In a career that spans twenty years and a dozen albums, Dave Koz has established himself as one of the most prominent figures in contemporary music. The gifted saxophonist has also received widespread acclaim for his live performances, with The New York Times recently noting: “He’s a musician of unflappable rhythmic aplomb, which he happily squares against the airtight funk of his band.” However, the eight-time GRAMMY®nominee had never released a live recording – until now.
In a career that spans twenty years and a dozen albums, Dave Koz has established himself as one of the most prominent figures in contemporary music. The gifted saxophonist has also received widespread acclaim for his live performances, with The New York Times recently noting: “He’s a musician of unflappable rhythmic aplomb, which he happily squares against the airtight funk of his band.” However, the eight-time GRAMMY®nominee had never released a live recording – until now.
Originally independently released on September 25, 2012, Concord Records will give Live at the Blue Note Tokyo – Koz’s first-ever live album – its wide distribution physical release on February 12, 2013. Recorded in Japan in 2011, the disc features a dozen songs, including such hits as “You Make Me Smile,” “Faces Of The Heart,” “Honeydipped” and “Put The Top Down.” Live at the Blue Note Tokyo has also been nominated for a GRAMMY® award in the category of Best Pop Instrumental Album
“I feel so fortunate to have spent my professional life on the road, touring all over the world, doing shows for almost 25 years now,” Koz says. “I love it. I’ve gotten to see many amazing places, learned so much, and met so many truly wonderful people. A lifetime on the road…it’s been a real blessing. This CD, my very first live record, captures one magical night of that lifetime and I wanted to share it with you.”
Koz’s live album is the follow-up to Hello Tomorrow, his October 12, 2010 debut on Concord. In addition to being nominated for a GRAMMY®for Best Pop Instrumental Album, Hello Tomorrow was named Best Smooth Jazz Album of 2010 by iTunes and awarded Best Contemporary Jazz Album at the 2011 Soul Train Awards.
Here's a sample of some of Dave's live work from his 2011 tour
Track listing for Dave Koz’s Live at the Blue Note Tokyo:
1. What You Leave Behind
2. Together Again
3. Put The Top Down
4. Let It Free
5. Anything’s Possible
6. Love Is On The Way
7. It’s Always Been You
8. All I See Is You
9. Honeydipped
10. Faces Of The Heart
11. Silverlining
12. You Make Me Smile