CD REVIEW: DAVE KOZ – Collaborations: 25th Anniversary Collection

Label: Concord Records

Release Date: July 31, 2015

Rating: 8.5/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

I have been a fan of Dave Koz from the first time I saw him perform live as a member of Richard Marx’s band.  This collection assembles some of Dave’s best recordings with other artists.  His first disc is my fav, but this collection runs a close second due to the playing, the track list and the list of contributors.  “Good Foot” featuring Jeff Lorber kicks this disc off and the mood is set for a great ride.  The playing from Dave and Jeff on this instrumental complement each other while setting the tone for the rest of the disc.  “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher” brings the talented Kenny Lattimore and Rick Braun into the mix on this redux.  The vocals swirl nicely around the track while the horns and arrangement build the feel of the song, especially at the bridge.  “So Very Hard To Go” is a cool track that brings vocalist Michael McDonald into the fray as well as the Summer Horns.  McDonald’s vocals dress the track while Koz and his horn mates carry the tempo and vibe of the track.  “Let Me Count The Ways” is an odd track in that this is mostly instrumental includes of a chorus that is handled more than aptly by none other than Stevie Nicks.  A personal favorite on this disc is the song known worldwide as the theme for the Peanuts gang, “Linus And Lucy.”  Listening to the Dave’s – Benoit and Koz – play this track brings memories of my sister (who loved Snoopy like crazy) to mind and leave me in a great mood as they tackle this great song that lightens the heart.  Speaking of star power, “All You Need Is Love” is a star studded track that features a ton of great voices and musicians coming together on another classic.  Lending their vocal talents to this take on the classic are Eric Benét, Johnny Mathis, Heather Headley, Richard Marx, Jonathan Butler, Maysa, BeBe Winans, Gloria Estefan and Stevie Wonder.  Listen closely and you even get some harmonica from Stevie!  “Cryin’ For Me (Wayman’s Song)” is a great combination of jazz and country when icon Toby Keith lends his vocals on this track that was written about his good friend Wayman Tisdale.  This song features Keith’s vocals, some acoustic guitar and Koz’s saxophone – the latter of which seems to punctuate the emotional content of the track.  This also features Marcus Miller.

“When Will I Know For Sure” is another instrumental that benefits from the talent Dave brings to the table, especially when he is joined by Boney James.  The songs groove gets the foot tapping and keeps the mood up and fun.  Once “(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons” ramps up and starts flowing through the speaker, you know you are in for a treat.  Rod Stewart’s voice on the track is phenomenal and gives the track a classic sound while Koz graces the bridges and the close of the track with his unique vibe and talent.  “This Guy’s In Love With You” is a classic that is taken on by the power combo of Dave Koz and Herb Alpert.  The song is given a cool updated treatment without drowning out the timeless feel of the song, its lyrics, and its history.  “Can’t Let You Go (The Sha La Song)” is a great upbeat track that puts a modern spin on a killer jazz sound, especially when you get Luther Vandross signing the chorus, adding a cool vibe to an already fun song.  Koz’s playing fills the room and prompts you to turn this one up a notch.  Bringing another modern twist to the disc, Koz put his cool touch on a smooth version of the instrumental “Game Of Thrones Theme.”  “Think Big” is an energetic instrumental that brings Dave together with Brian Culbertson and Keb’ Mo’.  The vibe of these three musicians comes shining through the track and have a larger than life feel from opening note to close.  “Apartment 2G: I Hear Her Playing Music” brings Barry Manilow to the party on this track taken from one of Barry’s earlier projects.  Listening to the story behind the vocals and lyrics you can’t help but be moved when Koz kicks in with his sax.  The bonus for Dave was the addition of his name to the type of music she was playing.  Disc closer is the runaway track “Let It Go” from Frozen, made famous by Idina Menzel.  This instrumental version is different, but in a good way as it doesn’t take away from the originals magic.

Tracklisting: Good Foot – (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher – When Will I Know For Sure – So Very Hard To Go – (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons – Let Me Count The Ways – This Guy’s In Love With You – Linus And Lucy – Can’t Let You Go (The Sha La Song) – All You Need Is Love – Game Of Thrones Theme – Cryin’ For Me (Wayman’s Song) – Think Big – Apartment 2G: I Hear Her Playing Music – Let It Go

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Category: CD Reviews