David Sanborn Jazz Quintet

An iconic saxophonist for six decades and counting, David Sanborn has released 25 albums, with eight Gold and one Platinum. A six-time Grammy-winner, he has worked in many genres that blend instrumental pop, R&B, and traditional jazz. An inspiration to countless musicians, he has played the saxophone since before he was in high school, when he was inspired by the great Chicago blues artists near his hometown of St. Louis. 

After studying music in college, he joined the Butterfield Blues Band and played Woodstock. Sanborn has toured with Stevie Wonder and recorded for Wonder’s Talking Book album, played with the Rolling Stones, and toured with David Bowie as well as Gil Evans. After moving to New York City, Sanborn started his solo career and collaborated with such artists as Paul Simon and James Taylor. His 1975 solo release Taking Off is still considered a classic. Sanborn’s popular follow up Hideaway included the single “Seduction,” which was featured in the movie American Gigolo. He won his first Grammy for the single “All I Need Is You” from the 1981 album Voyeur. In 1983, Sanborn released the hit album Backstreet, which included Luther Vandross as a featured guest vocalist. Later albums have included guest artists such as Jack DeJohnette, Bill Frisell, Charlie Hayden, Wallace Roney, Kenny Barron, Christian McBride, and Eric Clapton.

One of the most sought-after musicians of his genre, he performs over 100 shows per year. Considered as a whole, Sanborn is an artist who pushes the limits and continues to make music that challenges the mind and goes straight to the heart.