| Healdsburg , CA
August 20, 2005
Picture an intimate grassy lawn area dotted with a few old olive trees right in the heart of the Sonoma County wine country. Rodney Strong Vineyards is a perfect place to enjoy some of the best artists smooth jazz has to offer. The summer concert series brings families and friends, young and old, together for an afternoon of exceptional music.
While the afternoon sun warms the air, a slight breeze keeps the heat down. You and few hundred others have been waiting with great anticipation the man of the hour to take to the stage. Upon hearing the first few notes from his sax, you know right up that it's David Sanborn playing “Comin' Home Baby” from his Time Again CD. That's all it took to get this crowd cheering and clapping hands to this funky beat. It's hard to believe that it's been 30 years since the release of his first solo album Taking Off. One can only ask how does he do it? He has this phenomenal staying power; it's more than talent that puts Sanborn at the top and it's more than talent that keeps him there.
Sanborn brought it down for a sweet song titled “Smile” from his latest CD, Closer. The audience was more than delighted to hear some of their long time favorites like “As We Speak,” “Lisa” and “Maputo” from Double Vision; a collaboration with Bob James.
In watching Sanborn, you see the physical connection with the rhythm of the music. This man plays the sax so passionately, yet he looks so relaxed, so comfortable; that enormous smile on his face says it all.
The mood on stage was light hearted and jovial as the guys kidded back and forth with each other. Sanborn said something to the bass player. Although I couldn't hear what was said, it must have be something funny because they all started laughing. This kind of comradery continued throughout the show.
Sanborn took a few moments to introduce his incredibly talented band: Richard Patterson (bass), Ricky Peterson (keys), Nick Moroch (guitar), Gene Lake (drums) and Don Alias (percussion). Sanborn gave way, giving each a share of the spotlight; it's easy to see why he chose them. This band is tight; as if they were one collective body.
Sanborn had everyone up and out of there seats shaking it to “Chicago Song.” A woman from the audience so moved by the music, took to the stage and began dancing, but was promptly shooed away by security. Sanborn waved security off and motioned to the women to come back. She returned and a couple more joined her. The audience stood applauding with encouragement and with in seconds we were all dancing to this lively tune.
To our delight Sanborn brought out his old time friend Davey Pattison who sang a couple of songs for us. It's been said that Davey is one the best vocals that's emerged from the British Isles and they're right! What a treat this was.
At one point Sanborn made his way to the foot of the stage where members of the audience had gathered. He reached out and shook hands to those who had extended theirs. He was asked to play happy birthday to someone in the audience. Sanborn nodded his head and promptly returned to his place on stage motioned to the band and began playing “Happy Birthday.”
The only down side to this sensational awe-inspiring performance is that it ended all too soon. As the crowd parted, we made our way to a line that seamed endless. We were all fortunate to have Sanborn take time out to sign his latest CD and chat with his fans. What an accommodating and gracious man he is. No one felt slighted as he took his time answering questions from everyone. He shared his thoughts about his music, and even offered helpful suggestions for those seeking his advice. I can hardly wait for the next time Sanborn rolls into town; I'll be there right up front and center.
- Rochell Letasi |
