David Sanborn is fascinated by the blues and likes to let us know. With his characteristic sharp sound on alto saxophone and his swiping 'glides' to the right pitch, he tackles nine blues and swing numbers. In doing so, he is expertly supported by the rhythm section of bassist Christian McBride, drummer Steve Gadd, guitarist Russell Mallone and keyboardists Gil Goldstein or Ricky Peterson. He also
… invited some heavyweight guests. On I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town, it is singer / guitarist Eric Clapton and in Brother Ray, dedicated to Ray Charles, slide guitarist Derek Trucks. From 'The Genius' itself is the song I Believe To My Soul, here powerfully sung by Joss Stone. Singer Sam Moore and trumpet player Wallace Roney are also present. The latter can be heard in the St. Louis Blues, together with the Basin Street Blues some real jazz classics that Sanborn plays with passion. This time no fusion leaning towards smooth jazz, but solid rhyhtm & blues. It's not without reason that Sanborn (Ray Charles') saxophonist Hank Crawford thanks for the inspiration for this album. (HB)more