December 9, 2020
Koz for Celebration: An Interview with Jazz Saxophonist Dave Koz
Gregg Shapiro READ TIME: 2 MIN.
It's been 30 years since gay, smooth jazz superstar Dave Koz released his eponymous major label debut. Since then he has gone on to release more than a dozen studio albums, including his latest, A New Day (Just Koz), as well as a handful of Christmas records.
Koz's association with the winter holiday season also resulted in his popular Christmas tour, featuring an array of special guests, which would have celebrated its 23rd year, if not for the pandemic. Koz has remedied the situation by organizing a new, one-night-only live virtual concert event, "Dave Koz & Friends The Greatest Hits of Christmas 2020," scheduled for December 12, 2020 at 5 p.m. PT/ 8 p.m. ET via Looped.
Additionally, in the spirit of the holiday season, Koz has launched "12 Days of Kozmas," featuring music, as well as giveaways which include Dr. Norm's Cannabis-Infused Hanukkah Cookies. Concert tickets and more information about Koz's projects can be found at www.davekoz.com.
Gregg Shapiro: Dave, in the press materials for your upcoming holiday show – "Dave Koz & Friends: The Greatest Hits of Christmas 2020," you are referred to by the truly inspired moniker "Santa Koz." Who gets the credit for coming up with that?
Dave Koz: [Laughs] I think I've been hearing that for a number of years. I can't remember who actually came up with it first, but for a nice Jewish boy being on the road for what would have been our 23rd annual Christmas tour, and I have had seven Christmas albums over the years, I think it's a name that is quite fitting. Especially at this time of year, I usually end up feeling like Santa Claus. Not as much this year because we're not out on tour, sadly. But it's a name I wear proudly.
With so many holiday favorites to play, and so many new ones being written all the time, including by you, what's involved in deciding which songs are a good fit for the show each year?
