David Sanborn & Bob James coming to Thornton Winery in Temecula

[Rick Grandi]

If you’re a jazz fan living in California, you look forward to the summer season of festivals & winery shows in nice venues and great weather.  None is more highly anticipated than the Thornton Winery Champagne Jazz series in Temecula, this year celebrating their 25^th anniversary.  And as usual, the lineup of talent is stellar with names like Michael McDonald, Dave Koz, Kenny G, Spyro Gyra, Bobby Caldwell, Boney James, & Chris Botti.

But this Saturday June 15 will be truly exceptional with David Sanborn and Bob James taking the stage.  The term “iconic” has become almost a cliché, but it certainly fits in this case.  These are two of the founding fathers of the Contemporary Jazz genre that evolved into the “Smooth Jazz” radio format.  Their Grammy winning 1986 album “Double Vision” featuring the hit “Maputo” was one of the most influential works of the era, and is still considered a cornerstone of the movement.

The Thornton Winery show is one of only four California dates, and the next evening Sanborn & James will be featured at the Hollywood Bowl as part of the Playboy Jazz Festival.  So how lucky are we to be able to see this duo in a beautiful venue seating less than 600?  Yes, I’m a little excited.   Cannot wait to share details of this show, stay tuned……..!