In the year 1972, David Sanborn had a notable cameo on the track “Tuesday Heartbreak” off of Stevie Wonder’s album “Talking Book.”
His collaboration with David Bowie on the album “Young Americans” and his participation in James Taylor’s song “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” on the album “Gorilla” both helped him establish his alto saxophone skills in the public music scene.
Sanborn joined the Brecker Brothers ensemble in the middle of the 1970s, where he found inspiration in his colleague saxophonist Michael Brecker, and actively participated in the well-liked jazz fusion trend. During this period, Sanborn produced the jazz/funk classic “Taking Off,” which served as his debut solo album.
Despite his participation in smooth jazz, Sanborn’s musical background included a study of free jazz during his formative years under the supervision of saxophonists Roscoe Mitchell and Julius Hemphill.
In 1993, he made a comeback in this field by contributing a song to Tim Berne’s album “Diminutive Mysteries,” which was released in Hemphill’s memory. Sanborn also discussed his encounters with avant-garde artists on the “Another Hand” CD.
In 1985, Sanborn and Al Jarreau performed twice at Atlanta’s Chastain Park to sold-out crowds.
Did David Sanborn play with Billy Joel?
Yes, numerous A-list musicians, including Bruce Springsteen, James Brown, Elton John, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, Steely Dan, the Eagles, and countless others, have worked with Sanborn as a top-session musician.
What band was David Sanborn in?
David Sanborn was in these bands:
- The Paul Butterfield Blues Band
- The Players Association
- Ed Palermo Big Band