Beneath the Moonlit Sky - Dave Koz & Friends: Since he burst onto the Smooth Jazz scene back in 1990, Dave Koz has worked tirelessly. Dave is not only host of a highly successful syndicated radio show, a DJ at KTWV in Los Angeles, & a record company exec, he has also become a good will ambassador and a "poster boy" of sorts for the genre. Through it all, Koz has developed into one of the most popular musicians in all of smooth jazz. In 1997, he began his Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour in support of the release of his first cd of seasonal music. Initially that began with only a few dates but in the years since the tour has taken on a life of its own and grown to include over 30 cities. Its success prompted Koz to record a second cd of holiday favourites. That project featured David Benoit, Brenda Russell, Rick Braun, Peter White & Kenny Loggins. So from Dave Koz & Friends we present Beneath the Moonlit Sky, an original composition that was penned by Koz & Benoit.

CD: A Smooth Jazz Christmas
Label: Capitol
Web Site: Dave Koz

Happy Holiday - Dionne Warwick: The legendary vocalist began her recording career back in the early 60s. Hailing from East Orange, New Jersey, she was born Marie Dionne Warrick. However, on her first record released in 1962, Dionne's name was misspelled Warwick and that became the name which she adopted. Hard to believe that in a fabled career that stretches back over 40 years, Ms Warwick has never before released a holiday album.
That has of course just been rectified with the release Of My Favorite Time of the Year. Included on the project is a duet with Gladys Knight as well as three selections that feature Dave Koz on sax. However, on this occasion I've chosen the album's closing track written by Irving Berlin, who also wrote White Christmas. I can't think of a better way to musically celebrate the holidays than with one of the most popular vocalists of all time and this seasonal classic.

CD: My Favorite Time of the Year
Label: DMI Records
Web Site: Dionne Warwick

Dreams Come True - Jim Brickman: A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Brickman enrolled in that city's Institute of Music while he was in his late teens. Although the focus was on classical music, Brickman leaned to a more pop-flavored / New Age style. At 19, he began writing jingles for commercials and made his solo debut in 1994. Now with ten albums under his belt Brickman is celebrating his tenth anniversary as the premier artist on the Windham Hill record label. His career has been filled with numerous awards and success as an instrumentalist, a songwriter, a singer and as a sought-after concert performer. Brickman's distinctive piano work has become synonymous with romance and in that respect he's touched the hearts of many. From his first holiday album from 1997, we present one of his finest pieces.

CD: The Gift
Label: Windham Hill
Web Site: Jim Brickman

It's Christmas - Rick Braun: After stints with War, REO Speedwagon, Rod Stewart and Sade, Rick Braun found his niche in contemporary jazz. His break through album was 1995's Beat Street. In the years since Braun's career has literally taken off as the charismatic horn player has become one of the top players and producers in Smooth Jazz. On this edition of A Café Jazz Christmas we take back to 1994 and Christmas Present, one of Braun's earliest efforts as a soloist. Rick runs through a number of Christmas standards in his inimitable style. It is however, an original piece, It's Christmas, that best evokes the spirit of the season for me. This is tune which is destined to become a modern holiday classic!

CD: Christmas Present...Music of Warmth and Celebration
Label: Bluemoon/Atlantic
Web Site: Rick Braun

The Christmas Song - Peter White: Our final extended set concludes with a perennial Christmas standard. Immediately identifiable from it's first few lines, The Christmas Song, co-written by Mel Torme, was first recorded by Nat King Cole and his Trio and debuted in 1946. Current estimates have it being recorded upwards of 1700 times, thereby easily making it one of most popular Christmas Carols of all time. Without any doubt, one of the finest versions was recorded by your friend & mine, Mr. Peter White, who has been acknowledged as the #1 most played Smooth Jazz artist worldwide. As such, I thought it only fitting to play Peter's heart felt interpretation of this all time favorite.

CD: Songs of the Season
Label: Columbia
Web Site: Peter White