Dave Koz feat. Brian McKnight

Burning up a sensuously funk-laden beat as though it were nothing more than a cigarette at the end of a long day’s work, you can simply feel the swagger coming off of the band’s energy in the new single and music video from Dave Koz, “Summertime in NYC,” out now just in time to soundtrack a roaring autumnal fire. 

Koz delivers another polished performance that falls in line with some of his best work in this most recent offering, which features Brian McKnight in a minor but memorable collaborative role, and if you’re even slightly familiar with his discography, I can promise you won’t be disappointed with the virtuosity of his play here. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaveKozMusic As funky as the groove in “Summertime in NYC” inarguably is, the harmonies here are definitely jazz-sourced and applied to the beat as much more than a sonic adornment. 

We’re getting a lot of emotionality out of the sheer textures in the melodic faceting here - which isn’t something I’ve found in many of the trending experimental jazz releases to make waves in 2020 - and whether they’re swinging into each other or playing off of the same rhythm (near the conclusion), the chemistry between Koz and McKnight couldn’t be much hotter. 

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/summertime-in-nyc-feat-brian-mcknight/1527084331?i=1527084824&uo=2 

“Summertime in NYC” is as much of an identity track as any I’ve ever listened to in my lifetime, and no matter how you break down its key features, together they make for what feels like a perfect crossover listen that jazz fans everywhere will appreciate this fall. Dave Koz’s name has become synonymous with quality smooth jazz in the last three decades, and although he isn’t necessarily breaking any new ground here, he’s giving up another consistent performance that only further solidifies his place in the hierarchy of living legends in a storied American genre. 

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Trace Whittaker

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

10/2020