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David Sanborn to Blow KL Away in March
Twenty-four albums, six Grammy Awards, eight Gold albums, one Platinum album and an illustrious career spanning more than three decades is what sets American saxophone supremo David Sanborn apart from other musicians. And Malaysians from all walks of life will be able to bask in his glorious talent come March 6, 2012 at the KL Convention Centre when the David Sanborn Band plays live in Kuala Lumpur as a prelude to the much-anticipated KL International Jazz Festival 2012 scheduled for 18th-20th May, 2012.
The one night show is presented by KL International Jazz.
Born in Tampa, Florida, and growing up in Kirkwood, Missouri, Sanborn was Inspired, particularly by alto saxophonist Hank Crawford – at the time a member of the legendary Ray Charles’ band – Sanborn performed with blues musicians Albert King and Little Milton at the tender age of 14. He went on to study music at the University of Iowa, where he played and studied with the great saxophonist JR Monterose. All the while, Sanborn continued playing the blues, culminating in him joining Paul Butterfield’s band – the Butterfield Blues Band – in 1967, the highlight of which was playing Woodstock in 1969.
Going from strength to strength, Sanborn subsequently toured with the great Stevie Wonder and recorded for his ‘Talking Book’ album. He also played with The Rolling Stones, and toured with David Bowie, with whom he recorded the famous solo heard on ‘Young Americans’. His prodigious talent also saw him, at the same time, touring and recording with another big talent, Gil Evans, dividing his time between the two. Soon after, a move to New York City and an opportunity to study with George Coleman presented itself. Lapping up such experiences, Sanborn dived head on into his solo career, where he later collaborated with such artistes as Paul Simon and James Taylor. His solo release ‘Taking Off’ in 1975 — still considered a classic — sealed his reputation and propelled his career to greater heights.
Having a talent to grasp many musical genres – from traditional jazz to pop and R&B – his solo recordings typically lean towards radio-friendly smooth jazz. However, he explored the edges of free jazz in his youth, studying with saxophonists Roscoe Mitchell and Julius Hemphill. In 1993, he revisited this genre when he appeared on Tim Berne’s ‘Diminutive Mysteries’, dedicated to Hemphill.
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’. On his 1981 album ‘Voyeur’, Sanborn was joined by veteran bassist and composer Marcus Miller. The single ‘All I Need Is You’ won him his first ‘Grammy Award’ for ‘Best R&B Instrumental Performance’. In 1983, Sanborn released the hit album ‘Backstreet’ that included R&B maestro Luther Vandross as a featured guest vocalist. Later albums have included guest artistes as diverse as Jack DeJohnette, Bill Frisell, Charlie Hayden, Wallace Roney, Kenny Barron, Christian McBride and ‘Mr Slowhand’ himself Eric Clapton.
Not limiting his talents to music alone, Sanborn moved into television in the 1980s, hosting 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, Dave also regularly hosted the ‘After New Year’s Eve’ TV special on ABC. Not one to rest on his laurels, during the 1980s and 1990s, Sanborn also hosted a syndicated radio programme, ‘The Jazz Show with David Sanborn’ and recorded many shows’ theme songs as well as several other songs for ‘The Late Late Show with Tom Snyder’.
A long span in the music business has not diminished Sanborn’s love for it. He continues to be one of the most highly active musicians of his genre, with his 2010 tour dates exceeding 150. Make a date with him in KL and be stimulated by an artiste who truly challenges the mind and heart all at once with his smooth-as-silk musical skills.
Tickets at RM 98, RM 158, RM 258, RM 358 and RM 458 are available at
www.ticket2u.biz and www.ticketpro.com.my
For further information, log on to www.klinternationaljazz.com
