LIVE: DAVE KOZ AND FRIENDS – November 30, 2022

Venue: Ruth Eckerd Hal

City: Clearwater, FL

Dates: November 30, 2022

Review and Photographs by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur (www.toddstarphotography.com)

I still remember the first time I heard Dave Koz play saxophone.  The year was 1987 and Dave was a member of Richard Marx’s touring band.  Since then, I have followed Dave and purchased release after release of his contemporary music and jazz standards.  It was time to dip my toes into the Christmas music waters when he announced his 25th Anniversary tour and a date at Clearwater, FL’s Ruth Eckerd Hall.  Hitting the stage with his three piece band and kicking the show off, Koz took control of the evening immediately before slowly welcoming his “friends” and tours mates to the stage to join his for tracks throughout the evening.  The fifth show of the tour found Dave, his band, and his friends firing on all cylinders musically from the opening song to the final note of the evening.  Joined first by the duo of horn player Rick Braun and guitarist Peter White – both of whom performed on the first Dave Koz And Friend tour, the trio jammed through some Christmas music perfectly accompanied by the band that held their ground from the back of the stage.  Once the guys on stage and the crowd hit a stride together enjoying the music, the evening, and the spirit of the season, we were treated to yet another friend on stage that ran situated herself and allowed her fingers to drift across the 88 keys on her piano when Keiko Matsui graced us all with her perfect accompaniment on songs periodically through the performance.  The final component of the show joined as the band made its way through the sixth or seventh song in their set when singer Rebecca Jade came out and lent her talents to the first of many songs through the night.  There were Christmas songs to help celebrate the upcoming holidays and others that allowed us to ease back and enjoy the smooth jazz we have all come to know, love, and expect from Koz.  Through the course of the evening and set, Dave was joined by his friends one at a time, in small groups, and the entire group at one time while also allowing them to have their individual moments in the spotlight as well, just as he started the show and performed occasionally as the evening progressed.  It was the perfect blend of musicianship and you could see, feel, and hear the enjoyment from the stage as the night wore on and the songs danced through the sound system and washed across the packed venue.  If the tour has yet to journey through or near your town over the next couple weeks, be sure to grab friends and family and get out to enjoy the music of the season.

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Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries