Fans of David Sanborn’s alto sax sound will welcome his 14th solo issue of urban pop-jazz compositions that fit well with the smooth-jazz idiom prevalent on radio today. He collaborated with producer-pianist Ricky Peterson to write most of the songs. But rather than hire a band immediately, the pair first added drum loops to Peterson’s piano and keyboard bass foundation, then brought in musicians.
Sanborn’s vibrato-rich solos carry vestiges of his early R&B work, supported by guitarists Dean Brown and Paul Peterson, percussionist Don Alias and extensive programming. The four-man horn section includes trumpeter Randy Brecker and reedsmen John Purcell, George Young and Dave Tofani. Guitarist Philip Upchurch delivers the licks on “Southern Comfort,” bassist Will Lee works “Missing You” and Pino Palladino plays fretless bass on “Rikke.” Covers include Wayne Shorter’s “Infant Eyes,” Eddie Harris’ “Listen Here” and the ’70s pop hit “Spooky.”
David Sanborn: Songs from the Night Before
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