Looking for an intimate Jazz Sax album that's cool, clean and refreshing? Look no further. "David Sanborn's" "Inside" is the album you seek. Working in tandem with Marcus Miller, who composed many of the tracks, Sanborn pulls off an intimate and upbeat album, which contains more than a few pleasant surprises.

The first cut, entitled "Corners (For Herbie)," is a light, sleek urbane tribute to Herbie Hancock. The tribute is well deserved, and the tenor of this piece is very much in keeping with Hancock. Well done, and an enjoyable entry to the rest of the album.

Among 10 tracks of smooth cosmopolitan jazz, Sanborn treats us to five incredible guest vocalists: Cassandra Wilson, Sting, Eric Benét, Marcus Miller and Lalah Hathaway. Ms. Wilson's soft, satiny interpretation of Aretha Franklin's "Daydreaming," is easy on the ears and easy to catch yourself up in.

"Trance," the third cut on the CD, is funky, and syncopated, taking it's cue, and even a sample, from an old Dr. John song, "I Walk On Gilded Splinters." Sanborn wanted it on this album just for the strange kind of vibe it carries. Well named, "Trance" may just lull you into that state of mind you find yourself in while watching heavy machinery in operation at a construction site.

In what appears to be another tribute piece, "Brother Ray" revives the keyboard blues, without calling direct attention to it. Purely instrumental, "Brother Ray" delivers it's cool funk, building up in crescendo with a 5-piece ensemble that expands to 10.

Coming through the fifth track is quintessential Sanborn. "Lisa" delivers gentle, dreamy, sophisticated sax that lifts the spirits. "When I'm With You," track six, picks back up with more sax funk and smooth vocals by Hathaway, Miller and Benét.

"Naked Moon" will entrance you. Leisurely and well-paced, Sanborn's sax charms and beguiles, suspended like a leaf floating on warm breezes. Marvin Sewell's guitar and Marcus Miller's clarinet provide the warm breeze, while Don Alias' percussion grounds the piece without dragging it back to Earth. 5 1/2 minutes of dark enchantment.

Following the 40 second 8th cut, "Cane," by Me'shell Ndegeocello, is the best cut on the album. "Ain't No Sunshine" sung by Sting, is one of the finest interpretations of the Bill Withers song I've ever heard. This is jazz - cool as spring water and black as coffee. Sting's spooky and mournful rendering caught and drew me in.

The final cut, "Miss You," is an instrumental showpiece for Sanborn, and most enjoyable. The backups complemented his moody sax beautifully. Though the percussion here was heavy handed, it gave the piece a feeling of being unsettled. The same feeling you get of "missing someone." This brought the CD to a most satisfying close. Enjoyable and contemplative, "Inside" is a pleasurable addition to the Sanborn collection of works.