David Sanborn passed away Sunday, May 11th, 2024, at the age of 78. David has been an inspiration to several generations of saxophone players, including myself. I first heard him on David Bowie's Young Americans recording back in the early 1970's. I listened, in order, to all his Warner Brothers recordings starting with Taking Off in 1975, and I never, ever, gave up on him, following his music all the way through to his recent death. He did so many diverse and incredible things, including his short lived TV show A Little Night Music and his podcasts. The New York Times obituary is here, it's well done and pretty comprehensive.
More of the life story of Mr. Sanborn can be found here:
This Rolling Stone article is an interesting read:
And lastly from 1987 a Sax Journal article that I've archived:
Although David won 6 Grammy's in his career it was his definitive recording Another Hand from 1991 that was passed over for this prestigious award. I can't for the life of me understand how this recording didn't win a Grammy, it is simply fantastic in all respects. I remember thinking it was a grave injustice that this CD didn't win a Grammy.
I really hate the feeling that I get when my hero's pass on. Fortunately with Mr. Sanborn we have his recordings and related video content to cherish. The man will always be a legend who defined many genres, and who he did so many fantastic things with his saxophone in a long career. What a tremendous player who definitely made Adolphe Sax proud. His spirit will live on through his music forever. All it takes is a note or two to recognize his sound and style.
Possibly my favorite Sanborn sideman appearance is this tune Let's Get The Show On The Road by the Michael Stanley Band. This is very early Sanborn with some characteristic studio effects on his saxophone. This is truly one for the ages.
RIP David....
As always, thanks for stopping by my blog....Markos
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