CENTERblog

Perfect Jazzy Romance Night
By Dominique Williams – East Anchorage High School

Have you ever heard an instrument belt? Dave Koz made his multiple saxophones belt on Saturday night and his grooves brought the almost sold-out crowd to their feet. This jazz artist is a performer that everyone should see and would enjoy!

Romance is in the air this season, and Koz certainly put the lovebirds in a good mood. His song “Surrender,” off The Dance album, was the love song of the night. This slow groove created an intimate atmosphere for all the lovers in the audience. Not only was this song a highlight to the night but the song also had some choreography that the band was involved with to put a humorous touch on the serious topic of love.

Another highlight of the night were the impressive solos by the band. Mr. Bill “Rubberhand Man” Sharpe started the solos of the night with a killer bass solo! His fingers plucked those bass strings faster than the crowd could even process, but they loved every minute of it.

After Dave Koz explained to the crowd that this is his twentieth year as a jazz artist, he went into a three-song medley. All the songs had sentimental value to Koz from “Castle of Dreams” which was his first single, to “Faces of the Heart,” the theme song to the popular soap opera, General Hospital, buying him his first home, to finally a rendition to a song off his all time favorite movie Wizard of Oz, “Over the Rainbow.”

The next solo of the night was from drummer Mr. Stevo Theard. His solo led to the upbeat jam “Bada Bing.” This track also featured a very interactive guitar solo from Mr. Randy Jenkins. Jenkins was spinning, rolling on the ground, and jumping, while playing the guitar. Now that is a true performer, giving the crowd his all.

Another sentimental note to Koz’s concert was his song “Emily.” The song, written with Jeff Lorber and Bobby Caldwell, is about his goddaughter. This slow jam calmed the crowd and touched hearts. This song however did not stop the highlights of the night; the next track was one that only the youngest generation would not understand.

“The Pink Panther” theme song was a joy for the crowd. This smooth prowl into Hollywood came from Mr. Henry Mancini and led to a booty shake from the man of the night himself.

Making sure to hit every band member Koz introduces the crowd to his music director Brian Simpson who delivered an interactive and exciting piano solo. Not only did he play stationary at the piano but he also had a portable piano, which at one point he played behind his head!

The crowd was pumped and clapping after that impressive solo, and participated in a singing competition to the song “Can’t Let You Go.” The crowd loved this song. During this performance, Koz and the band traveled into the crowd for dancing with the audience. The ladies loved this!

The finale was a sweet serenade of “I’ll Be There.” In this the crowd sang along and waved their hands. The band members surprised us by all singing and Jenkins gave us his final guitar solo. This song finished the night on a sweet but rememberable note.

By far this was an amazing concert! The crowd enjoyed the artist, and Dave Koz truly enjoyed the audience. Fun anecdotes with a mix of serious love songs set the mood of the night. This intimate concert was a great start to this romantic holiday season.

Dave Koz
Anchorage Concert Association
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Atwood Concert Hall