Review Considering the strong popular appeal strings have added to jazz through the years, you'd think the format would attract its share of contemporary-jazz saxophonists. Saxophonist David Sanborn's Pearls (Elektra) was produced by Tommy LiPuma, who shared arranging duties with Johnny Mandel, and it wound up being one of Sanborn's more popular projects of the last few years. Even so, few of Sanborn's peers have ventured into these waters. And powerful string-laden albums from contemporary-jazz instrumentalists such as Tom Scott and Sadao Watanabe have been largely overlooked. Not the least bit deterred, under-recognized saxophonist Brandon Fields has just recorded a collection of standards with his wife's string orchestra (Gina Kronstadt Strings), conducted and arranged by Jorge Calandrelli, called Fields & Strings. Fields' playing has a distinctive bite, which has made him a favorite among discerning contempo fans and somewhat of an enigma at smooth-jazz radio. Surrounded by strings on "Little Sunflower" - and joined by pianist Alan Pasqua, bassist Dave Carpenter, and drummer Peter Erskine - Fields' improvisational skills are spotlighted in a way that transcends genre. --- JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc. -- From Jazziz