Customer Reviews

Off the Beaten Path

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Off the Beaten Path is truly unique and refreshing. Dave Koz goes far beyond what others have done in this genre by combining his trademark sax sound with acoustic guitar, accordion, mandolin, tambourine, and loads of other instruments not normally associated with jazz. Adding the fiddle and marching snare drums in Follow Me Home is an especially nice touch. For me, Dave's new CD The Dance was a major disappointment after hearing Off the Beaten Path. That CD does not have nearly the vibrancy heard here. OTBP has become my favorite Dave Koz CD....which was a major feat...Lucky Man is still a must-have for any smooth jazz collection. My favorite cuts are: Don't Look Back, Wake Up Call, Follow Me Home, Flat Feet, Leave the Light On, Under the Spell of the Moon and My Back Porch.

Off The Beaten Path is so unlike the other jazz albums I heard of in that the blending of the saxophone and the other instruments (most notably the acoustic guitar) as performed by Dave Koz and the musicians in this album sounds so fresh and unique. Even compared to similar performances by other artists, the compositions here are rendered so exquisitely that it sounds very new and exciting. In the liner notes D.K. wrote about "Going in a new direction isn't always the easiest or safest thing to do, but it's most definitely exciting" and I believe his venturing off the beaten path culminated in this finely crafted album. Clearly one the best jazz albums ever! Thank you Dave.

I've been a fan of Dave Koz since the first time I heard You Make Me Smile. I was a late comer to this particular CD, purchasing it only after hearing Dave perform "Wake Up Call" at the Berks Jazz Fest last year. In a lot of ways, it's typical Koz, a bright, joyful celebration of music. It's different in style, though, and therein lies the appeal. Koz displays his technical proficiency and surrounds himself with quality musicians, such as Chester Thompson on organ, Kenny Aronoff on percussion and Jeff Koz on guitar. Vocalists include Stevie Nicks, Sir Harry Bowen and Sweet Pea Atkinson (from the group Was (Not Was) (of "Walk the Dinosaur" fame). Stand out tracks include Wake Up Call, Let Me Count the Ways, Flat Feet, and Remembrance.

In summation, this is a fine example of why Dave Koz is one of the best sax men playing today. His mainstream success may not be as great as one of his contemporaries, but he's remained true to the music. A great addition to any collection.

I've loved Dave Koz since I saw him in perform in Richard Marx's band. I bought his first 2 CDs but when this came out I thought that this was better by far.

I like Dave over other sax artists because he tends to have a more upbeat style while mixing in some mellow tunes. My favorite tracks are "I'm Ready", "That's the Way I Feel About You", which features him on vocals, and "Flat Feet". In fact, with the latter, I can see him having fun with that song. I even e-mailed him about it, asking about why he titled it that and he graciously replied saying he has flat feet, which he inherited from his dad!

And I was still a newbie in the world of smooth jazz whn I noticed. This is quite a refreshing break from the typical electronically-backed smooth jazz you hear everywhere. What's typically backed by electronic drum beats and keyboards and synthesizers, is now carried out by acoustic strumming, acoustic drumming, acoustic piano, and even a banjo and violin appearence here and there. There is some electric guitar, but it doesn't at any time really take over the music, which electric guitar tends to do in most music. It's clean and clear, and gets out of the way when it needs to. The Celtic flavor of Follow Me Home really was a nice suprise in this album. The whole song is great, but it really shines through near the end once it starts to really pick up. I highly recommend this CD to anyone, if you aren't familiar with smooth jazz or Dave Koz, try it. You might find something new, you never know!

I've been going to see Dave at good old Humphrey's by the Bay ever since he was the lead-in for Larry Carlton year's ago. I was so much more impressed by Dave's show than the main ticket that I've been a die hard Koz fan ever since. His sound is typically upbeat and a little bit funky, but overall I'd have to call it joyful. Just listen to some of the samples... you'll get the idea. I love all his albums but Off the Beaten Path is clearly my favorite. Bring us more of the acoustic stuff Dave!!!!

I really enjoy the music of Dave Koz, and this is a great CD. It's got a smattering of big 12 piece band numbers mixed in with healthy dose of tuneful soft melodies. Don't forget, this is an ECD. Use your PC to view pictures of Dave Koz in the studio and as a kid. Other games to play: Try to guess who's singing backup on "Let Me Count the Ways" without looking at the liner notes. Try to sing along when Dave works the bridge on "Wake Up Call."

Dave Koz has outdone himself with this CD. Great mix of musical styles! Koz adds some unconventional instrument combinations and lots of great acoustic work to give us something truly unique. Not only does it stand out from the crowd of contemporary instrumental records, it offers a lot of variety within itself. Everything from jazz to folk to rock, from reflective to down right fun is here. Check it out.

I've loved Dave Koz since I saw him in perform in Richard Marx's band. I bought his first 2 CDs but when this came out I thought that this was better by far.

I like Dave over other sax artists because he tends to have a more upbeat style while mixing in some mellow tunes. My favorite tracks are "I'm Ready", "That's the Way I Feel About You", which features him on vocals, and "Flat Feet". In fact, with the latter, I can see him having fun with that song. I even e-mailed him about it, asking about why he titled it that and he graciously replied saying he has flat feet, which he inherited from his dad!

One of the best Koz CD's I've ever heard. It's a great mixture of up-beat and slow sax. It also has a great video of Dave for your PC.