What's so good about David Sanborn, Bob James and Steve Gadd?

Let me start here, from the collective's bio:

"The first creative collaboration between keyboardist-composer-arranger Bob James and alto saxophonist David Sanborn, a quarter century ago, was the million-selling GRAMMY Award-winning album Double Vision."

Not too shabby. So how do you follow up on an album like that, 25 years later? Start with a saxophonist with a distinctive sound and fantastic technique, add a pianist comfortable playing in almost any style of music, throw in a drummer whose pocket is a mile wide and a mile deep, and round it off with a bass player who has played with many of the biggest names in jazz. Oh - and maybe even have the album make a musical nod to the late Dave Brubeck.

According to Sanborn and James, the new album - called Quartette Humaine - is not simply a repeat of Double Vision. Instead of synths and smooth jazz, we hear an acoustic quartet which swings with great melody and soloing. There are no bells and whistles on the new album, and we get to hear elements of what has made each musician so successful.

For me, what sticks out about David Sanborn is his sound. My older brother played tenor saxophone throughout his junior and high school career, and his David Sanborn tapes were frequently in the stereo. Even then - before I knew that jazz had additional labels like "swing" or "smooth" - I remember the sound coming out of the speakers: direct, clear, gorgeous. His sound remains; I now also have an appreciation for his technique and range - he's just as comfortable playing with Stevie Wonder as he is with Jack DeJohnette. Here's what I mean - a track from the new album:

It's Bob James' range which is most impressive to me. He's recognized as one of the creators of smooth jazz, but he's also written soundtracks for movies and TV (including the theme song for Taxi), recorded straight-up classical albums and solo piano albums, and played with some of the biggest names in pop. What's more, he's one of the most often-sampled musicians in hip-hop. Here's Bob performing "Nautilus" live - check out this groove:

Of Steve Gadd, Chick Corea is reported to have said, "Every drummer wants to play like Gadd because he plays perfect." I'm not sure how to expand on that. Steve Gadd has played with every major musician in the jazz, smooth jazz and pop worlds, and is widely credited with being one of the most influential drummers of all time. If you've read my other posts, you know that for me, groove rules. Whether it's swing, funk, hip-hop, pop…it's got to groove. And Steve Gadd is all about groove. You might recognize this one:

Rounding out the group is bassist Scott Colley, who was touring with Carmen McRae before even finishing his undergraduate degree, and whose list of musical colleagues includes Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Henderson, Pat Metheny, Michael Brecker, Andrew Hill, Donny McCaslin and many more.

David Sanborn, Bob James, Steve Gadd and Scott Colley take to the Toronto Star Mainstage at Nathan Phillips Square on Tuesday, June 25 at 8 pm. The Robi Botos Trio opens up. Buy tickets now, or visit the concert page for complete information. And - for a bit more about Quartette Humaine, here's a promo video:

Josh