Sanborn's Sleek Conversation with Soul
A sharp, groovy record that caught critics' attention immediately and has only grown more appealing with time.
As We Speak arrived in 1982 as a fully formed statement, one that AllMusic recognized right away with a 4 out of 5 rating. This was not a record that had to build its reputation — it landed with enough polish and confidence that listeners and critics alike understood its worth from the start. It sits comfortably among Sanborn's strongest work, a moment when his soprano saxophone found exactly the right setting: grooved, soulful, and open to collaboration without losing his voice.
The band here is tight and purposeful. Marcus Miller on bass and Omar Hakim on drums lock into rhythms that feel both contemporary and timeless, while Michael Sembello on guitar and Don Freeman handling keyboards and synthesizer give the record its modern sheen without sacrificing warmth. Bill Evans adds saxophone texture, and James "Sugar Bear" Skelton brings the Hammond organ's earthy swing to several tracks, a grounding presence against the synth-forward production choices elsewhere.
What makes this album worth returning to is exactly what made critics take notice: Sanborn sounds engaged and unhurried, moving through these pieces with the ease of someone who knows exactly what he wants to say. It's neither a radical departure nor a safe repetition of earlier work. It sits as a solid, accomplished record from a player at the height of his powers, the kind of album that works equally well on a first listen or a fiftieth.
Who's playing
Marcus Millerbass guitar
Bob Mintzerbass clarinet
Buzz Feitenguitar
Michael Sembelloguitar
David Sanbornalto saxophone
Bill Evanssaxophone
James "Sugar Bear" SkeltonHammond organ
Lance Ongsynthesizer
Spikesynthesizer
Omar Hakimdrums
Paulinho da Costapercussion
Malando Gassamapercussion
George Dukeclavinet
Don Freemankeyboard
Where next?
The musicians on this record
You Must Believe in Spring 1981
Bill Evans
plays saxophone here
plays saxophone here
Suddenly 1983
Marcus Miller
plays bass guitar here
plays bass guitar here
A Brazilian Love Affair 1980
George Duke
plays clavinet here
plays clavinet here
