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Larry Robinson, Jazz For Japan producer states; “This project came about after discussing the tragic aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan with my co-workers. I told them that many of the American jazz musicians tour Japan numerous times a year. It was at that moment the seeds of Jazz For Japan were born. Within five days we called all our jazz friends and put together this truly amazing line up of musicians to record at Hollywood’s famous Capitol Recording Studio who all donated their time.”

The album features jazz standards including “Maiden Voyage,” “Body & Soul,” “Watermelon Man,” “So What,” “Sophisticated Lady,” etc. along with a DVD release including interviews with the artists stating their support and sympathy for the Japanese people. “You, the Japanese people inspire us with your resilience. We are trying to send our strength with what we have – and that’s music,” states Steve Gadd (drummer, performing on “Maiden Voyage”, and “So What”).

Jazz For Japan is being produced by Avatar Records and is available now worldwide via iTunes with profits benefiting the International Red Cross in Japan.

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(NEW YORK, NY) – Maverick saxophonist David Sanborn has performed alongside such heavyweights as James Brown, Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, and innumerable others. Sanborn is stepping up in support of young musicians across the country, participating in two exclusive auctions to benefit the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, which repairs, purchases, and donates instruments for public school music programs.

Beginning on October 14th and closing on October 24th on eBay.com. The auction boasts two tickets to any one of Sanborn’s upcoming tour dates (listed below), a meet and greet with Sanborn, and an autographed copy of Sanborn’s acclaimed new CD Here and Gone (Decca).

A tribute to saxophonists Hank Crawford and David “Fathead” Newman, two musicians who helped define soul music as part of Ray Charles’ band, Here and Gone was released by Decca Records on August 12, 2008, and has already received a stream of illustrious reviews. The album features the rhythm section of Steve Gadd (drums) and Christian McBride (bass), special guests Eric Clapton, Joss Stone, Sam Moore, Derek Trucks, and Anthony Wilson, and was produced by the legendary Phil Ramone. One of the most identifiable sounds in popular music, Sanborn’s sax work is featured throughout, with Sanborn throwing down some of his rawest, most thrilling playing yet heard on record.

Now in its eleventh year, the VH1 Save The Music Foundation has restored, maintained, or donated $43 million worth of musical instruments for 1,600 public schools in over 100 cities around the country, enriching the lives of over 1.2 million public school students. For more information on the auctions go to universalmusicstore.com.

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