Dave Koz – At The Movies
Dave Koz
At The Movies
(Capitol – 2007)
by Paula Edelstein
For his upcoming album, world-renowned saxophonist Dave Koz turned to one of his favorite pastimes for inspiration. At The Movies is a lush, inspired collection of twelve timeless movie themes, underscoring the crucial role music plays in film, making it a must-have album for music and film lovers everywhere. As a musician, Koz is especially cognizant of the importance music plays in making a film memorable. “These are songs that are so much a part of people’s lives that I felt it was important to respect the original while nonetheless putting my own unique spin on them,” he says.
Guest artists include India Arie (“It Might Be You” Tootsie), Anita Baker (“Somewhere” West Side Story), Barry Manilow (“Moon River” Breakfast at Tiffany’s), Johnny Mathis and Chris Botti (“Shadow Of Your Smile” Love Theme From The Sandpiper), Donna Summer (“A Whole New World” Aladdin) and Vanessa Williams (“The Way We Were” from the film of the same name). The album also includes six stunning instrumentals showcasing Koz’s interpretations of the themes from Casablanca, Schindler’s List, Cinema Paradiso, Pink Panther and Summer of ’42 as well as an exuberant rendition of “Over the Rainbow” that leads off with a sample of Judy Garland’s unforgettable vocal. The collection was produced by the legendary Phil Ramone and features a full orchestra. “It’s kind of a dream-come-true project, recording these classic film melodies with great guest artists” says Koz.
It was Koz’s vision that attracted the stellar group of vocalists to the endeavor. Recalls Manilow: “Who doesn’t know Henry Mancini’s `Moon River?’ I was delightfully surprised that Dave had figured out a very hip way of rendering `Moon River.'” AT THE MOVIES is the 8th studio album for the Platinum-selling Koz, from which he has garnered four Grammy Award nominations.
Reprinted with permission of…
