Live
David Sanborn + special guests Sam Moore & Yolanda Brown - Barbican 03/07/09
One of the most instantly-recognisable saxophonists in the history of jazz, David Sanborn returned to the Barbican with his crack ace band promoting his acclaimed record from last year 'Here and Gone.' It was a night to remember for so many reasons and DB did not disappoint on any fronts.
But before I wax lyrical about the master sax player credit must go to the opening act Yolanda Brown. It's not easy opening for a legend but this wee slip of a girl equipped her self admirably with some fine tunes and a tightly honed band.
She wasted no time in relaxing the audience with her innate confidence and charm kicking off with a reggafied tune called 'Surfing". Yolanda was on top form with her delivery offering fiery tenor sax lines and cascading, darting melodies all on the first tune! The arrangement shifted swiftly into a breakbeat adding some dynamics and variety to the proceedings.
Her version of 'Misty' a tad too sweet for my liking but saved by Yolanda's gutsy sax solo at the end and a welcome solo from Oscar Stieler on keys. Stieler's playing shone throughout but he wasn't let off the leash enough especially when the playful Ms Brown was doing 4's with her band. He didn't seem to get too much of a look in,which was a real shame. 'Confusion' started pleasantly with a jaunty angular sax riff mixed with Head Hunters style funky keys but for me the groove was too ska like and spoilt the overall inventiveness of the tune, however when ace drummer Talbert Wilson did come off his 2 step the tune fell into shape sweetly and all boded well from then on in. Rounding off her short set with a cool Afrobeat number proved to be a winning formula strolling off the stage whilst merrily blowing was a cool move too, exit stage right, this girl oozes class! You have been warned!
YB, (who btw is easy on the eye too) is shaping up to being a mighty fine player and is giving Jazz a thoroughly good name (Mobo winner 2008) whilst developing her promising "voice" into the bargain - keep an eye out for this melodic madamoiselle!
Next up ,the sax player's player David sanborn, who kicked off with a rugged, time honoured, jazz blues 12/8 shuffle entitled 'Full House' bringing the barbican alive with the real deal all the way from St Louis. The band breezed in with their effortless cool and bolstered DS into some blistering blowing straight from the off, his distinctive tone big and bulging shone throughout. This guy meant business!
DS is one of the all time greats but is canny enough to have one foot in the jazz world and the other in pop. You have to remember he's played with anybody whose anybody, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, David bowie, Eric Clapton, Jaco Pastorius and George Benson to name but a slim few. So here tonight in London for one night only and not a smooth jazz tune in sight, David came to pay respects to his childhood heros sax players Hank Crawford and David Fathead Newman. Two legendary players who earnt their stripes playing with Ray Charles.
Sanborn's playing has lost none of it's edge in fact he sounds keener and hungrier than ever. For a man who suffered health wise most of last year, David has taken on superhuman strength and the unbridled verve and perspicacity in his playing is a true wonder to behold. Sparks really flew upwards when he hit his choice long high notes, a master of the story telling improvisation he so rightly belongs to.'Brother Ray' another sterling R&B workout saw guitarist Nicky Moroch really stretch out his chops to breaking point creating a a swell of energy around the vast auditorium.His solo was concisely punctuated by the stabbing horn section of Martin Jacobson (tenor), Nicolas Gardel (trumpet) and Lionel Segui (trombone). These guys were having a ball volleying head after head and doing the do!
'St Louis Blues' (DS's birth place) saw the man breath new life into this old standard and his solo on King Curtis's 'Soul Serenade' (beautifully started by jacobsen's languid horn) gave us anything his predecessors could muster and more! It was interesting to note also some Charlie Parker influences creeping into his stlye. It's a fine testament to see that this guy never rests on his laurels or his mighty credentials a man for all seasons! Binding the whole sound together was keys player Ricky Peterson with his trusty Hammond B3 and stylish rhodes playing. Ricky bristles with energy grooving when needed and adding startling full on solos when given half a chance! Sanborn knows the harmony is taken care of in this guys hands!! A talented arranger producer too who Prince has called on many times.
So with the band ably warmed up and on full tilt it was time for guest Sam Moore, (yes from soul legends SAM & DAVE!!!) to have his turn. Relaxed and tickled pink to be on the stage once more Sam launched into 'I Got News For You". He Sounded great - still with that piercing soulful throat holler Sam relished the spotlight and bigged up the band joyously mid song. You have to remember when both his act and Otis Redding's were doing the soul reviews, way back in the day, it was Otis who pleaded to go on before S&D - their shows were electrifying and no match for whoever you were!!
'Come on Come Over' pulled out of the bag on the night had Sam reaching for a lyric sheet double quick time. It was time for an improv and to relinquish their tight arrangement duties - party time! No sooner had the jam started but it was all over too damn quickly and boof - they were outta here. No encore left us up there and expectant of more to come - alas is was not to be. Then I remembered my old saying "always leave them wanting more!" Well David, maybe next time... Sam and Dave but not as we know it, indeed! A great night none the less!
Words Emrys Baird
