out the cast of most valuable contributors.

Since his 1975 debut, solo record “Taking Off,” David’s music has pretty much his own and therefore centralized at the core of contemporary jazz, pop and r&b communities. Now, once you’ve taken a snapshot of his buoyant discography especially his last three offerings you can hear more the never the inspired musings of soul jazz alto greats David “Fathead” Newman, Hank Crawford, Arnett Cobb, Illinois Jacquet, King Curtis, and Willis “Gator” Jackson. By chance, if you have heard any of the aforementioned players the power of the suggestive spirit these moguls’ timbre occupies within Sanborn’s own sear style and yearning to record a project of this scale.

Assuredly, “Here and Gone” is one hundred percent old/school framed with an insightful measure of soul jazz that is shaken, and divinely stirred for discerning tastes. Moreover, producer Phil Ramone “has an innate understanding of what this music is about, and better than anybody understands how to create an atmosphere conducive to maintaining its vitality and spontaneity and preserving its spirit.” In addition, David convincingly pours out his heart and soul into forty-minutes of enjoyable music that dwells within the genius and soul of Sanborn.

- Advance Review of “Here and Gone” released date 8|12|2008

Watch a video clip on the making of “Here and Gone” with David Sanborn