Home » Jazz Musicians » Dave Koz
Dave Koz
In a career spanning nearly two decades, Dave Koz has established himself as a platinum-selling artist, humanitarian, entrepreneur, radio host, and instrumental music advocate. A six-time Grammy® nominee, he’ll be honored in 2009 by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce with a star in the sidewalk on Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame. The list of artists who Koz has played with bears testament to his talent and includes such musical luminaries as Burt Bacharach, Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Celine Dion, Kenny Loggins, U2, Michael McDonald, Luther Vandross, and Rod Stewart. Born and raised in L.A.'s San Fernando Valley, Koz initially picked up the saxophone to gain entry into his big brother's band. What began as a ploy became a lifelong obsession. Years later, after earning his degree in mass communications from UCLA, Koz decided to become a professional musician. Within weeks of that decision, he was recruited as a touring member of Bobby Caldwell’s band. It was during this time that Koz befriended keyboardist Jeff Lorber, who invited Koz to come play on one of his tours. That stint was followed by a fourteen-month tour with pop singer Richard Marx. Signed to Capitol Records by Bruce Lundvall, Koz released his self-titled solo debut album in 1990. This was the first in a body of best-selling work, which includes the gold-certified Lucky Man (1993), Off The Beaten Path (1996), and the holiday-themed albums December Makes Me Feel This Way (1997) and Dave Koz & Friends - A Smooth Jazz Christmas (2001). His gold-certified fifth album, The Dance (1999), spawned no less than five Top 5 contemporary jazz hits. Saxophonic (2003) produced another four Top 5 singles and garnered Koz two Grammy nominations spanning two consecutive years. In 2007, Koz released two chart-topping collections of standards. At The Movies, his lush, romantic celebration of timeless melodies from cinema, spent eight weeks atop Billboard’s Top Contemporary Jazz chart. Produced by the legendary Phil Ramone, it was nominated for a Grammy in the “Best Pop Instrumental Album” category. Memories Of A Winter’s Night, a festive collection of holiday standards,hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Contemporary Jazz chart in December 2007. Dave Koz At The Movies Double Feature CD + DVD followed in early 2008, which featured the At The Movies CD with two never-before-released bonus audio tracks, a newDVD and a track-by-track commentary. Capitol Records released Dave Koz
Tags
Dave Koz and Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour at San Jose Civic
![Read "Dave Koz and Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour at San Jose Civic" reviewed by Walter Atkins](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/a_small/d0aef979e468c36e3ad4a3a73935471a.jpg)
by Walter Atkins
Dave Koz and Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour San Jose Civic San Jose, CA December 22, 2022 Dave Koz and Friends were very comfortable performing at the Mission Revival-style San Jose Civic. The venue provided a festive environment for the Dave Koz and Friends' 25th Anniversary Christmas concert. Besides plentiful Christmas lights, the stage had lavishly decorated trees, and the festive crowd was ready for some holiday cheer. Saxophonist Koz 's accomplished Friends were trumpeter ...
read moreDave Koz and Friends: Summer Horns
![Read "Dave Koz and Friends: Summer Horns" reviewed by Jeff Winbush](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/coverart/large/davekoz_summerhorns_jaw.jpg)
by Jeff Winbush
The idea of a quartet of top smooth jazz saxophonists gathering for a super-session must have seemed like a great idea to Dave Koz. Why not invite Gerald Albright, Mindi Abair and Richard Elliot to join him for a sax summit? Hang out, play some together, have some laughs. It'll be fun. What could possibly go wrong?Quite a bit actually. The main problem with Summer Horns is it suffers from the assumption that if some is good, then ...
read moreDave Koz: At the Movies
![Read "At the Movies" reviewed by Jeff Winbush](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/coverart/2007/dkoz.jpg)
by Jeff Winbush
There's nothing quite like the feeling of walking into a movie theatre, settling into your seat as the lights go down and, for the next two hours, being transported into a different reality than the normal world we inhabit. Saxophonist Dave Koz understands the thrill of discovery in the dark, and At The Movies is all about the great music of great movies.To write Koz off as just another smooth jazz superstar minimizes the passion he brings to ...
read moreDave Koz: The Soundtrack of Our Lives
![Read "Dave Koz: The Soundtrack of Our Lives" reviewed by Katrina-Kasey Wheeler](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/38f41f1dd581f6a92b73333ba71f05da.jpg)
by Katrina-Kasey Wheeler
The name Dave Koz is synonymous with his craft. He is a fixture within the contemporary jazz community, and deservedly so. Koz is quite occupied as he is very much in demand. He is a world renowned artist whose career has spanned twenty years and is, even now, advancing full steam ahead. But, he is also the host of the tremendously successful syndicated, Dave Koz Radio Show and co-founder of Rendezvous Entertainment--which represents such famed artists as Patti Austin, Michael ...
read moreDave Koz: Saxophonic
![Read "Saxophonic" reviewed by Brian Soergel](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/coverart/2007/dkozd.jpg)
by Brian Soergel
Dave Koz has one of the highest profiles in smooth jazz, thanks to his syndicated Dave Koz Radio Show and a morning show in Los Angeles. He also finds time for special tours, like one you may be catching this Christmas. He's guest-starred on numerous pop and smooth jazz CDs. So it's no surprise that it's been four years since his sublime, hit-happy The Dance, his last CD of non-holiday tunes. (He also released Golden Slumbers, a recording of lullabies.)
read moreDave Koz: A Holiday Tradition
![Read "Dave Koz: A Holiday Tradition" reviewed by Cheryl Hughey](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/38f41f1dd581f6a92b73333ba71f05da.jpg)
by Cheryl Hughey
Dave Koz and a host of special guests have launched the annual Dave Koz Smooth Jazz Christmas Tour. Marc Antoine (guitar), Chris Botti (trumpet), Bobby Caldwell (vocals) and Brian Culbertson (piano/trombone) will be joining Koz for the festive holiday experience. After wowing audiences in Lake Tahoe and the West Coast, the tour will visit mostly major venues to include Atlanta and Chicago.
Interestingly enough, Koz will now be the bandleader to the guy who gave him his start. ...
read moreDave Koz: Off the Beaten Path
![Read "Off the Beaten Path" reviewed by Dave Hughes](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/coverart/2007/dkozb.jpg)
by Dave Hughes
Popular saxophonist Dave Koz has attempted to veer off the beaten path" with this release; in other words, to create something that goes beyond the current smooth jazz" formula which so many contemporary saxophonists have embraced. For this, he is to be commended. Overall, it's a successful effort. He keeps one foot solidly planted on contemporary ground, but tests some interesting new waters with his other foot.
Some tunes add folk instruments, such as mandolin, accordion, fiddle, dobro, and nylon-string ...
read moreDave Koz Set To Perform On August 10th As Part Of The Paramount Jazz Series
![Dave Koz Set To Perform On August 10th As Part Of The Paramount Jazz Series](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/38f41f1dd581f6a92b73333ba71f05da.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
"BeBe and I have been friends for 20 years, but this is the first time we've toured together and I'm so excited," says Koz. We've unofficially dubbed it 'The Brothers From Another Mother' tour because superficially we couldn't be more different, but we actually have so much in common." I've said no for years to touring, but this time seems right because of what we bring together to the stage," said Winans, adding, the love people will feel from the ...
read more
Dave Koz & Alex Bugnon To Perform At The NYCB Theater In Westbury, NY On Thursday, July 21, 2011
![Dave Koz & Alex Bugnon To Perform At The NYCB Theater In Westbury, NY On Thursday, July 21, 2011](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/38f41f1dd581f6a92b73333ba71f05da.jpg)
Source:
Mike Perciaccante
Dave Koz, Sade Leads Nominees In 2011 Oasis Contemporary Jazz Awards
![Dave Koz, Sade Leads Nominees In 2011 Oasis Contemporary Jazz Awards](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/9206bd73c1161ec8422fb99c76590f57.jpg)
Source:
Mike James
Nominees for the 2011 Oasis Contemporary Jazz Awards were announced on January 20th. The event makes its return after a long hiatus and celebrates the best in contemporary jazz. The awards gala will be the highlight of a four day gathering, taking place March 10th through the 13th. Over 40 artists are scheduled to attend. Nominees were announced in 20 different categories. Leading all nominees was saxophonist Dave Koz, who picked up nominations in 9 categories, including Entertainer of the ...
read more
Dave Koz - #1 Album & Single - "Hello Tomorrow"
Source:
Judi Kerr Public Relations
New Album, Hello Tomorrow, Is No. 1 On Billboard's Top Contemporary Jazz Chart And iTunes' Jazz Album Chart Lead Single Put The Top Down" Is No. 1 On Mediabase Smooth A/C Chart Hello Tomorrow, Dave Koz's new album, debuts at No. 1 on both Billboard's Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart and iTunes' Jazz Album chart, becoming the GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist's fourth consecutive album to bow atop both charts. Put The Top Down," the album's lead single, is No. 1 on the ...
read more
Anita Rosamond Performing on Dave Koz Smooth Jazz Cruise
![Anita Rosamond Performing on Dave Koz Smooth Jazz Cruise](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/logo/stlouisjazznotes100.jpg)
Source:
St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
Singer and pianist Anita Rosamond (pictured) is escaping the St. Louis winter cold this week, heading down to the Caribbean where she's been added to the roster of performers for the 2010 Dave Koz Smooth Jazz Cruise.The sold-out cruise, which starts Saturday and continues through January 24, is produced by St. Louis-based Jazz Cruises LLC. It will feature nearly 40 musicians and singers, including Rosamond and two East St. Louis natives - vocalist Phil Perry and saxophonist Andre ...
read more
Dave Koz - Greatest Hits Debuts at No. 1 on Charts
![Dave Koz - Greatest Hits Debuts at No. 1 on Charts](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/38f41f1dd581f6a92b73333ba71f05da.jpg)
Source:
All About Jazz
Dave Koz - Greatest Hits, the first-ever retrospective album from the renowned instrumentalist/composer, debuts at No. 1 on both Billboard's Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart and iTunes' Jazz Album chart. Meanwhile,lead single Life In The Fast Lane" claims the No. 1 spot on the R&R Smooth Jazz Indicator chart. The album, which was completely re-mastered by the legendary Bernie Grundman, contains 11 Koz classics (including You Make Me Smile, Faces of the Heart, Can't Let You Go (Sha ...
read more
North Fork Bank Jazz Festival Features Dave Koz, Jane Monheit and Ramsey Lewis August 11-12 at Planting Fields Arboretum, Oyster Bay, Long Island
![North Fork Bank Jazz Festival Features Dave Koz, Jane Monheit and Ramsey Lewis August 11-12 at Planting Fields Arboretum, Oyster Bay, Long Island](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/old/images/large/jeigo2006.jpg)
Source:
Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services
August 11-12 at Planting Fields Arboretum, Oyster Bay, Long Island Friends of the Arts (FOTA) presents the North Fork Bank Jazz Festival on Saturday and Sunday, August 11 and 12 at Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay, Long Island. Dave Koz & Friends (featuring David Benoit, Phil Perry & Kelly Sweet) and Acoustic Alchemy take the stage on Saturday, August 11 at 7 pm. On Sunday, August 12 at 7 pm, the Jazz Festival features the Ramsey Lewis Trio and ...
read more
North Fork Bank Jazz Festival Features Dave Koz, Jane Monheit and Ramsey Lewis August 11-12 at Planting Fields Arboretum, Oyster Bay, Long Island
![North Fork Bank Jazz Festival Features Dave Koz, Jane Monheit and Ramsey Lewis August 11-12 at Planting Fields Arboretum, Oyster Bay, Long Island](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/old/images/large/jeigo2006.jpg)
Source:
Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services
Friends of the Arts (FOTA) presents the North Fork Bank Jazz Festival on Saturday and Sunday, August 11 and 12 at Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay, Long Island. Dave Koz & Friends (featuring David Benoit, Phil Perry & Kelly Sweet) and Acoustic Alchemy take the stage on Saturday, August 11 at 7 pm. On Sunday, August 12 at 7 pm, the Jazz Festival features the Ramsey Lewis Trio and Long Island native, jazz vocalist Jane Monheit. Beginning at 5:30 ...
read more
DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS!...One night at The Greek in Los Angeles in July
![DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS!...One night at The Greek in Los Angeles in July](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/logo/bd38a72ed12128b10ddc05c6087dacb8.jpg)
Source:
All About Jazz
Don't miss a Smooth Summer Night under the stars at the award winning Greek Theatre in Los Angeles
DAVE KOZ, MICHAEL MCDONALD, NORMAN BROWN, BRIAN CULBERTSON
Saturday, July 14th, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets to the show go on-sale Sunday, May 6th at Noon at all Southern California Ticketmaster Locations, The Greek Theatre Box Office, and on-line at www.Ticketmaster.Com
The Greek Theatre is located at 2700 North Vermont, Los Angeles, CA, 90027
For more information, log onto www.Nederlander.com and click The Greek ...
read more