David Sanborn
@ the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre,
the Barbican Centre & the Brixton Accademy
15 November 2011 - 1997

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Biography

One of the most commercially successful American saxophonists to earn prominence since the 1980s, David Sanborn has released 24 albums, won six Grammy Awards, and has had eight Gold albums and one Platinum album. Having inspired countless other musicians, Sanborn has worked in many genres which typically blend instrumental pop, R&B and lately, more and more traditional jazz. He released his first solo album “Taking Off” in 1975, but has been playing the saxophone since before he was in high school when he was inspired by the great Chicago blues artists near his hometown of St. Louis.

Having contracted polio at the age of three, Sanborn was introduced to the saxophone as part of his treatment therapy. By the age of 14, he was able to play with legends such as Albert King and Little Milton. Sanborn went on to study music at Northwestern University before transferring to the University of Iowa where he played and studied with the great saxophonist JR Monterose.

Later travelling to California on the advice of a friend, he joined the Butterfield Blues Band and played Woodstock with Paul Butterfield. Following that, Sanborn toured with Stevie Wonder and recorded for Wonder’s “Talking Book album,” played with The Rolling Stones, and toured with David Bowie with whom he recorded the famous solo heard on “Young Americans”. At the same time, Sanborn was touring and recording with the great Gil Evans, dividing his time between the two. After moving to New York City and studying with George Coleman, Sanborn started his solo career where he later collaborated with such artists as Paul Simon and James Taylor.

Sanborn’s solo release of Taking Off in 1975—still considered a classic—further solidified his career. His 1979 release of “Hideaway” became a popular hit and further propelled Sanborn’s ascent with the single, “Seduction” being featured in the movie, American Gigolo. Veteran bassist and composer Marcus Miller joined Sanborn on the 1981 album, “Voyeur.” The single, “All I Need Is You” won Sanborn his first Grammy Award for Best R&B Instrumental Performance. In 1983, Sanborn released the hit album “Backstreet” that included Luther Vandross as a featured guest vocalist. Later albums have included guest artists such as Jack DeJohnette, Bill Frisell, Charlie Hayden, Wallace Roney, Kenny Barron, Christian McBride, and Eric Clapton.

Moving onto television, Sanborn hosted the show, Night Music from 1988 to 1990. Produced by Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels, the show featured films of jazz legends like Thelonious Monk, Dave Brubeck and Billie Holiday, as well as banter and memorable music jams by a remarkable list of musicians including Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, Joe Sample, Pharoah Sanders, and many others. Additionally, Sanborn has regularly hosted the ‘After New Year's Eve’ TV special on ABC. During the 1980s and 1990s, Sanborn hosted a syndicated radio program, The Jazz Show with David Sanborn. Sanborn has also recorded many shows’ theme songs as well as several other songs for The Late Late Show with Tom Snyder.

In his three-and-a-half decade career, Sanborn has released 24 albums, won six Grammy Awards, and has had eight Gold albums and one Platinum album. He continues to be one of the most highly active musicians of his genre, with 2010 tour dates exceeding 150. Considered as a whole, Sanborn is an artist who pushes the limits and continues to make music that challenges the mind and goes Straight to The Heart.