Dave Koz: Ultimate Christmas (2011)

Ultimate Christmas is the fourth seasonal album from California smooth jazz saxophonist Dave Koz in his accomplished 21-year solo career. Longtime fans will probably already own at least one, or in some cases, even three, copies of the majority of material on offer, as other than the brief instrumentals that bookend its 18 tracks ("Welcoming Thee Season," "Welcoming the New Year"), every single number has previously appeared on either 1997's December Makes Me Feel This Way, 2001's A Smooth Jazz Christmas, or 2007's Memories of a Winter's Night. While this compilation, therefore, remains largely inessential for the audiences who flock to his annual Smooth Jazz Christmas tours, it's a perfectly serviceable introduction to his interpretive talents for those wanting an overview of his yuletide-themed output. Most of the classic Christmas standards you'd expect to hear make an appearance, from hymns including "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and "O Tannenbaum," to traditional favorites like "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "The Christmas Song," to more contemporary tunes such as an impassioned bluesy rendition of Charles Brown's "Please Come Home for Christmas" (featuring guest vocals by American Idol finalist Kimberley Locke) and the album's sole original composition, the charming Parisian folk of "Eight Candles (A Song for Hanukkah)." The tasteful smooth jazz arrangements, on the whole, offer few surprises, but there are occasions when Koz and his impressive guest list of collaborators (including pianist David Benoit, guitarist Peter White, and trumpeter Rick Braun) bring something new to the table, such as the chilled R&B slow-jam treatment afforded to "White Christmas," the subtle flamenco guitars and bossa nova beats of "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town," and the campfire acoustics of "Sleigh Ride," while the highlight appears courtesy of "Silent Night," which bravely waits two minutes before its sparse fingerpicking guitar hooks are joined by Koz and the gorgeously soulful tones of singer/songwriter Brenda Russell. The fact that so much of Ultimate Christmas is already available limits its appeal, but it's still a charming body of work that establishes Koz's reputation as the master of festive smooth jazz. ~ Jon O'Brien

Tracklist:
01. Welcoming the Season (Prelude) - 1:14
02. Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town - 2:54
03. The Christmas Song (feat. Peter White, David Benoit, Rick Braun and Brenda Rusell) - 4:56
04. Sleigh Ride - 3:21
05. White Christmas (feat. Kelly Sweet) - 3:18
06. Winter Wonderland - 4:30
07. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (feat. Brian Culbertson) - 3:52
08. Little Drummer Boy (feat. Rick Braun, Peter White and David Benoit) - 4:22
09. Please Come Home For Christmas (feat. Kimberley Locke) - 3:44
10. Silver Bells - 3:50
11. Eight Candles (A Song For Hanukkah) - 3:34
12. Deck The Halls - 3:42
13. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (feat. Peter White) - 3:49
14. O Tannenbaum (O Christmas Tree) - 3:48
15. Silent Night (feat. Peter White, Rick Braun and Brenda Russell) - 4:32
16. I'll Be Home For Christmas - 4:10
17. Auld Lang Syne - 1:52
18. Welcoming the New Year (Coda) - 1:25
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Euge Groove: S7even Large (2011)

The seventh album from one of the best-selling contemporary jazz artists of the last decade contains his trademark contemporary grooves over a wide-ranging set.

Tracklist:
1. Track 01 4:45
2. The Funky Bunch 4:52
3. S7ven Large 5:26
4. Prayer 4 5:29
5. Days Of Soul 6:13
6. Gimme 6 5:02
7. Welcome To The Journey 4:49
8. Love Won't Let Me Wait 5:00
9. To The Nines 4:24
10. Ten 2 Two 6:21
Personnel:
Peter White Guest Appearance, Guitar (Nylon String)
Lee Thornburg Trombone, Trumpet
John Jubu Smith Guitar
Dan Needham Drums
Cornelius Mims Bass
Trevor Lawrence Jr. Drums
Gregg Karukas Orchestra Guest Appearance
Euge Groove Hammond B3, Mixing, Producer, Programming, Saxophone
Jeff Golub Guest Appearance
Tracy Carter Fender Rhodes, Piano
Rick Bruan Guest Appearance, Trumpet
Paul Brown Guest Appearance, Mixing
Ross Bolton Guitar
Seven Large
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Peter White: Caravan Of Dreams (1996)

Peter White is one of those rare artists whose unique sound and natural, unpretentious musical vision encapsulate all the charm, appeal, and excitement of his genre. However one chooses to label that style -- new adult contemporary, contemporary jazz, pop instrumental -- the English-born acoustic guitarist has struck rare chords, artistically, commercially, and emotionally, in becoming a melodic mainstay at the top of every radio airplay and sales chart known to soulful, smooth jazz since launching his solo career in 1990 with reveillez-vous. White's similarly warmhearted, instantly infectious Columbia debut Caravan of Dreams continues in the R&B vein of his previous two discs (1993's Promenade and 1994's Reflections), focusing on his trademark breezes while texturing street-smart synth grooves with a free-spirited all-star ensemble to create a whimsical musical travelog. While many of his best radio hits have been very saxophone oriented, for Caravan of Dreams, White made sure that his beloved guitar is in the forefront. And to better accentuate the urban sensibilities his previous albums only hinted at, he chose to collaborate with veteran producer Paul Brown, whose street vibe with Boney James has helped make the saxman one of rhythm and jazz's premier performers. Helping add spice to White's snappy strains and Brown's Midas urban flow is a perfect complement of contemporary jazz's usual suspects, James (on sax and WX-7 windsynth) to White's longtime reed player Dave Camp (on flute), Rick Braun (flьgelhorn) and urban gypsy guitarist Marc Antoine, who duets with White along the simmering, Latin-tinged edges of "Cafe Mystique." James adds a lush yet muscular harmony on tenor and soprano, respectively, to the laid-back hip-hop of the title track and the silky, romantic "Together Again." Lenny Castro's surefire percussion adds a lively rhythmic vibe to the summery pleasures of "Venice Beach," while the swirling passions of "Ready & Willing" showcase the guitarist at his most intimate. The explosive energy of "Long Ride Home," featuring artsy solo turns by Braun and Camp, perfectly reflects the drive-time lunacy of life on the road. ~ Jonathan Widran

Tracklist:

01. Caravan Of Dreams
(Featuring Boney James)
02. Together Again
(Featuring Boney James)
03. Venice Beach
04. Soul Embrace
05. Long Ride Home
(Featuring Rick Braun)
06. Just Another Day
(Featuring Basia)
07. City Of Lights
08. Cafe Mystique
(Featuring Marc Antoine)
09. Bittersweet
10. Lullaby

Personnel: Peter White (vocals, guitar, accordion, keyboards, synthesizer, mini-Moog synthesizer); Paul Brown (vocals, programming); D. Harvey, Basia (vocals); Marc Antoine (guitar); Dave Camp (flute); Boney James (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone, synthesizer); Rick Braun (flugelhorn); Allan A. Sams, Michael Egizi (keyboards, programming); John Mahon (drums, timpani); Joel Rosenblatt (drums); Lenny Castro (percussion); Daddy Shakespeare, Paul Brown (programming).

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Dave Koz & Friends: A Smooth Jazz Christmas (2001)

Cohesiveness is what separates this all-star Christmas release from the others. During the last four years, Dave Koz, vocalist Brenda Russell, pianist David Benoit, guitarist Peter White, and trumpeter Rick Braun have hit the road spreading holiday cheer among the smooth-jazz masses and their collaborative ease is palpable throughout these 14 tracks. Benoit is featured on "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," while Koz adds one of his best solos. Braun has the spotlight on "Little Drummer Boy," where Benoit shines too, and White highlights "Silent Night." All five players are credited for arrangements on most tracks, the craftiest of which is the '50's doo-wop of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," where you can almost hear the Drifters singing in the background. Russell also does a holiday version of her hit "Get Here," which is as powerful now as it was 10 years ago during the Gulf War. --Mark Ruffin

Tracklist:
01. Dave Koz, Peter White, David Benoit, Rick Braun, Brenda Russell / Smooth Jazz Christmas Overture 08:32
02. Dave Koz, Peter White, David Benoit, Rick Braun, Brenda Russell / The Christmas Song 04:55
03. Dave Koz, Peter White, David Benoit, Rick Braun, Brenda Russell / O'Tannenbaum/Sleigh Ride Medley 04:04
04. Peter White / Silent Night 04:34
05. Dave Koz and David Benoit / Beneath The Moonlit Sky 03:04
06. Rick Braun / Little Drummer Boy 04:27
07. David Benoit / Hark! The Herald Angels Sing 04:09
08. Kenny Loggins / December Makes Me Feel This Way 03:39
09. Brenda Russell / Boogie Woogie Santa Claus 03:19
10. Dave Koz and Peter White / Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 03:49
11. Brenda Russell, David Benoit and Dave Koz / White Christmas 03:22
12. Dave Koz / Eight Candles 03:36
13. Brenda Russell / Get Here 04:58
14. Dave Koz, Peter White, David Benoit, Rick Braun, Brenda Russell / 'Twas The Night Before Christmas 03:57
Personnel:
Bill Sharpe - Bass
Brenda Russell - Vocals
Brian Kilgore - Percussion
Bridgette Bryant - Vocals (Background)
Dave Koz - Sax (Alto), Sax (Soprano), Sax (Tenor), Handclapping, Main Performer
David Benoit - Piano
Esterlee Nicholson - Vocals (Background)
John Hendrickson - Handclapping
Julian Raymond - Handclapping
Kenny Loggins - Vocals
Nick Lane - Trombone (Bass), Trombone (Tenor)
Paula Salvatore - Handclapping
Peter White - Guitar (Acoustic), Accordion
Rick Braun - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Handclapping
Sandy Simmons - Vocals (Background)
Stephen Theard - Drums
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Tom Schuman: Deep Chill (2004)

"DEEP Chill" is an eclectic blend of original and familiar melodies. Tom Schuman has invited some of the greatest artists in the business to join him: Peter White, Chuck Loeb, Jeff Kashiwa and vocalist Angei, just to name a few. The music on this CD is fresh and vibrant using the new "chill" format as a template for its overall demeanor. But it goes beyond anything that resembles this format and takes on a deeper, more adventurous path reinventing itself song after song. The familiar melodies previously referred to are Elton John's "Your Song", El Debarge's "All This Love", and finally, a funky gospel version of the song Aretha Franklin made famous, "Until You Comeback To Me". Tom Schuman's "Fearless Fostic" featuring Jeff Kashiwa, opens the CD with a funky groove that makes you want to dance away your troubles. Deep Chill then sets you up for a romantic evening at home or traveling in the car with your loved one. Guaranteed to chill you out with its great ballads, steaming rhythms and cool melodies.

JazzTimes (p.83) - "['Everybody Knows'] has groovy, computer-enhanced vocal inflections....Most of the album is filled with jazz, funk, R&B vocals, Latin, pop and fusion."

When exploring the true essence of keyboardist Tom Schuman, his skills as a jazz influence has yet to be completely realized; however, his ability to entertain and mesmerize his many legions of fans is already a given. Known primarily as the man behind the vibe for Spyro Gyra for more than 25 years, Tom has sporadically jumped out as a solo artist at various times during his tenure with the group. He has appeared on and co-written many of Spyro Gyra’s albums, in addition to serving as sideman and producer for other groups as well. His latest release entitled ‘Deep Chill’ continues a degree of illumination, while providing additional insight into the creative flow of Tom Schuman; arranger, composer and keyboardist for one of contemporary jazz’s most prolific groups.

An important fact about Tom Schuman most people do not know is that he is classically trained, with a talent that was recognized at a very early age. On top of that his penchant for jazz has been self-directed and has proven to be a tremendous asset; not only for Spyro Gyra, but to himself and other groups as well. This time out ‘Deep Chill’ re-visits Tom’s contemporary jazz influences once again. His previous release as a solo artist pushed him more into the direction of mainstream. That previous recording was not what most of his fans expected; therefore, he was definitely misunderstood and the level of acceptance for that particular CD was not very high. On the other hand, this newest release is a cut above and puts listeners in a state that allows them to do exactly what is intended: “Take a chill pill.’

‘Deep Chill’ is an album that grabs the listening palate from the onset. The CD is filled with a familiar blend of cover songs and melodic originals, all of which are deeply rooted in the influences of jazz, R&B and pop. To magnify the essence of this recording even more, Tom includes the skillful instrumental articulations of Peter White, Chuck Loeb, Jeff Kashiwa and a host of other notable musicians to keep ‘Deep Chill’ in focus mode. The first track entitled “Fearless Fostic” is one of nine original Schuman compositions. That tune in itself sets the stage for Tom’s intuitive approach. Relying on saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa as a backdrop, Tom provides a bit of funk-oriented antics to get a picturesque groove going; one that is light on funk but has a bit of toe-tapping action attached to its rhythm. Another jewel can be found on “Everybody Knows,” a song that captures your attention with the syncopated vocal radio improvisations of Jessie Galante, a driving bassline and Tom’s ever present melody in front. Other tracks providing cover for ‘Deep Chill’ includes Elton John’s “Your Song,” Aretha Franklin’s “Until You Come Back To Me” and El DeBarge’s “All This Love,” all of which have a profound impact upon Tom Schuman’s chill factor concept.

One of the more intriguing aspects of Tom Schuman’s ability is the fact that he is so multi-faceted. He is one of the most skilled songwriters, arrangers and producers of his generation. These attributes coupled with his superb musicianship places Tom in a category of unparalleled proportions. ‘Deep Chill’ puts yet another creative feather in Schuman’s hat as a contemporary jazz influence. Although he is best known for his history with Spyro Gyra, Tom Schuman is gradually being recognized by the general public as one of the most significant artists of his time. ‘Deep Chill’ provides the platform for continued growth and acceptance.
Personnel:Peter White - guitar
Tom Schuman - keyboards, programming
Jeff Kashiwa - alto saxophone
Dave Charles - percussion

Tracklist:
1. Fearless Fostic
2. All This Love
3. Coming Attractions
4. Your Song
5. Everybody Knows
6. Quality Time
7. Habla Serio
8. Y B Lonely
9. Redondo Beach
10. Pleasure & Pain
11. More Than Just Love
12. Until You Come Back to Me

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