JAZZ WEEKLY REVIEW OF BOB JAMES AND DAVE KOZ AT THE GRAMMY MUSEUM

THE FIRST WARD REVIEW OF BOB JAMES AND DAVE KOZ AT THE STUDEBAKER THEATRE

ANTIMUSIC REVIEW OF ‘JUST US’ ALBUM

VENTS MAGAZINE FEATURE INTERVIEW WITH BOB JAMES AND DAVE KOZ

“Legendary Jazz Keyboardist and Arranger Bob James Combines Musical Elements with Partner Dave Koz to Produce One of the Best Albums of ’25, ‘Just Us’”

– VENTS Magazine

“As the title of this album indicates all the music here comes from just James and Koz working in a duo format, performing on their respective instruments of acoustic piano and saxophone. And as the pair of jazz masters prove on this set of 10 instrumentals, no other accompaniment is necessary.”

– antiMusic

“The beauty of duets is that there is no where to hide, and trust is the connecting ingredient.

This collection from pianist Bob James and saxist Dave Koz is a beaut, filled with

communication and lyricism.”

– Jazz Weekly, Ringer of the Week

“Despite their phenomenal chart history, who might have thought Koz and James would team to

face unfamiliar territory – a strictly acoustic duet setting without the safety net of a trusted group

of musicians. Thus, their special collaboration, Just Us, is a lesson in bearing one’s talents on

an exceptional level to provide an entertaining blend of originals and standards in a variety of

musical backdrops.”

– The Urban Music Scene 

“Throughout the recording process, there were absolutely no studio or rhythmic tricks, revealing

the duo’s natural storytelling connections – from reworks of the American Songbook (‘All the

Way,’ ‘Smile’), venturing into the Avant Garde (‘Fontaine d’Alice,’) and diving into swing (‘On the

Sunny Side of the Street’).” 

– The Urban Music Scene 

“an incredibly personal recording event that should top the Billboard charts.”

– The Urban Music Scene 

“When you put these two best-selling artists and composers together, you get the ‘Just Us’

album. They open with the Bob James ballad, ‘Sommation’ followed by an exquisite

arrangement of the American Songbook Standard, ‘My Ship.’  Where ‘Sommation’ spotlights the

Bob James love of classical music, ‘My Ship’ becomes an elegant representation of this familiar

song, with Dave Koz letting his satin smooth saxophone caress each melodic note. When Bob

James enters for his solo, the piano sings like windchimes blowing in a Santa Ana breeze.” 

– L.A. Jazz Scene

“a timely reminder of the contribution these two musical icons have made….Spanning genres,

moods and styles ‘Just Us’ is music for grown ups and comes highly recommended.”

– Smooth Jazz Therapy

“For the First Time in Their Careers, Bob James and Dave Koz Share Their ‘Living Room

Music’”

– JAZZ88.fm

“Overall, Just Us is truly remarkable and definitely a recording that should be in your collection.”

 – Sounds of Timeless Jazz

LIVE REVIEWS

“a magical musical evening of music that focused on melody, hope and warmth…The most

impressive parts was the inspired playing by James, who at 85 played like he’s imbibed from the

Fountain of Youth, while Koz’s strong and melodic tone revealed an aspect of  his playing

unable to be captured in a group setting. A rare evening of artists filling a rich canvas.”

– Jazz Weekly

“Bob James and Dave Koz are two of the most renowned musicians in jazz, boasting million-

selling albums, sold-out tours, even fun-filled cruises. On Thursday at the intimate Alluvian in

Traverse City, the pianist and saxophonist created musical magic as a duo with nary a drummer,

guitarist or bassist in sight.”

– Local Spins (Western Michigan)