time again (Verve)

David Sanborn

Released June 3, 2003

Grammy Nominee Best Contemporary Jazz Album 2004

YouTube:

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_l-aHNn6vwt7SRO7hYsBpcciJoV7vjE5Iw

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/album/76cr5sphxV85m5qxLfqjZh?si=n7-jcBVISSaPndmXp_gbrA

About:

On his 2003 Verve label debut, saxophonist David Sanborn continued down the path of his half-dozen prior releases on Nonesuch, taking numbers from the modern pop songbook along with originals and less obvious standards. One of this lush, mostly acoustic album’s overriding hallmarks are its fleet horn, string and even rhythm section arrangements by Gil Goldstein. With players such as Goldstein on piano, ex–Steps Ahead vibraphonist Mike Mainieri, guitarist Russell Malone, bassist Christian McBride and drummer Steve Gadd, the performances start with a solid foundation. The strings on Joni Mitchell’s “Man from Mars” and Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” play interactive rather than background roles. On saxophonist Stanley Turrentine’s soul jazz classic “Sugar”, Malone and Sanborn take meaty yet measured solos. And for his own “Little Flower”, Sanborn plays Satie-like piano accompaniment, as well as yearning saxophone lines.

Track Listing:

1. Comin’ Home Baby (Bob Dorough / Ben Tucker) 7:11

2. Cristo Redentor (Duke Pearson) 5:47

3. Harlem Nocturne (Earle H. Hagen) 4:51

4. Man from Mars (Joni Mitchell) 5:02

5. Isn’t She Lovely (Stevie Wonder) 3:17

6. Sugar (Stanley Turrentine) 5:35

7. Tequila (Chuck Rio) 5:36

8. Little Flower (David Sanborn) 3:37

9. Spider B. (Ricky Peterson / David Sanborn) 6:29

10. Delia (David Sanborn) 4:20

Personnel:

David Sanborn: alto saxophone, piano (1, 8)

Christian McBride: bass

Caryl Paisner: cello (4, 5, 8)

Jesse Levy: cello (4, 5, 8)

Ricky Peterson: drum loop, bass programming (7)

Steve Gadd: drums

Russell Malone: guitar (all tracks, except 8)

Ricky Peterson: keyboards (4, 5, 9)

Don Alias: percussion (1, 3, 4, 6, 7)

Luis Quintero: additional percussion (3, 4, 7)

Gil Goldstein: piano (2, 6, 9, 10)

Mike Mainieri: vibraphone (all tracks, except 5)

Alfred Brown: viola (4, 5, 8)

Olivia Koppell: viola (4, 5, 8)

Arnold McCuller: vocals (2)

David Lasley: vocals (2)

Lani Groves: vocals (2)

Valerie Pinkston: vocals (2)

Recorded at Capitol Studios, Hollywood, CA; Hiatus Studios, New York, NY; Right Track Studios, New York, NY

Producer: Stewart Levine

Recorded and Mixed by Joe Ferla

Mastered by Bernie Grundman

Art Direction: Hollis King

Photography: Henry Leutwyler

Review:

Master saxophonist David Sanborn makes an astounding label debut with Time Again, and once again reminds his fans that he is firmly established as one of jazz’s best alto saxophonists. Joined by an all-star ensemble of master musicians that includes Russell Malone on guitar, Steve Gadd on drums, Christian McBride on bass, Mike Mainieri on vibraphone, and Randy Brecker on trumpet and flugelhorn, among others, David Sanborn delves deep into his seemingly never-ending repertoire to bring his distinctive sound to a variety of pop and jazz standards. Opening with a super-funky rendition of “Comin’ Home,” Sanborn reveals the culmination of hard work and staying power with a powerful statement of the melody which seamlessly segues into awesome solos taken by Mainieri and McBride. They get even better on “Cristo Redentor,” offering listeners another side of this infamous gospel jazz piece made famous by Donald Byrd. With soulful, innovative lines and a nighttime groove, Sanborn plays a reflective, sincere set that is destined to revive this song to the level not heard since the ’70s, when it was the theme song for several late-night radio programs. Ditto for “Harlem Nocturne,” which has become one of the most recognized television theme songs in the past decade. Sanborn, however, lifts it to another level with his dynamic 21st century outlook and brilliant improvisations. The all-masterful Time Again has something for everyone. It’s romantic, it’s funky, it’s laid-back, and it’s definitely one that should be in your music collection. In a sense, David Sanborn has pulled off one of the best recordings of his career.

Paula Edelstein (AllMusic)