Bob James | Dave Koz Just Us

Reviews

“The beauty of duets is that there is no where to hide, and trust is the connecting ingredient. This collection from pianist Bob James and saxist Dave Koz is a beaut, filled with communication and lyricism.”

– Jazz Weekly, Ringer of the Week

“Despite their phenomenal chart history, who might have thought Koz and James would team to face unfamiliar territory – a strictly acoustic duet setting without the safety net of a trusted group of musicians. Thus, their special collaboration, Just Us, is a lesson in bearing one’s talents on an exceptional level to provide an entertaining blend of originals and standards in a variety of musical backdrops.”

– The Urban Music Scene 

“Throughout the recording process, there were absolutely no studio or rhythmic tricks, revealing the duo’s natural storytelling connections – from reworks of the American Songbook (‘All the Way,’ ‘Smile’), venturing into the Avant Garde (‘Fontaine d’Alice,’) and diving into swing (‘On the Sunny Side of the Street’).” 

– The Urban Music Scene 

“an incredibly personal recording event that should top the Billboard charts.”

– The Urban Music Scene 

“When you put these two best-selling artists and composers together, you get the ‘Just Us’ album. They open with the Bob James ballad, ‘Sommation’ followed by an exquisite arrangement of the American Songbook Standard, ‘My Ship.’  Where ‘Sommation’ spotlights the Bob James love of classical music, ‘My Ship’ becomes an elegant representation of this familiar song, with Dave Koz letting his satin smooth saxophone caress each melodic note. When Bob James enters for his solo, the piano sings like windchimes blowing in a Santa Ana breeze.” 

– L.A. Jazz Scene

“a timely reminder of the contribution these two musical icons have made….Spanning genres, moods and styles ‘Just Us’ is music for grown ups and comes highly recommended.”

– Smooth Jazz Therapy

“For the First Time in Their Careers, Bob James and Dave Koz Share Their ‘Living Room Music’”

– JAZZ88.fm

“Overall, Just Us is truly remarkable and definitely a recording that should be in your collection.”

 – Sounds of Timeless Jazz

“As the title of this album indicates all the music here comes from just James and Koz working in a duo format, performing on their respective instruments of acoustic piano and saxophone. And as the pair of jazz masters prove on this set of 10 instrumentals, no other accompaniment is necessary.”

– anti-music.com

Live Performance Reviews

“a magical musical evening of music that focused on melody, hope and warmth…The most impressive parts was the inspired playing by James, who at 85 played like he’s imbibed from the Fountain of Youth, while Koz’s strong and melodic tone revealed an aspect of  his playing unable to be captured in a group setting. A rare evening of artists filling a rich canvas.”

– Jazz Weekly

“Bob James and Dave Koz are two of the most renowned musicians in jazz, boasting million-selling albums, sold-out tours, even fun-filled cruises. On Thursday at the intimate Alluvian in Traverse City, the pianist and saxophonist created musical magic as a duo with nary a drummer, guitarist or bassist in sight.”

– Local Spins (Western Michigan)

“one of the best, if not the best, concerts I’ve ever attended…the best part of the evening was how these musical legends genuinely enjoy each other, and how that connection was evident in throughout every aspect of the show.”

 – TheFirstWard.net

“Their chemistry together reached a pinnacle come the CD bonus track ‘Sunny Side Of The Street,’ leaving the audience speechless over the masterful musicianship and seamless interplay only an environment as exquisite as ‘Just Us’ inside the Studebaker could provide.”

– Chicago Concert Reviews