Listed alphabetically, as opposed to first, second, and third place, Cannonball Adderley, Charlie Parker, and David Sanborn are as good as it gets when discussing the best and most influential alto saxophone players of all-time. Now before you say what about Phil Woods or Kenny Garrett or any number of others, let me qualify that this is my list, my opinion. Not some carved in stone official list that has been sealed and notarized by some sort of imaginary Grand Poobah governing board. If imitation is the best form of flattery, and if a sound has majorly influenced and impacted generations of jazz musicians and listeners for over half a century, then there is simply no denying Sanborn's stature and impact on jazz history.
One could go on about his list of accomplishments, but I would prefer to get on with, and share with you, a recent open-hearted conversation I had the great pleasure of having with Sanborn. His melodic, conversational, and storytelling style of composing and playing comes to life and resonates even more hearing and feeling the genuineness in his spoken words.
We managed to cover a bit of ground in relationship to his prolific career and challenging personal life. They are far from mutually exclusive. Now seventy-four years old, Sanborn shows no signs of slowing down. That fact is best embodied as he launches a new and exciting program, the Sanborn Sessions, that offers a unique approach and entirely new viewing experience. Let's let him tell you all about it.
