David Sanborn has died, the saxophonist whose name not many people know but who everyone has heard play. And once you’ve consciously noticed how he brought a few touches of soul into a pop song in just a few bars, then you’ll always recognize him. Sanborn played the alto saxophone and had found a very unique voice. This is not as easy on this instrument as it is on the tenor. The few who managed to do so became giants. Johnny Hodges, who counterbalanced Duke Ellington’s symphonic piano with his laser beam sound. Charlie Parker, who created bebop as a metaphor for urban modernity with a shower of electrical sparks. Paul Desmond, who refined Dave Brubeck’s music into the core of cool jazz with his crystal-clear sound.
David Sanborn has died – culture
