Dave Koz at Mountain Winery

Dave Koz is considered today's one of the best, if not the best, saxophone players. His influence in contemporary jazz is immense, which is why many consider him the deserving instrumentalist to hold the title of the greatest saxophonist of modern times. He first emerged in the 1990s and has put out many outstanding records. Apart from being an expert saxophonist, he is also a renowned composer, record producer, and radio personality.

Koz grew up honing his skill as a saxophonist, which he started in elementary. However, his life was directed toward something other than becoming a professional player. Going into college, he took a degree in mass communication, and weeks after graduating, the thought of turning his saxophone playing into a career became more apparent. He took the risk and did things to ensure that he was going somewhere with his endeavor. For three years, he focused on playing rock. He transitioned in 1989 and directed his style to the more traditional smooth playing. During these years, he was more like a session instrumentalist, working for other artists.

In the latter part of 1989, he decided to go solo. He signed with Capitol Records and began recording. The following year, his eponymous debut came out. It had great potential, which continued his contract with the record label. His sophomore came out in 1993. It debuted at number two on the Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz. He took a six-year break after this release. In 1999, he came back with the album "The Dance." It picked up where his sophomore left off and gained more traction. These two albums would become the stepping stone of what turned out to be his best release ever, the album "Saxophonic," which broke out in 2003. This album gained a Grammy nomination.

It was smooth sailing after that success. "Golden Slumbers: A Father's Love" (2005), "At the Movies" (2007), "Memories of a Winter's Night" (2007), "Hello Tomorrow" (2010), "Ultimate Christmas" (2011), "Dave Koz and Friends: Summer Horns" (2013), "Rest" (2014), and "Dave Koz & Friends: The 25th of December" (2014) were also consistent successes.

To hear the jazz magic of a seasoned saxophonist, see Dave Konz at the magnificent Mountain Winery on Friday, September 8. You can now buy tickets for this concert!