He was one of the saxophonists who shaped contemporary music since the 70s: Who is David Sanborn?

David Sanborn lived like a careless bohemian. In the photograph of his youth taken by photographer Paul Natkin, he looked disheveled to the camera, as if he had woken up early in the morning, but at night he looked the same on stage, as if he were in urgent need of something at any moment...

The image of Sanborn in the minds of uncompromising jazz fans is not pure. The blurry set of reasons underlying this image has to do with the disorganization of the musical Sanborn. That's because he's not a typical bop saxophonist. It is because it has a large pop/smooth pool. That's because he likes to wander in soul, blues, and R'n'B, but that doesn't mean he doesn't delve into the deep bop and avant-garde waters of the wavy jazz sea. The album "Enjoy the View" can partially be considered such an example.

David William Sanborn (July 30, 1945 – May 12, 2024) was an American alto saxophonist. Sanborn worked in many musical genres; his solo recordings typically blended jazz with instrumental pop and R&B. He began playing the saxophone at the age of 11 and released his first solo album, Taking Off, in 1975. He was active as a session musician, and played on numerous albums by artists including Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, Sting, the Eagles, Rickie Lee Jones, James Brown, George Benson, Carly Simon, Elton John, Bryan Ferry and the Rolling Stones. He released more than 20 albums and won six Grammy awards.

The nineties have a special importance in Sanborn's music, which can change color like a chameleon. The 1991 album "Another Hand" and the 1994 album "Hearsay" are distinct stops in the discographic line, which can be tiring in terms of alto tone.

American musician, born July 30, 1945.

Real Name: David Sanborn

Birthplace: Florida, USA

Date of Birth: July 30, 1945

About:

- The artist has worked in many genres, but his recordings have been in jazz, instrumental pop, and R&B styles.

- His first album was published in 1975.

- He has been one of America's most successful saxophone players since the 1980s.

David Sanborn died just short of the age of eighty. He left behind 6 Grammy awards, 8 gold, and 1 platinum record.

He was diagnosed with cancer in 2018, but his long illness adventure continued until today. With 25 albums behind, Sanborn has carved out a space for himself by navigating complex musical passions and has created a significant stopover on the musical map of the last fifty years.

Who is David Sanborn?

Dave, who contracted polio at the age of three, was introduced to the saxophone as part of his treatment therapy. At the age of 14, the artist met with legends such as Albert King and Little Milton and studied with saxophonist JR Monterose at Northwestern University before transferring to the University of Iowa.

Inspired by countless musicians, David Sanborn, who has worked in many genres including instrumental pop, R&B, and more recently jazz, returned to his hometown of St. Louis. He began playing the saxophone in high school, inspired by Chicago Blues artists from nearby St. Louis.

He later traveled to California, joined the Butterfield Blues Band, and appeared with Paul Butterfield at Woodstock.

He subsequently toured with Stevie Wonder and recorded for The Rolling Stones' album Wonder's Talking Book. He also recorded with Gil Evans while touring with David Bowie, who also recorded a solo on "Young Americans".

After moving to New York and working with George Coleman, Dave began his solo career, working with artists such as Paul Simon and James Taylor.

The artist, who further consolidated his career with his solo album Taking Off in 1975, accelerated his rise with the release of Hideaway in 1979 and "Seduction" from the movie American Gigolo.