Smooth jazz is often recognized as the sweet, sedative sounds heard in an elevator, or when on-hold with a customer service representative, but that’s not Dave Koz or David Sanborn. Koz makes smooth jazz an experience, choreographing dance routines to match the energy of his songs, and occasionally hopping off the stage to serenade his listeners. The nine-time Grammy nominee with nine No. 1 albums sure knows how to work a crowd.
And Sanborn’s soulful and nuanced licks transcend genres. Not only has he recorded more than 20 albums as a bandleader, but he’s played on a ton of classic rock and R&B albums ranging from David Bowie’s Young Americans to Stevie Wonder’s Talking Book.
Since the two Daves are arguably the top performers in their field, it’s hard to believe this is their first tour together. But they’re looking to make up for lost time by combining catalogs, adding fresh ideas to their best-known songs, and offering fans the opportunity to finally appreciate two huge jazz stars in one setting.
The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 19, starting at $29 plus tax and fee. 702.749.2000