[2] Sanders' first experience with a professional band was in the summer of 1972, touring Europe with classical/rock percussionist Stomu Yamash'ta's Red Buddha Theatre.

In the late 1970s, he briefly toured as a member of the jazz-rock group Soft Machine and followed with a stint in The Albion Band.

In 1984, he joined Fairport Convention and recorded his first album with them, Gladys' Leap, the following year.

Over the years Sanders has worked with Rick Wakeman, Dave Cousins of Strawbs, Jethro Tull, Robert Plant, Roy Harper, Gary Brooker of Procol Harum, Pentangle, Gordon Giltrap, Andrew Cronshaw, June Tabor, Martin Simpson, Charlie Landsborough, All About Eve, The Mission, Fred Thelonious Baker, Catherine Howe and John Etheridge (guitarist with Soft Machine and Stéphane Grappelli) with whom he co-led the group 2nd Vision.

[2] With The Albion Band With Fairport Convention With Soft Machine 'With All About Eve With Andrew Cronshaw With English Air With Gordon Giltrap With Ashley Hutchings With others