December 2, 2005
Nob Hill Masonic Center, San Francisco, CA

I could feel the energy the moment I entered the Masonic Center.  Was it the anticipation of seeing Dave Koz and Friends or was there really something special in the air?  As we took our seats, I was taken in by the beautiful backlit stage.  It was as if you were looking out into the evening sky with a million twinkling stars.   

The lights dimmed and the band members Stevo Theard (drum/vocals), Tony Maiden (guitar/vocals), Bill "Rubberhand Man" Sharpe (bass/vocals) and Brian Simpson (keyboard/music director) had already taken their places.  "Joy To The World" began playing as the names were announced:  David Benoit, Jonathan Butler, Patti Austin and Dave Koz.   Dave Koz appeared first, playing "Let It Snow." He waltzed across the stage, down the stairs and into the audience. Then, as he made a smooth transition into "Winter Wonderland." He also made himself at home on the lap of an admiring fan. Two minutes into the show and he already had the crowd laughing. Jonathan Butler came out playing a spirited version of "Sleigh Ride," and David Benoit followed with a lively version of "Angels We Have Heard On High."  Patti Austin's "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" was greeted with applause and cheers of delight.  

Dave took a moment to welcome the audience, thank them for coming, and to introduce each of the artists. Then Patti treated us to some scat singing in a jazzed up medley of "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" and "Jingle Bells." Taking a break from the seasonal music, Dave returned to play his hit, "Let It Free," and Jonathan Butler played his recent chart-topper "Fire and Rain." He is a deeply spiritual man and that comes across not only in his voice, but also in his playing. Then he picked up the pace with "Mandela Bay."  Dave, Bill Sharpe, and Tony Maiden joined him, dancing in sync to the beat as they played. 

David Benoit slipped into place at the piano as Dave shared a very touching moment with the audience.  He talked openly about his mother's recent passing and said he wanted to play a song to honor her… a song from the album his Mother referred to as her favorite Dave Koz album, which has not been released yet but she did get to hear.   The lights dimmed. Dave lit a candle that sat on top of the piano and then took a seat nearby as we heard the voice of Judy Garland singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."  Dave played with deep emotion and tenderness while David added his own compassionate touch on the piano.  It was a heartfelt moment for all.

Patti, who undoubtedly was a comedian in another life, had everyone in stitches as she joked around before singing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas."  Then everyone returned wearing Santa hats and singing a Motown medley of "Someday At Christmas" and "What Christmas Means To Me."   Dave and Patti brought back a song/skit from last year's show that was obviously a big hit.  Who would have guessed that a little rewrite of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" would lead to such a show stopper?  The premise is that Patti is interested in a physical encounter with the ever-so-dashing Dave.  Dave, on the other hand, tells Patti that she is "incorrigible, unstoppable, a relentless machine."  Patti's response is, "I am the menopausal terminator."  Dave persisted with, "It ain't going to happen."  In the end Dave takes a face dive into Patti's chest. 

Jonathan emerged from the audience singing "Little Drummer Boy" and encouraged everyone to sing along. David Benoit delighted us by performing a few songs from the newly released CD, 40 Years - A Charlie Brown Christmas, "Christmas Is Coming," and Patti's classic interpretation of "Christmas Time Is Here." David played "Linus and Lucy" as Dave Koz strutted out on stage dressed like Charlie Brown, and a Charlie Brown Christmas tree mysteriously appeared on top of the piano. 

After the intermission Dave greeted us another favorite, "Together Again."  Dave and Jonathan slowed it down a bit with "It's Christmas Time Of Year" and they were joined by a surprise guest, Kirk Whalum. He played "Someone To Love" from his latest CD, with Dave joining in on soprano sax. Then everyone took a turn sharing their favorite Christmas songs.  David Benoit and Kirk Whalum put together their version of "We Three Kings."  Jonathan played "The Christmas Song," and Patti and Jonathan sang an enchanting version of "O Holy Night." Then Dave played "Eight Candles," a song for Hanukkah.  Brian Simpson played "It's All Good" from his new CD and Brian and David Benoit went head-to-head on dueling pianos.  Patti sang "Baby, Come To Me," showing both humor and range by singing both her part and James Ingrams'. David Benoit played an up-tempo version of "Fur Elise" with everyone bopping around the stage, and then suddenly they all went into slow motion as Benoit switched gears and announced that this was the classical version.  Then Jonathan rocked the house with "Sara, Sara," and everyone got into the act with Dave on "You Make Me Smile."   

The show finale was the heartwarming "Celebrate Me Home." They all stood at the front of the stage while David Benoit began playing on the piano.  Dave was the first to sing and the others joined in one at a time.   As the song and the show came to a close, the band members joined in the singing.  The audience held nothing back in showing their appreciation for an amazing show.  It wasn't just about music, it was also about the love, laughter and friendship.

It was truly a night to remember.  I laughed 'til it hurt, I shed a few tears, and I felt the love and joy in the hearts of the performers, especially that of Dave Koz.   Year after year Dave continues to give new life to each Smooth Jazz Christmas show, and this one was no exception.  As is everything associated with Dave Koz, it was polished, perfected and taken to the highest level.

- Rochell Letasi