Customer Reviews

Timeagain

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

(4 & 1/2 stars) This album is being hailed by some as Sanborn's best album in a decade. I agree completely, as all of his unique skills as a sax man are on ample display here. He is supported by an topnotch ensemble, especial vibraphonist Mike Mainieri. And there are some pretty fine tunes too.

Start with the slinky, silky "Comin' Home Baby," a song that subtly weaves itself into your consciousness until you're completely there. David's sax playing is sweet yet tart, effortlessly putting down the notes in just the right places. Add a deluxe vibe solo from Mainieri and some fat lines from Christian McBride, and you have a tremendous opener. On the very next cut David slows things down on "Cristo Redentor," a rich, romantic ballad that features some achingly good sax playing. Most of the album carries on at an equally high level of quality.

I was a little surprised but pleased with one of David's own compositions, a relatively short and lovely piece called "Little Flower." As David plays a simple, Satie-esque piano part (yes, DS on piano), his lithe sax notes dance around gracefully. It's totally enchantment. There's only a single track I have any problem with at all, a mildly flat version of "Tequila." (Pee Wee would not get into it.) Otherwise, this is one superb jazz CD. Two decades on, and the others are still just chasin' Sanborn.

What a thrill to hear this master again after a long recording hiatus. This does not disappoint. Sanborn is at his robust,funky best and his supporting cast is top-notch. Russell Malone is the prototype rythym guitar and Mike Manieri performs some the best vibe work since his days with Steps Ahead. Outstanding tracks include Harlem Nocturne and a knock your socks off rendition Of the venerable favorite "Tequila" that you won't recognize at first but then will whistle incessantly.

Let me start by saying I was excited a couple of weeks ago to find Sanborn with a new disc out. I just received this today via Amazon and believe it or not, finally he's hit his stride again. This is the CD we've been waiting on, and it's definitely one of those discs released partly with the season and time of the year in mind, because this is definitely for chillin' of a warm/hot summer day. It's not unusual for Dave to include a cover on his albums, but this outing is one that has seven (yes 7)covers, which celebrates great songs and timeless tunes penned by other great artist to include Stanley Turrentine, Joni Mitchell, and of course, Stevie Wonder. Pieces that stand out most are, well I can't even do that because I would basically list the entire disc. However, after a couple of listenings, "Delia", "Little Flower"(which is vintage Sanborn), and "Man from Mars" are instant favorites...already! Most notably Man from Mars, which if you added Bob James would a perfect song to put on Double Vision II(wishful thinking). It has a strong vibe which would just fit perfectly on the classic Double Vision album.
Overall, this set does not disappoint at all, and is filled with a very strong supporting cast with two of the most active young jazz muscians around today, Christian McBride and Russell Malone, and then there's the stand-out veterans Steve Gadd and Don Alias who are still marvelous and all four are the core ensemble on every cut along with keybordist Ricky Peterson. Tequila is not as bad as everyone states on here because it is so infectious and so well known, however, I too would have liked to hear Dave wail and improvise a little more on it. With that said, this disc is definitely a 4.5 star effort (I gave 5 to offset the inablity to split stars...hello Amazon staff.) Easily Sanborn's best in at least a decade if not more.

You can't help but feel good when you hear this album. But it's not just a "feel good" album, there is a window for many different experiences. You can interpret it in your own personal way and make it yours. That's what makes it great!!! David's unique sound and talent shine through and through!!! Cheers to the "Saxman", once again you've out done yourself.

Time Again, David Sanborn proves it's not all about the Sax! Christian McBride provides some serious Bass leads here too. He's at his best since Pearls. I recommend this to any Jazz fan. My personal favorites include Cristo Redentor, Isn't She Lovely, and Man from Mars. No one else today can match his grooves. A special treat!

David Sanborn created a sound in the 70's where there were few alto players who had that degree of spice and edge. When he was a studio player (known as "Dave Sanborn"), he lent his inimitable sound to pop artists such as Michael Franks... the 80's went by and he set the standard for smooth jazz saxophone edge, bite, and chops. If you played smooth jazz at the time, everyone wanted to know if you had the "Sanborn Edge." When the 90's came, he started to face more direct competition from Gerald Albright, Art Porter, Marc Russo, etc, which caused Sanborn to experiment more. People's reviews that pan those albums are missing the point; when an artist expands the focus of their art, they will end up making a few projects that will thrill a few more than others. There's no denying that his version (with Cassandra Wilson) of Daydreamin' is incredible (from Inside), but the rest of the album doesn't thrill me... although I have friends who like the rest of that album more than they like Daydreamin'... artistic experimentation will do that! So when he landed on this concept, flaunting that when one has played as long as he has, one can choose from a limitless songbook and, through re-arrangement and careful, original, treatment, create an album of original, though familiar songs... how can you not be blown away? Sanborn plays "Isn't She Lovely" as if he wrote an entirely new song... and it definitely feels like a new song. Although it seems that the previous reviews have panned "Tequila," he definitely took the song a new direction, and that's commendable. From my perspective, there's not a misfire on the entire project, and it's just more evidence that Sanborn will someday be recognized as the Charlie Parker of smooth jazz / instrumental pop.

I've always dug David Sanborn but for a while in the late 80's through the 90's His Music got Corny&He seemed like He was just Air-Brushing it.He did enough to get by as to challenge Hismelf.well this Disc is a Welcome return to His Vibe&Flavor.I really dig How He re-does Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely".it has a warm Welcome feel to it.I'd say this Album is Between 3&half-4 Stars overall.much better than His Past Decade&change stuff easily.

In this CD, many great musicians support David Sanborn. They make a very special atmosphere. But, I wanted to listen to their insistence more. In some other Sanborn's albums, especially produced by Marcus Miller, supprt players more insisted on themselves. But, of course, Sanborn's sax play like a singing songs are wonderful and moved my heart.

This album is nothing short of a masterpiece. Dave Sanborn's energy is felt through his sax on each audition.

I sampled this on Amazon. After the first two tracks I knew I had to have it! I bought just after Christmas and it's one of the best CDs I bought in 2003. I love Mr. Sanborn style of play and he "works" it well on this album. Don't miss out!