Dave
Koz
by Lawrence Ferber
During the past 15 years, Dave Koz has established
himself as one of the world’s most popular contemporary
sax players and his nine solo albums have garnered acclaim
around the world. His most recent CD, At The Movies (Capitol
Records), is a gorgeous collection of tunes culled from
Hollywood classics like The Wizard of Oz and The Way We
Were. Dave has worked with fellow superstars including
Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Michael McDonald, U2, Barry
Manilow, Anita Baker, and Donna Summer, and appeared at
events as diverse as President Bill Clinton’s 1993
Inaugural Celebration and a private party in Ted Kennedy’s
back yard. When not performing, he finds time to host
a pair of radio shows, one a daily LA morning program,
the other a nationally syndicated weekly. In 2004, the
Los Angeles-based Koz came out and his career, which he
realized might suffer thanks to the decision, was, if
anything, bolstered. People Magazine went on to name him
one of the “50 Hottest Bachelors,” and he currently
hosts a series of smooth jazz-themed cruises, “Dave
Koz & Friends at Sea”—the next of which
is scheduled for November 2007. As good humored and pleasant
as the mellifluous notes he plays, Koz joined us in the
VIP lounge for a little travel talk.
What place in the world is on the
top of your list to visit, and what would you want to
do while you’re there?
I’m fascinated by China and India. I’ve
had friends who went and talked about how interesting
they were because they’re like the future—China
and India will become even more dominant [as world powers].
And Dubai. I’ve heard some amazing things. I’d
like to play tennis on the top of the [Burj Al Arab]
hotel. The only 72-star hotel in the world or something.
(laughs)
You’ve played all over the world.
What is the strangest or most exotic place a gig has
taken you?
I remember the first time I went to Kuala Lumpur
during [the release of] my first record. Someone told
me my song “Emily” was #1 [on the pop charts]
and had gone gold in Malaysia so they wanted me to come.
I was like, “Where is Kuala Lumpur? Where is Malaysia?”
I knew nothing! So I went and [at the Kuala Lumpur]
airport all these 14-year-old girls started to freak
out and I turned around thinking there was a famous
star on my plane. It turned out they were screaming
for me. That was probably the weirdest experience I’ve
ever had.
What are the most essential items
in your suitcase?
I have this Kenneth Cole shoe shine thing that
I use, it’s very easy. I think it’s important
to always have shined shoes. A broadband internet cable.
A hair dryer. Some good hair products—always have
to have hair products. And a bathing suit, too.
What is your favorite port of call
during your smooth jazz cruises?
The first two we did were the Mexican Riviera,
and I loved Cabo San Lucas. Mexico has a very festive
atmosphere. The margaritas are incredible. It’s
a party town with great activities. A really great vacation
destination for just about everybody, and it’s
pretty close to L.A.
What is the first thing you do when
you get into a hotel room?
Set up my computer and maybe turn on the TV. Check
the room out because sometimes I get taken care of nicely
so I have a suite, although I don’t generally like
to have too big of a room. I’ll try out the bed,
too.
When choosing a hotel, what are some
of the amenities you consider absolutely essential?
A good bed is probably the most important to me—to
have a good night’s rest. When I’m on the
road sleep is the ultimate premium. Some of the new
hotels make it very easy to open your computer and get
online and that’s an important thing to me. I also
like a gym—I’m not Mr. Workout, believe me,
but I like to do something [physically active] every
day.
What is the best or most unique souvenir
you ever brought home, and where is it right now?
I brought back a hand-carved mask from Bali, Indonesia.
That’s one of the most unusual, interesting, and
beautiful cultures because they’re all artisans.
I befriended this man there who came from a very long
line of wood carvers and he made me the most beautiful
mask and gave it to me. It’s currently on my rooftop
patio.
If you were the president of an airline
company, what are some of the changes you would make
to improve business and customer satisfaction?
I would make it the easiest and most beautiful
experience possible. I understand the whole thing about
going through security [for every flight], but I think
for people who are constant travelers that by this point
there should be something in place to bypass that. Like
the Fastpass on the interstate. I would dispense with
all the typical rhetoric you hear on the loudspeaker
and, speaking as a musician, why not have a good sound
system on an airplane? Every time the captain comes
on it’s unintelligible. I would immediately upgrade
the speakers.
If you could meet with anyone from
the past, who would it be, where would you meet, and
why?
I would give anything, and I mean anything, to
have one more meal with my dad and mom. My dad passed
away ten years ago and my mom last year. There are certain
things I would love to talk to them about. I still want
to pick up the phone and ask my father things.
What hotel lounge in the world would
you most like to play?
For sure the Park Hyatt Tokyo. But they would have
to feed me for free, because if you want to eat in their
steakhouse you have to mortgage your house!
If you were stranded on a desert
island what three things would you hope to find there?
A gorgeous and well-connected island boy! (laughs)
If you have that why do you need the other two things?
[Published:
May, 2007]
|
On
the Road, A Mini Gay Film Fest