At The Movies

Amazon.com Concept discs tend to go one of two ways--they dance around a theme, causing listeners to draw their own conclusions about how well the album hangs together, or they come on strong. Sax man Dave Koz's At the Movies floats mellifluously into the second category. From the moment Judy Garland's voice comes keening through the crackle of "Over the Rainbow," we're transported directly into the cinema alongside Koz and a handful of high-wattage friends. Only in Koz's theater, the music is at times more heart-tuggingly pretty than we remember. "Moon River," from Breakfast at Tiffany's meanders gracefully before Barry Manilow surfaces to lend a languid, signature-smooth vocal. "The Shadow of Your Smile" from The Sandpiper sends ripples of bittersweetness down the spine straight through the soul. In a surprising standout track, India.Arie snakes her vocal to Tootsie's "It Might Be You" around Koz's sax so winningly you half-wish she had sung the original. Koz himself is no slouch here, either: six instrumentals belong to him exclusively, some so lush it seems a shame do-overs aren't on Oscar's radar. --Tammy La Gorce About the Artist For his upcoming album, world-renowned saxophonist Dave Koz turned to one of his favorite pastimes for inspiration. At The Movies is a lush, inspired collection of twelve timeless movie themes, underscoring the crucial role music plays in film, making it a must-have album for music and film lovers everywhere. As a musician, Koz is especially cognizant of the importance music plays in making a film memorable. "These are songs that are so much a part of people's lives that I felt it was important to respect the original while nonetheless putting my own unique spin on them," he says. Guest artists include India.Arie ("It Might Be You" Tootsie), Anita Baker ("Somewhere" West Side Story), Barry Manilow ("Moon River" Breakfast at Tiffany's), Johnny Mathis and Chris Botti ("Shadow Of Your Smile" Love Theme From The Sandpiper), Donna Summer ("A Whole New World" Aladdin) and Vanessa Williams ("The Way We Were" from the film of the same name). The album also includes six stunning instrumentals showcasing Koz's interpretations of the themes from Casablanca, Schindler's List, Cinema Paradiso, Pink Panther and Summer of '42 as well as an exuberant rendition of "Over the Rainbow" that leads off with a sample of Judy Garland's unforgettable vocal. The collection was produced by the legendary Phil Ramone and features a full orchestra. "It's kind of a dream-come-true project, recording these classic film melodies with great guest artists" says Koz. It was Koz's vision that attracted the stellar group of vocalists to the endeavor. Recalls Manilow: "Who doesn't know Henry Mancini's `Moon River?' I was delightfully surprised that Dave had figured out a very hip way of rendering `Moon River.'" At The Movies is the 8th studio album for the Platinum-selling Koz, from which he has garnered four Grammy® nominations. DAVE KOZ'S AT THE MOVIES Track Listing with Guest Artists and Oscar History for Each Song 1. Over The Rainbow (with a sample of Judy Garland) The Wizard of Oz Oscar-winning song 1940 2. Moonriver with Barry Manilow Breakfast At Tiffany's Oscar winning song, 1962 3. As Time Goes By Casablanca Oscar-nominated score, 1944 4. Somewhere with Anita Baker West Side Story Oscar-winning score, 1962 5. The Shadow Of Your Smile (Love Theme from The Sandpiper) with Johnny Mathis and Chris Botti The Sandpiper Oscar-winning song 1966 6. The Pink Panther The Pink Panther Oscar-nominated score, 1965 7. The Way We Were with Vanessa Williams The Way We Were Oscar-winning song, 1974 8. The Summer Knows (Theme from the Summer of '42) Summer Of '42 Oscar-winning score 1972 9. It Might Be You with India.Arie Tootsie Oscar-nominated song, 1983 10. Cinema Paradiso Suite Cinema Paradiso 11. A Whole New World with Donna Summer Aladdin Oscar-winning song, 1993 12. Schindlers's List Schindler's List Oscar-winning score, 1994 Bonus Tracks: 13. It Might Be You with Peter White (Instrumental) 14. The Shadow Of Your Smile (Love Theme from The Sandpiper) with Chris Botti (Instrumental)
ASIN: B000JJ4P9O
VSKU: DBV.B000JJ4P9O.N
Condition: New
Author/Artist:Dave Koz
Binding: Audio cd
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