SMOOTH JAZZ SAXOPHONIST David Sanborn, who played on recordings by Stevie Wonder, James Brown, and Carly Simon, died in Tarrytown, New York, on Sunday afternoon. #music #jazz

David Sanborn, 1989. PAUL NATKIN/GETTY IMAGES

OBITUARY

David Sanborn, Jazz Saxophonist Who Played on David Bowie’s ‘Young Americans,’ Dead at 78

The musician, who won several Grammys and also collaborated with the Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, and others, had been battling prostate cancer

MAY 13, 2024

SMOOTH JAZZ SAXOPHONIST David Sanborn, who played on recordings by Stevie Wonder, James Brown, and Carly Simon and performed live with David Bowie and the Rolling Stones, died in Tarrytown, New York, on Sunday afternoon. A rep confirmed the news to Rolling Stone. A message on Sanborn’s social media cited complications after an extended battle with prostate cancer. He was 78.

“Mr. Sanborn had been dealing with prostate cancer since 2018 but had been able to maintain his normal schedule of concerts until just recently,” the message said. “Indeed he already had concerts scheduled into 2025.”

Earlier this month, Sanborn canceled a number of dates set to take place throughout the rest of May. “For the last weeks I’ve been dealing with unbelievable pain in my spine that prohibited me from walking, let alone playing my horn,” Sanborn wrote in a statement. “We were finally able to diagnose the issue as two stressed fractures in my spine.” He underwent spinal surgery and doctors told him he could recover after taking six to eight weeks off. Sanborn wrote that abandoning the dates was difficult for him: “Playing for all of you, friends, fans, staff, and supporters, is what keeps me alive. You have my assurance that as soon as I’ve healed … I will be back.” He signed off with “heartfelt apologies.”

As a solo artist, Sanborn made a blend of jazz, pop, and R&B his trademark sound. Throughout his career, he released more than two dozen albums, nine of which went gold or platinum, and won six Grammys. It was a miracle since Sanborn, who grew up near St. Louis, survived a polio diagnosis at age 3. “I wasn’t like the other kids,” Sanborn told JazzTimes in 2008. “My mantra was, ‘Hey, guys, wait up.’ I used to lie in bed a lot, listening to the radio, which was my theater of the imagination.”

Playing saxophone was an important part of his recovery, according to his official bio, and by the time he was a teenager he was playing alongside blues legends like Albert King and Little Milton. He released his debut solo album, Taking Off, in 1975, when he turned 30.

Before he was a solo artist, though, he joined the Butterfield Blues Band and was a part of that group’s lineup when it performed at Woodstock. Sanborn toured with Stevie Wonder and played on the musician’s Talking Book album. In addition to touring with Bowie, he played the saxophone solo on “Young Americans.”

“On the Young Americans tour, Bowie would sometimes let the band play for 20 minutes before he came on,” Sanborn told Downbeat in 2017. “I remember we had a week at the Universal Amphitheater in L.A. It was a great rhythm section with Doug Rauch on bass and Greg Enrico on drums. On the Young Americans album, there was no lead guitar, so I played the role of lead guitar. I was all over that record.”

Throughout the Seventies, Sanborn effortlessly bounced back and forth between jazz, blues, and pop music, recording with B.B. King, Paul Simon, Cat Stevens, Bruce Springsteen (contributing to “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” on Born to Run), Elton John, Chaka Khan, Ron Carter, George Benson, Kenny Loggins, and Eagles, to name but a few. The Eighties found him playing alongside Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, Roger Water, Eric Clapton, and Mick Jagger, among others.

From 1988 to 1990, Sanborn hosted Night Music, which Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels produced. It featured archival performances by Thelonious Monk, Dave Brubeck, Billie Holiday, and others. He also contributed music to the films Psycho III and the second through fourth installments of the Lethal Weapon franchise. Sanborn also performed the sax solo on “The Seduction (Love Theme),” a hit instrumental off the soundtrack to American Gigolo written by Giorgio Moroder and credited to James Last.

He has also hosted a syndicated radio program, The Jazz Show, and produced a YouTube series called Sanborn Sessions with his nephew and brother-in-law, and guests like Sting and Christian McBride, and a podcast called As We Speak. During Covid-19 lockdowns, Sanborn offered master classes in saxophone over Zoom.

“I’m not so interested in what is or isn’t jazz,” Sanborn told Downbeat. “The guardians of the gate can be quite combative, but what are they protecting? Jazz has always absorbed and transformed what’s around it. … Real musicians don’t have any time to spend thinking about limited categories.”

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Innervision Records glides into stride with a new signing and a busy spring release schedule #jazz #music

Innervision Records glides into stride with a new signing and a busy spring release schedule

The label inks drummer Pat Petrillo while dropping new albums by Billboard chart-topper Blake Aaron and keyboardist Cal Harris Jr. A new album from smooth soul vocalist Erin Stevenson will be “Uncovered” next.

 

Springtime is about new growth, and this season finds Innervision Records in full bloom. Joining Billboard’s No. 3 Smooth Jazz Label of the Year for five consecutive years is drummer Pat Petrillo, who will make his label debut on June 7 with the single “Glide in My Stride.” The Southern California-based imprint also has a prolific release slate of blossoming spring albums and singles.

Petrillo joins Innervision Records on the heels of his critically acclaimed 2023 album, “The Power Station Sessions,” a set that landed him on the cover of Modern Drummer magazine and featured a collaboration with multi-time Grammy winner Nile Rodgers. The new single, “Glide in My Stride,” previews Petrillo’s next album, which will drop next year.

 

“Signing drummer Pat Petrillo is a welcome addition to the Innervision Records family. We are proud to be a part of the development and promotion of his upcoming first release on Innervision Records, ‘Glide in My Stride,’ and have already received glowing feedback from Pat's new music. We are expecting wonderful things from him,” said Innervision Records’ A&R and radio promotions executive Adam Leibovitz.

 

"I'm really excited about signing with Innervision Records and joining their amazing roster of chart-topping artists. They've been leaders in the contemporary jazz genre for years, and the team that's in place is exceptional and experienced. I'm looking forward to releasing more radio singles as well as my new full-length album soon,” said the New York City-based Petrillo.

Innervision Records opened the year with guitarist Blake Aaron’s single, “She’s the One,” which romanced its way into the No. 1 spot on the Billboard chart last month. It’s the third Billboard No. 1 single from Aaron’s newly released “Love and Rhythm” album. 

The label also issued four new singles this spring, each of which is making its way up the national charts. Released in March, keyboardist Cal Harris Jr.’s new “Bridges” set spawned the single “Lemon Salt.” Hitmaking flutist Kim Scott is back with the sizzling single “Like Butter.” Guitarist JJ Sansaverino’s is having a spring fling with the single “Love Can’t Wait.” Smooth soul vocalist Erin Stevenson’s single “Almost” offers a glimpse into her forthcoming “Cover Girl Uncovered” album, which will be revealed on June 28.

Also expected to heat up the charts this spring are new singles from bassist Blair Bryant who will release the first cut, “Summit,” on Friday (May 17) from his forthcoming “Amethyst” album, which will arrive in 2025. On May 24, saxophonist Tom Braxton will release “Canyon Dreams,” the second single from his “Flashback” collection. Guitarist Keith Andrew will wrap the month with the release of his latest single, “Sapphire Cove,” on May 31.

 

Twenty-six-year-old Innervision Records has curated a diverse family of recording artists who craft contemporary jazz, R&B and world music that consistently impacts the Billboard, Mediabase, Groove Jazz, Radiowave and multiple smooth jazz charts. The boutique label is energized about what’s to come from their roster this year.

 

“We are thrilled as the year 2024 is shaping up to be one of exponential growth for Innervision Records through new and exciting chart-topping hits from many of our artists who are coming out with long awaited and highly anticipated new releases,” said Innervision Records’ general manager Steve Belkin.

 

For more information, please visit www.innervisionrecords.com. 

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Pianist Sebastien Ammann to release "Change of Course" (Ropedope) #jazz #music

Pianist/Composer Sebastien Ammann to release new recording titled "CHANGE OF COURSE" Sebastien Ammann - Piano Ralph Alessi - Trumpet Caroline Davis - Alto Saxophone (Tracks 5,6) John Hébert - Bass Eric McPherson - Drums Release Date: June 21st, 2024 (Ropeadope) About the Recording: Through this work, I wish to acknowledge the impactful work of Donella and Denis Meadows, Jean-Marc Jancovici, Aurélien Barrau and countless Native and Indigenous wisdoms who have heightened my awareness of the urgent poly-crisis of pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, social inequity, and public health. Through this record, I aim to empower my fellow humans to drive systemic change towards a regenerative future for all living beings. - Sebastien Ammann

About the Compositions: Contemplation: Pausing and contemplating life invites us to focus on our senses and shows us the miracle of life and the natural world. We must learn to respect the ecosystem in which we are embedded.    Hubris: This word means having excessive pride or self-confidence. I believe that this aptly describes mankind’s attitude towards the natural world. The assumption that humans are superior to nature and that all problems can be solved by human ingenuity and technology might be one of the root causes of today’s crises.   The Meadows: Dedicated to Denis and Donella Meadows (American scientists and co-authors of “The Limits To Growth” (1972)). The Meadows’ work has changed how I understand the world.    Gaia: Mother Earth is the ancestral mother of all life. We aren’t part of nature; we are nature, we are life, so let us care about it and cherish it. Through this piece, I wish to acknowledge Indigenous Peoples whose wisdom guides us today.   Jevons’ Paradox: The economist William Stanley Jevons described this effect in 1865. Jevons’ Paradox states that an increase in efficiency of resource use will generate an increase in resource consumption rather than a decrease.    Bright Light: I wrote this piece for my son, Elias, who brings endless and intense joy to my life.   L’An 01: This 1973 cult French film offers a utopian view of the future. Its messages: “Let’s stop everything” and “After a period of total stoppage, let’s bring back just the services and products we can’t do without” open an important topic of discussion.    The Web of Life: “Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.” (Chief Seattle)   Swallowtail’s Hollow Tail: In the summer of 2020, I was lucky to witness part of a Swallowtail’s life cycle from an egg to a caterpillar as it grew on a carrot plant on my balcony.    Nature Dance: This 2-measure piece celebrates life and nature. The fact that life starts with a single cell and develops into complex and interconnected organisms is the most amazing thing. About Sebastien Ammann: Sebastien Ammann emerged onto the New York jazz scene in 2008, carving a niche as a versatile pianist and composer with a distinctive musical identity. Jazz Trail magazine hailed him, saying, "[He] is already riding a comet toward the highest galaxies of modern jazz" while JAZZIZ magazine praised his ability to blur the lines between improvisation and composition. Ammann leads several ensembles, including Sebastien Ammann's Gaia Quartet, featuring luminaries like trumpeter Ralph Alessi, bassist John Hébert, and drummer Eric McPherson. Their forthcoming album, "Change of Course" (Ropeadope Records), is set for release in June 2024. Additionally, Sebastien Ammann fronts his band Color Wheel, joined by saxophonist Michaël Attias, bassist Noah Garabedian, and drummer Nathan Ellman-Bell, and the Sebastien Ammann Quartet, featuring Swiss saxophonist Ohad Talmor, bassist David Ambrosio, and drummer Eric McPherson. His third album as a leader, "Resilience" by Color Wheel (Skirl Records, 2020), garnered rave reviews from over a dozen specialized magazines and online publications, with critics dubbing it "a remarkably current album" and praising Ammann's ability to "stir up real sparks with his work." Sebastien Ammann is also a founding member of the improvisational collective, Henry/Ammann/Pichler/Mok, renowned for creating music in the moment without predetermined ideas. Their debut record, "Penumbra" along with a video, graced the music scene in May 2020. This ensemble features accomplished musicians like trumpeter Jake Henry, bassist Matthias Pichler, and drummer Lesley Mok. Not only is Sebastien Ammann a bandleader, but he's also a sought-after sideman in numerous projects, including guitarist Gene Ess' "Fractal Attraction" and Jake Leckie's Quartet. He's shared the stage with a diverse array of musicians, such as Kris Davis, Tony Malaby, Sean Conly, and Michael Formanek, performing at venues and festivals across the USA and Europe. Ammann's work has received recognition in acclaimed publications like Downbeat Magazine, Jazz Life (Japan), and Jazziz, and he has been the recipient of grants from the Swiss Foundation of Artists and Performers (SIS) and the City of Geneva. Furthermore, he runs a successful private studio and is a faculty member at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, where he imparts his musical wisdom. For more information, visit: www.sebastienammann.com

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Grooving with friends: Contemporary jazz band Groove Frequencies to release "Night Grooves" on May 31 #jazz #music

Grooving with friends: Contemporary jazz band

Groove Frequencies to release “Night Grooves” on May 31

 

It’s easy to take simple things for granted like an evening out in the city with friends. During his 21 years of service in the U.S. military, Groove Frequencies’ bassist-producer-songwriter John Stewart treasured the rare opportunities that he got to enjoy such mundane pleasures, which is what inspired the group’s fifth album, “Night Grooves.” Stewart wrote and produced the twelve-song set releasing May 31 on the B2j Music label. Three days later, “Don’t Cha Wanna Go Go,” a funky go-go joint, will drop as the first single.

 

With Stewart and drummer Jay Williams building the foundation of R&B rhythms and funk beats on Groove Frequencies recordings, the groove structures are then illumined by a melodic featured soloist in the form of a jazzy saxophone, keyboard or guitar lead. On the “Night Grooves” album, those players are saxophonists Jimmy Reid and Eddie Baccus Jr., guitarists Clay Benjamin and Tim Perry, and keyboardist Kevin Andre’. Additional contributions on the album come from Billboard hitmaker Greg Manning (keyboards), Parris Spivey (guitar), Vince Wiley (keyboards and organ), Chris Fischer (piano), and Curtis McCain (percussion).  

 

The vibe is set on the album opener, “The Night Life,” as you hear a group of friends gathered for a fun evening out. Reid’s supercharged sax adds to the celebration. The energy of the city creates the ambience on “On The Run,” which spotlights Benajmin’s cool and crafty electric guitar. The title track takes the tempo down a notch and becomes a showcase for Stewart’s sinewy bass leads and elegant piano noodling.  

 

The energy kicks back up on “Up On 6^th Street,” which gets a jolt from Baccas Jr.’s horn. Stewart said the song “is inspired by the street I grew up near as a young kid. 6^th Street was where all the excitement was. You could hear music from all the different establishments playing in the night air.”

 

The bassist shines on “In The Summer Rain,” which gets a sizzling piano solo from Fischer. Benjamin guides the joyous “Back on the Block,” stirring feelings of familiarity. Stewart explains “‘Back on the Block’ is inspired by the good feeling of being back in a place that you’ve been away from for a long time, but it still feels so familiar to you.”

 

Baccus Jr.’s sax on “Chill Factor” remains impassioned despite the downtempo groove. Stewart wrote the feelgood tune, saying that it “is inspired by the feeling of calmness and being at ease - in life, in work, and in yourself. It’s about feeling good about who you are and where you are in that place and time.”

 

Perry’s acoustic guitar fronts “Acoustic Whispers,” which is a personal triumph in and of itself.

 

“Tim (Perry) inspires me to be thankful for the gift of music. He had an accident a few years ago that affected his ability to play guitar with a pick. He didn’t let the accident deter him or his playing. He just worked hard and learned to play guitar again without a pick. His determination inspired me to write this song and feature his unique playing style,” Stewart revealed.

 

“Just The Way U Like It” features Andre’s astute jazz piano improvs. Stewart invited Andre’ to perform on the track after seeing him play on Instagram and being amazed by his style. He composed the song specifically as a vehicle for Andre’.

 

Stewart tasked Reid’s expressive sax with conveying his love and adoration for his granddaughter on “When Harper Smiles.” Next, Benjamin’s guitar skillfully pilots “Let It Flow.”   

 

“Clay’s guitar technique reminds me of water flowing through a creek, as it rolls effortlessly over the rocks, smoothly as it transitions downstream. That flow is what inspires ‘Let It Flow,’” said Stewart.

 

The album closes with the percussive go-go beats on “Don’t Cha Wanna Go Go.” Playing lyrical lead basslines on the track, Stewart pays homage to the distinctive DC music style that he discovered while stationed in the DC-Maryland-Virginia area years ago.

 

The San Antonio-based Stewart has dreamed of making music professionally since he was a teenager. After his military career, he created Groove Frequencies to realize that dream. His unique vision was to make music featuring musicians that he met during his military travels and via social media. The band debuted in 2017 with the “In The Groove” album. The following year, they scored their first Billboard-charting single, “Imagine This,” from their self-titled sophomore album. Stewart hopes that “Night Grooves” will propel Groove Frequencies to new heights.

 

The “Night Grooves” album contains the following songs:

 

“The Night Life” featuring Jimmy Reid

“On The Run” featuring Clay Benjamin

“Night Grooves”

“Up On 6^th Street” featuring Eddie Baccus Jr.

“In The Summer Rain”

“Back on the Block” featuring Clay Benjamin

“Chill Factor” featuring Eddie Baccus Jr.

“Acoustic Whispers” featuring Tim Perry

“Just The Way U Like It” featuring Kevin Andre’

“When Harper Smiles” featuring Jimmy Reid

“Let It Flow” featuring Clay Benjamin

“Don’t Cha Wanna Go Go”

 

 

Visit https://www.groovefrequencies.com for more information.

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