Time and The River

Acclaimed alto saxophonist David Sanborn has played nearly every genre of music, but his earthy tone and bluesy phrasing feel right at home regardless of the context. This time out of the chute, producer/bassist Marcus Miller and others join him for a typically excellent survey of originals and covers. A bluesy R&B groove drives “Can’t Get Next to You” with fine vocals from Tower of Power’s Larry Bragg, while The Crusaders’ Randy Crawford adds her light soulful voice to a smooth version of “Windmills of Your Mind.” Other highlights include the downright funky version of D’Angelo’s “Spanish Joint” and the celestial “Drift.”

David Sanborn’s latest is hamstrung by a rather flat production job and formulaic arrangements