Take a seat in the front row with...
Dave Koz & Friends
A Smooth Jazz Christmas 2004
Ritacco Center/Toms River, NJ
December 5, 2004
Review by: Sharon Chapman
Those of you who are familiar with the genre of Smooth Jazz know saxophonist Dave Koz from his syndicated, "The Dave Koz Radio Show" as well as from his recordings. But even those who aren't jazz aficionados might be familiar with Koz's work, including his playing behind Richard Marx in the '80s and his composition "Faces of the Heart," which is better known as the theme for "General Hospital."
Koz is a gifted artist, but one of the things
that makes him truly stand out is his willingness to work
collaboratively with other performers. His recordings showcase many of
the top names in music, and Koz is more than
willing
to let his colleagues take center stage when the music calls for it,
thus enhancing the overall music experience. Koz's collaborative work
extends to his Dave Koz & Friends concerts, which featuregreat
performers who are willing to work and play together on stage in order
to create a fabulous and enjoyable show.
This year's Smooth Jazz Christmas concert included Brian Culbertson on keyboards and trombone, Norman Brown on guitar, and the vocals of Patti Austin (stepping in for Brenda Russell, who had to drop out of the tour due to health issues). Each artist took turns in the spotlight, performing holiday music as well as their jazz hits. What makes these concerts special is the "Check Your Egos At The Door" type attitude that is the trademark of Dave Koz & Friends shows -- even the biggest names in jazz will play backup to the artist who is taking center stage. The shows are also visually interesting, with Koz and his friends stepping in sync and even goofing off together while playing.
In Tom's River, Koz started off the show by coming onstage playing "Let It Snow" on his tenor sax. Culbertson and Brown then took the stage during "Sleigh Ride," and Austin, playing the role of Diva to the hilt, came in singing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." After the group performed "The Christmas Song," they then played their non-seasonal music, alternating between the individual artists with the others playing supporting roles. Within this set, Austin and Koz had a lot of fun camping up the duet, "Baby, It's Cold Outside," much to the audience's amusement.
After an intermission, the second half of the show featured holiday music. Koz included his song "Eight Candles," a Chanukah tune with a Klezmer influence. Then Austin sang "The Twelve Days of Christmas," with hysterical (and slightly racy) commentary about the impracticalities of such gifts in a New York City co-op.
The show ended with a mix of Christmas and non-Christmas pieces, including an energetic rendition of Koz's crossover hit, "You Make Me Smile." As an encore, the group did a humorous version of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" while clad in different ethnic costumes and speaking accents and dialects ranging from Hassidic to Reggae to retro-'70s.
The concert was enjoyable on a variety of levels -- this is accessible and enjoyable music, even for those who aren't well versed in the current jazz scene. Whether you listen to Smooth Jazz regularly or are just interested in expanding your musical horizons, it's always the season for Dave Koz & Friends.
To listen to one of Dave Koz's Summer 2004 concerts, visit http://www.radiokoz.com/.
To learn more about the artist, check out http://www.davekoz.com/.Photos by: Kevin Chapman