Thanks for bringing up Mr. Sanborn, he's a great player. Here's a link to a television music show that Sanborn hosted. Check out the house band -- Marcus Miller, Robben Ford, etc. Sanborn would frequently play with various guest artist. I believe it was John Lurie who told a story about appearing on the show and being wary of Sanborn. He only thought of Sanborn as the smooth jazz guy. He immediately realized his mistake and characterized Sanborn as one the most open, friendly and generous musicians he had ever worked with. Sanborn would play with anybody and his genius is that he could play with anybody.
Here's a clip from the show. Notice how Sanborn knows when not to play.
Here's a clip from the show. Notice how Sanborn knows when not to play.