Dave Koz At The Movies CD

The contemporary jazz saxophonist Dave Koz explores the world of movie themes on this tribute to classic Hollywood musical moments, with the help of talented jazz and commercial singers like Johnny Mathis, Barry Manilow, Anita Baker, and Donna Summer. Koz's program of popular themes includes THE WIZARD OF OZ's "Over the Rainbow," the theme from THE PINK PANTHER, and the theme from SCHINDLER'S LIST, all performed in his signature mellow style.

DOUBLE FEATURE revisits saxophonist Dave Koz's Grammy-nominated AT THE MOVIES CD on which Koz gave smooth jazz treatments to famous movie themes such as "Over the Rainbow," "Moon River," "The Pink Panther," and "The Way We Were," among others. The set includes the original disc in its entirety plus two additional themes: "Alfie" and "The Godfather." Also in the package is a DVD that includes a documentary on the making of the album, and a host of live performance footage.

Lush, heartfelt, and elegant, At the Movies finds smooth jazz saxophonist Dave Koz celebrating his favorite movie themes. Featured here are such classic movie melodies as "Over the Rainbow," "The Shadow of Your Smile," and "The Pink Panther" as well as more contemporary songs like "A Whole New World" and the main theme from Schindler's List. Showcased beautifully throughout At the Movies is Koz's deftly melodic and supple saxophone sound, which truly evinces his obvious love of film and film music. It also doesn't hurt that he's often backed by a full orchestra and big band here, adding to the wide-screen, cinematic sound he's going for. Also engaging are Koz's guest artist choices, including trumpeter Chris Botti, and vocalists Johnny Mathis, Barry Manilow, Donna Summer, and others. [This is the 'original' edition of the CD.] ~ Matt Collar

Liner Note Authors: Dave Koz; Phil Ramone.

Recording information: Avatar Studios, New York, NY; Bennett Studios, Englewood, NJ; Capitol studios, Los Angeles, CA; Paul Gilman Music, Palm Springs, CA; Right Track Studios; Schnee Studios, North Hollywood, CA; Sound on Sound.

Photographer: Ellen Von Unwerth.

Arrangers: Victor Vanacore; Randy Waldman; Rob Mathes; Rob Mounsey.

Personnel: Dave Koz (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Dave Koz (saxophone); Judy Garland (vocals); Ingrid Bergman (spoken vocals); Norman Brown (guitar, electric guitar); Jeff Mironov, Rodney Jones (guitar); Dean Parks (acoustic guitar); Michael Hart Thompson (electric guitar); Stacy Shames (harp); Anne Lehmann, Abe Appleman, Laura McGinnis, Marti Sweet, David Chan, Cenovia Cummins, Jean Ingraham, Avril Brown, Katherine Fong, Ann Leathers, Jan Mullen, Yuri Vodovoz, Jonathan Dinklage (violin); Crystal Garner, Judy Witmer, Maxine Roach, Vince Lionti, Adrian Benjamin, Craig Mumm (viola); Diane Barere, Ellen Westerman, Jeanne LeBlanc, Richard Locker, Eugene J. Moye (cello); Charles Pillow (flute, clarinet, tenor saxophone); David Andrew Mann (flute, clarinet); Pamela Sklar (flute); Diane Lesser (oboe, English horn); Bill Meredith (English horn); Ron Jannelli, Marc Goldberg (bassoon); Kenneth Hitchcock (alto saxophone); Andy Snitzer (tenor saxophone); Roger Rosenberg (baritone saxophone); Tony Kadleck, Jim Hynes (trumpet); Patrick Milando, Julie Landsman, Anne Scharer, Joe Anderer, Stewart Rose (French horn); Larry Farrell, Birch Johnson (tenor trombone); George Flynn (bass trombone); Chris Hall (tuba); Randy Waldman (piano, Fender Rhodes piano); Rob Mathes, Rob Mounsey, Barry Eastmond (piano); Jim Cox, Philippe Saisse (keyboards); Gregg Field, Shawn Pelton (drums); Joe Passaro (timpani); Jim Saporito (percussion); Donna Summer , India.Arie, Johnny Mathis, Anita Baker, Vanessa Williams , Barry Manilow (vocals); Peter White (acoustic guitar); Chris Botti (trumpet).

Audio Mixer: Al Schmitt.