rage recommends


by bill biss


THE GOLDEN HOUR Dave Koz and Cory Wong


There’s something snappy, jazzy and delightfully fun about this new set of songs from Dave Koz. Could it be the talented guitarist Cory Wong, who put more spunk in Koz’s trunk of talent? I think so. I’ve never heard such “funky” jazz before from Koz that revels in all the right places. That’s because Koz is really tearing it up musically and going to town. Who does he think he is? Gerry Mulligan? (That’s courtesy of Judy Holliday.) Always loved Koz’s talent and this new music is truly The Golden Hour. Let’s get away in a “Getaway Car.” It’s a mix of Peter Gunn courtesy of


Henry Mancini splashed with a bit of Herb Alpert and “Love Machine.” When Wong hits it with the guitar with Koz blowing it out with the saxophone, you better get away because those musical tires are smoking. Now, let’s get into a “Junkyard Dunebuggy.” It’s got a Stevie Wonder vibe where sight and unseen meet. Marvelous. Hold on though, it’s not as smooth of a ride as you imagined. Call “Engine 71!” “Hey good looking, what’s cooking?” Tough town and it shows as the two of them and the band say “Uhhh!” during this blastoff of a completely big band sound. This is where Koz and Wong simply shine. It’s overwhelming. What is this? It’s a sound that has been around for over 60 years and so sweet to hear. I don’t know how Koz can top The Golden Hour but don’t worry about that right now. Enjoy the magic in the moonlight and the fireflies of music will come alive. Available June 11


24 ragemonthly.com | JUNE 2021


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