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The Thornton Winery in Temecula, CA is home to one of California’s longest running concert series. In fact, this year is the 25th anniversary of the Champagne Jazz Series. As you would expect, this summer’s lineup features some of the biggest and most popular of today’s Jazz performers (Dave Koz, Spyro Gyra, Kenny G, George Benson, Chris Botti, Boz Scaggs, etc.) I’ve enjoyed at least one concert at this intimate venue each of the last three summers and have been inspired by guitar god Lee Ritenour, delighted by petite pianist Keiko Matsui, and surprised by sassy saxophonist Jessy J. Last summer, my personal fave show was keyboardist Brian Culbertson with special guest David Sanborn on sax. It was fun, funky, and entertaining in a very contemporary way. But something very special happened last Saturday night when David Sanborn and pianist Bob James took the stage.

To call these two master musicians “giants” or “iconic” is almost a cliché, but it is a fact that today’s Contemporary Jazz and the radio format we know as Smooth Jazz would not exist without them. Their platinum selling, grammy winning 1986 album “Double Vision” was both ground breaking and a cornerstone of the movement. However, their first collaboration in twenty seven years is quite different. Entitled “Quartette Humaine”, it was conceived as a tribute to The Dave Brubeck Quartet. Simple and straight forward, featuring piano, acoustic bass, drums, and alto sax, the same lineup as the legendary quartet, but expanding both that concept and the boundaries of their own creativity. Rounding out the ensemble were drummer Steve Gadd (who has played with EVERYone), and bassist James Genus, a genius player in his own right.

The evening was perfect. With the sun starting to set on the hills of the vineyard, (and the choice of a beautiful wine to sip), Sanborn & James began the show boldly with a tune from the new album entitled “Montezuma.” (Bob James later joked that he should have called the song “Temecula.”) The players got to stretch out, and the crowd knew they were in for an extraordinary show. After another song from the new project they reached back to the Double Vision album for the crowd favorite “More Than Friends”, then another new track, and wrapped up the first set with Sanborn’s great jam “Comin’ home, Baby.” By this time the night was cool and the stage lighting really began to create its own magic. In addition to more offerings from the new album, the second set featured the quartet going deep into the crowd pleaser “Maputo”, the biggest hit from Double Vision, and a great Bob James oldie “Westchester Lady.” Just as you would expect from these veteran musicians, the vibe felt personal, and the music felt hand-picked. The crowd was intimately and elegantly drawn into the music and the performance.

The vibe of the vineyard was no less perfect, a cool clear night with a half moon. Many fans enjoyed a gourmet supper with superb service, and of course, great wines. We all knew that we were experiencing something remarkable, seeing this quartet in an intimate venue seating less than 600 (the next night Sanborn & James played The Hollywood Bowl.) And of course, who knows if they will ever tour together again?

The Thornton Winery Champagne Jazz series continues through October 20th with both Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon shows.