Dave Koz & Friends: Christmas Ballads (25th Anniversary Collection) - CD

September 23, 2022

Dave Koz reunites with the original cast of the longest-running jazz-based Christmas Tour on this album, marking the 25th Anniversary milestone of the tour in 2022. Produced by the legendary Philippe Saisse, the album features all newly recorded Christmas favorites and one original song from Koz, who has previously released 7 holiday-themed albums, and heartfelt performances by contemporary jazz icons, trumpeter Rick Braun, guitarist Peter White, and the original co-creator of the tour, pianist David Benoit. The album will be a companion piece to the live shows, with much of the new music being performed live for the very first time on the 23-city tour, kicking off Thanksgiving weekend, 2022.

1. The Christmas Waltz
2. Away In The Manger / Silent Night
3. Happy Xmas (War Is Over) / Imagine (feat Rebecca Jade)
4. Greensleeves
5. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / My Favorite Things
6. Ave Maria
7. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear / Happy Holiday
8. Merry Christmas Darling
9. Petit Papa Noël
10. Wrapped Up In Your Smile 

Dave Koz – Soprano, Alto and Tenor Saxophone, Vocals
David Benoit – Acoustic Piano
Rick Braun appears courtesy of
Brauntosourus Music – Trumpet
and Flugelhorn, Vocals
Peter White – Acoustic Guitars
Rebecca Jade – Lead Vocals
Philippe Saisse – Fender Rhodes, Vibraphone, Glockenspiel, Percussion
David Finck – Acoustic Bass
Vinnie Colaiuta – Drums
David Mann – Flutes
Michael Annas Allaf – Guitars on Track 10
Produced and Arranged by Philippe Saisse
Executive Producer: Dave Koz
Mixed by Goh Hotoda
Recorded at LA FX by Steve Genewick
Assistant engineer Spencer Guerra
Piano recorded and edited by Tom Zink
Mastered by Colin Leonard @ SING Mastering, Atlanta, GA using SING Technology®
Music preparation and assistant to
Philippe Saisse: Alexander Riak
Drum tech: Jarrett Borba
Photography: Antonio Dixon
Design and Layout: Andrew Pham
Dave Koz endorses Yamaha Saxophones, Rico Plasticover Reeds and Shure Microphones
Philippe Saisse plays One Vibes and Innovative Percussion Mallets