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Dave Koz: Off the Beaten Path

By Dave Hughes
September 1, 1997
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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 guitar to the mix, at the same time adding to the earthy feel with Hammond B-3 organ. Koz does a competent vocal on the romantic ballad "That's the Way I Feel About You." The album closer, the beautiful, contemplative "Remembrance," was performed entirely by Koz on piano and saxophones and composed on the island of Bali. My favorite track is "Wake Up Call," which kicks butt with a five-piece horn section of Greg Adams, Chuck Findley, Nick Lane, Gary Herbig, and Dave Koz.

Dave Koz succeeds in providing us with something beyond the current standard fare.

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Personnel

Dave Koz

saxophone

Album information

Title: Off the Beaten Path | Year Released: 1997 | Record Label: Capitol Records

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Dave Koz Concerts

Nov 28 Fri

Dave Koz and Friends Christmas 2025

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Atlanta, GA

Nov 29 Sat

Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Casey Abrams, Haley Reinhart,...

Ruth Eckerd Hall
Clearwater, FL

Dec 2 Tue

Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Casey Abrams, Haley Reinhart,...

Florida Theatre
Jacksonville, FL

Dec 7 Sun

Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Casey Abrams, Haley Reinhart,...

Keybank State Theatre
Cleveland, OH

Dec 10 Wed

Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Casey Abrams, Haley Reinhart,...

Genesee Theatre
Waukegan, IL

Dec 13 Sat

Dave Koz And Friends 28TH Christmas Tour 2025

Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts
Detroit, MI

Dec 16 Tue

Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Casey Abrams, Haley Reinhart,...

Fox Tucson Theatre
Tucson, AZ

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