Album of the Day

David Sanborn's half-century-and-counting career encompasses high-profile recording sessions for a dizzying variety of artists as well as a string of successful albums on his own. HEART TO HEART, the alto saxophonist's fourth solo album, is an excellent representation of Sanborn's skills as a player and a bandleader. Produced by John Simon, the 1978 Warner Bros. collection features a beefed-up rhythm section and a diverse set of songs that jazz, pop and rock listeners will all find appealing. Of course the sax playing is immaculate, but there's some wonderful guitar work here, too, courtesy of David Spinozza and Hugh McCracken (the great arranger Gil Evans lends a hand as well, on “Short Visit”). HEART TO HEART was released 40 years ago today, and its passion and lyricism remain undimmed.