24 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS DAVE KOZ By Ken Capobianco very so often in pop and jazz, there is a musical celestial alignment, when superstar musicians collaborate to create music that amplifies the best artistic qualities of both artists to celebrate life. Think Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse, or David Bowie and Freddie Mercury. Add Dave Koz and Bob James to that list. The contemporary jazz stars recently released their first duet album, Just Us, a lyrical, lovely set of unadorned songs recorded live and acoustic in James’ home in northern Michigan. It’s a remarkable triumph for the artists who are among the standard-bearers of contemporary jazz. The mix of originals and covers of American standards is intimate and nuanced. It reveals new dimensions and nuances with each listen. Just Us transcends the familiar “unplugged” method of recording, which often feels like a kitschy gimmick to recycle old music. “There was an immediacy, intimacy, vulnerability and a purity that was not necessarily in any of my music or his,” said Koz, recently via phone. Bringing up a new generation of stars, recording a brilliant collaboration, producing sold-out cruises, thrilling fans with seasonal tours, supporting his cherished charities and more! Photo: Ash Gupta
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