THE ‘80s A Special Report :...

Though it has been said that he practices “safe sax,” David Sanborn has proved sufficiently accessible to the general audience to assure him of a substantial following. As a consequence he now reaches millions through an after-midnight television show, hosting the syndicated “Night Music” Sundays (actually around 12:30 a.m. Monday on KNBC Channel 4) on which he introduces guests from every walk of music life.

Sanborn’s eclecticism has enabled him to win Grammies in three categories: two for R&B;, one for jazz and one for fusion.

Because of his popularity with younger audiences, he appeared two years ago on a TV special honoring Benny Carter, one of his early idols on the alto sax. On Feb. 12, he’ll be a sideman in Carter’s orchestra at a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald at Lincoln Center. That he is able through such gestures to draw attention to the giants of jazz history attests to his importance as a spokesman along with his success as a best-selling musician.

The Taste Makers project was edited by David Fox, assistant Sunday Calendar editor.