David Sanborn reaches back for inspiration
JAZZ
"Here and Gone", David Sanborn. Decca. 9 tracks.
Grade: B+
A few years ago Eric Clapton released "Me and Mr. Johnson," a high-gloss love letter to a formative influence, the bluesman Robert Johnson. "Here and Gone," David Sanborn's 23rd solo album, could have similarly been titled "Me and Mr. Crawford," after the great alto saxophonist Hank Crawford. It's a tribute and a testament, brimming with conviction. It also happens to be a decent soul-jazz record.
Sanborn's sweet-tart alto sound has been a reliable pop staple for so many years that these grittier connections can feel surprising. When he puckers up for a swinging instrumental, such as Crawford's "Stoney Lonesome," the effect is a disarming delight. His rhythm section, bassist Christian McBride and drummer Steve Gadd, provides a strong assist. The rest of the ensemble, a sort of little big band, plays sharp and resourceful arrangements by Gil Goldstein.
"Here and Gone" is the latest of many Sanborn albums produced by Phil Ramone, and it has some commercial touches, including an evocation of Ray Charles, Crawford's longtime boss. To that end, Clapton shows up to sing and play the blues on "I'm Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town," a song memorably recorded by Charles (though not, originally, with Crawford); and the slide guitarist Derek Trucks lends a hand on "Brother Ray," by Marcus Miller.
Speaking of Brother Ray, two intense soul singers tackle songs associated with him: a winning Sam Moore, hollering "I've Got News for You," and a wince-making Joss Stone, belting "I Believe to My Soul."
That's it for the guests, though, and thankfully so. Sanborn deserves his airtime here, and when he gets it — on a simmering "Basin Street Blues" or a slow-drip "What Will I Tell My Heart?" — he characteristically makes it count.
— Nate Chinen, New York Times
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COMING NEXT TUESDAY
• New albums from the Academy Is ..., Randall Bramblett, David Byrne, Glen Campbell, the Dandy Warhols, Family Force 5, the Fiery Furnaces, Donavan Frankenreiter, Juliana Hatfield, Ice Cube, Karina, Chris Knight, Lykke Li, Amy MacDonald, Ra Ra Riot, Shwayze, Todd Snider, Staind, Stereolab and Loudon Wainwright III.
— Shane Harrison
