Customer Reviews

Pearls

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Lost of old jazz fans dis the current crop of musicians. Indeed, to me, too much of the new sounds like elevator music. But not this fantastic offering from David Sanborn. He hooked me with "The Rev" some twenty years ago, but has not ever done any better than this.

He has taken classics, like "Willow Weep for Me", "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes", and "Try a Little Tenderness" and makes them pour out of his sax. They are a souldul mix, and will create the smoothest mood for an evening of quiet SERIOUS romantic music. There is not too much orchestration which gets in the way of his distinctive sound.

This album does not contain "The Seduction", but this album itself could easily have had this title.

This CD is a gem..... precious like the title track, Pearls! Another great production of Tommy LiPuma and Johnny Mandel's superb orchestration, this CD is very classy and elegant with a line-up of timeless ballads. David Sanborn, a great contemporary jazz saxophonist, has outdone himself once again. Excellent performances!

From the initial track "Willow Weep For Me" to the final track "Nobody Does It Better" (Oleta Adams/vocals) will leave you mesmerized and wanting for more listens! His interpretations of Jerome Kern's "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes," Leon Russell's "This Masquerade," Woods/Campbell/Connelly's "Try A Little Tenderness," Mercer/Arlen's "Come Rain Or Come Shine" are simply breathtaking and full of emotions! These tracks are the standouts in this CD.

Got Pearls? Highly recommended and a must-have for smooth jazz buffs. A precious addition to your collection!

* * * * * TEN STARS * * * * *

I had to have this after hearing "Try A Little Tenderness" late one night. The lush orchestration of Johnny Mandel and Tommy LiPuma send me to the Romanticism of the 40's. Mr. Sanborn's playing evokes the late Stan Getz. My favorite on this disc is the sublime "For All We Know" with the voice like fine wine of Jimmy Scott.

Just a note - because no other reviewer has mentioned the fact - that the incredible Little Jimmy Scott is on "For All We Know" on this session. Maybe he is on some other cuts as well? Listen.

If you don't know Jimmy Scott's singing, you have one of the great treats ahead of you -- he's unique. Enjoy.

This album is truly amazing. I am a huge Sanborn fan but this CD exceeds all my expectations. This is the one you just want to sit back and listen to, over and over again. The arrangements are unbelieveably beautiful as you would expect from a full orchestra and on top of that you have the soul of David Sanborn at it's very best. I would like to say I can pick a favorite from among the selections--"Pearls" maybe-or "Come Rain Or Come Shine"--or "For All We Know"--or perhaps it would be that funky arrangement of "Nobody Does It Better" because indeed nobody does do it better. He is an original and as far as I'm concerned he has no equal.

I teach jazz sax. I and all my students are left breathless by Sanborn's brilliant treatment of these old standards. Every song IS a pearl, but the combination of so much emotion with such technical mastery, makes this entire album the highlight of my large collection. One student expressed it best when he said "Golly".

If you don't own this CD...you're out of your mind. I don't care if some people don't think this is David Sanborn's typical style of music, but this is pure genious! I was first turned on to David Sanborn when he played a track on my uncle Robert's "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" CD in 1988. I loved the way it sounded. The continous wailing and passion coming out from every note. Every track on this CD is perfect for that special night with that someone you love/care about. I listen to This Masquerade on a daily basis...it's a beautiful song to play softly...or boom in your car. Willow Weep For Me is a perfect starting track, and I find myself constantly singing along to "Nobody Does It Better", an old Carly Simon hit. When I'm in deep thought, I listen to the tracks "Everything Must Change" and "Superstar" along with the title track "Pearls", which is a Sade cover. Buy this CD. Don't think about it, just do it. You'll be happy you did...and trust me...you'll send me an email thanking me.

I often catch gentle ribbing from my friends, who consider themselves "true jazz aficianados", for enjoying David Sanborn. While it is true that this incredible saxophonist may be described as "smooth jazz" artist I simply don't really care. Mr. Sanborn may be the originator of this genre and while for many that in itself is cause for condemnation I believe David Sanborn to be a first rate musician regardless of his style of jazz. Plus, while there are many so-called 'imitators' of David's style (David Koz and Boney James come to mind!) in the case of "Pearls", a more relaxing,sensuous and overall beautiful cd would be hard to find.

Now, we aren't exactly talking about ground-breaking jazz here...but I suspect that was never the intent of this disc. It is at once an extremely low key affair with the intent of giving the listener a disc of music that is melodic, sensuous and ultimately refined. This is the cd you'll find yourself putting on while at home, after work, attempting to shut the world out...at least for awhile. No other cd I own is quite as able to help relax me and make me feel as peaceful and content as this disc does. While there are certainly 'highlights' on this wonderful cd what really works for it is simply that, taken as a whole, the disc seems to flow effortlessly from one song to the next. A feat not often found in many cd's I've recently purchased. Still, "This Masquerade" and "Willow Weep For Me" are truly done in an engaging, simple style that forces a listener to enjoy not just the incredible playing of Mr. Sanborn but also of the subtle orchestration that acompanies these songs. Also, kudo's to Jimmy Scott for his amazing and understated vocals on "For All We Know", quite possibly the best version I know!

Overall,this cd is an essential part of my collection and worth any price you may pay. So when you're home, put it on, send the kids to bed and snuggle on the couch with...well, whoever. Or a wonderful cd to have on when home alone with a glass of wine and a pleasant memory to keep you company through the night. Either way a disc that subscribes to the 'less is more' style of music. And thank goodness for that! Well done!

I've listened to other David Sanborn albums and this is my favorite. I love the strings playing in the background. He puts Kenny G to shame. He takes an Alto Sax and pushes it to its limits with lush Jazz. This is smoky jazz music and should be played while romancing someone you love. I have never gotten tired of this album. My favorite cuts are, "Try A Little Tenderness, Pearls, Everything Must Change."

Sanborn's best. I own all his album and this one is my favorite by far.
Joined by an orchestra arranged by Johnny Mandel for a set of music dominated by melodic versions of standards.
His sound is very soulful and full of passion.
Highly recommended. Buy it and you will not regret it.