Diana Krall with Dave Koz 'n Brian
Culbertson Heat up the Night
by Eva Dunn
The grounds of Ironstone Vineyards,
a spectacular venue in Murphys, Calaveras County, home to the
Ironstone Summer Concerts, is a singular destination. Viewed during
daylight hours as we arrived early for the concert afforded a
closer look at what makes this venue such a wonderful place. There
is so much diversity, so many things to see, and such great service
and amiable staff waiting to meet your needs. Just awesome! The
concert crowd started arriving earlier than when we arrived around
6pm, setting up folding chairs, laying out blankets, claiming their
share of the gorgeous, manicured lawn in anticipation of the Diana
Krall/Dave Koz and Brian Culbertson concert. Lines formed to
purchase gourmet trays of antipasto, salads, BBQ steak sandwiches,
BBQ chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, glasses of wine, beer, and soft
drinks. The aroma of those ever-present gourmet glazed nuts from
Alpine Nuts, www.alpinenut.com,
from Arnold, CA was enticing.
Photo by Neriah Fox, Ironstone house
photographer
The sun was still high when the Dave
Koz band took the stage, playing funky music and the crowd started
clapping to the beat. The festive atmosphere climbed to new heights
instantly as Dave Koz, renowned instrumentalist/composer, appeared in a white, long sleeved shirt, and
black vest, looking very dapper, blowing that sax and dancing
around the stage. Brian Culbertson, keyboardist, trombonist,
writer, arranger, producer and the most exciting live performing
instrumentalist on the scene today, hit
that keyboard with a zeal that matched Koz's. Blonde with a
cool haircut, Brian was Mr. Style. Dave Koz: Greatest Hits
and Culbertson's Bringing Back The Funk each debuted at No.
1 on Billboard's Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart upon release
last year. To enjoy these two on the same stage on their summer
Side by Side tour was an awesome opportunity. They took off with a
cool, jazzy number, sassy with their moves, bodacious with their
music. A sea of raised cell phones sparkling in the sunlight
recorded this awesome duet, and this was just the first song! Two
guitarists took the stage, syncing with the crazy music happening
with keyboard and sax, the sapphire blue of one guitar brilliant in
the sun. They played to an appreciative crowd which included
Ironstone owner, Mr. Kautz.
Photo Brian and Dave by Tim Dunn
Their third song, Always Remember, had Koz wailing on a
baritone saxophone, a large, golden beauty. The band was terrific
providing perfect accompaniment. When you thought it could not
possibly get any better, Brian picks up a trombone and their number
continued; so cool, so crazy good! Brian looked sassy in a black
coat, and torn jeans. Dave hollered out, "Brian
Culbertson,
single-handedly bringing the trombone back to coolness!" It was
memorable, it was so much fun. Two musicians playing together,
sharing a feeling, touching our souls. The song they did next was one for
people in the audience who were in love, "Surrender", a sweet,
romantic tune. As he played, Koz playfully licked his
mouth-piece...very romantically. His sax slowly delivered sweet,
long strains of music, almost 'speaking' of love and romance.
Brian's use of the keyboard, combined with the sax, was definitely
in the groove as Dave's sax spiraled around and through the song.
This was really hot, so much feeling and passion. They finished,
gliding to a sweet, soft ending. Amazing duet. This was followed by
a dynamic drum solo, and then a small, silver saxophone was brought
out, and Koz played a very familiar signature piece, telling us it
was "time to get funky"! as Koz and Culbertson ran back
and forth across the stage as they played. Such showmanship and
friendly entertaining banter between the two showed us they really
enjoyed performing together. All their song selections were
terrific, Dave's You Make Me Smile really wonderful, but I really enjoyed the new Bada Bing, written by Dave
Koz and Rick Braun; originally they wanted to name it 'Tony
Soprano' after The Sopranos. This lively, feel good arrangement was
so enjoyable. Once home, I downloaded the free song at Koz's
website to my IPod.
Listen to Brian Culbertson's music free at
www.rhapsody.com/brian-culbertson
Brian Culbertson courtesy photo. Stage photo
above and left by Neriah Fox, Ironstone's house
photographer
In memory of Wayman Tisdale, accomplished jazz musician, who died
earlier this year and who had performed with Dave Koz the last time
he appeared at Ironstone, Dave played "Lean on Me", a poignant
ending. His playing was incredible, simply beautiful. The audience
sang acapella, impromptu, at one point as sax strains filled the
night. What a lovely tribute to a dear friend, the imitable Wayman
Tisdale. Standing ovations were our appreciative response to two
incredible musicians.
www.davekoz.com
www.brianculbertson.com
SEE DAVE
KOZ INTERVIEW
Diana Krall headlined for this memorable summer
concert at Ironstone. The first thing we saw when she strode out
onto the stage besides her fabulous blond hair was her red leather
heels with swinging red fringe. What fun! Diana Krall has this
unbelievably sensuous voice, not powerful, yet packing a wallop as
it caressed the words of each song. Her songs evoke a vivid memory,
a taste, a place or feeling, painting a romantic scene. It was
dynamic enough that I want to get her new CD 'Quiet Nights' a
Brazilian-inspired album, her 12th. This album is also a 'love
letter' to her husband, Elvis Costello.
Photo by Robert Maxwell
The award-winning pianist and singer included the wonderful
classics like Let's Fall in Love, easy, breezy tunes
creating a cozy, sentimental atmosphere on this perfect, summer
evening. Blue lights of color on the curtains behind her set
an elegant, classy mood onstage. Longtime sidemen guitarist Anthony
Wilson was inspired on guitar, Robert Hurst so good on bass, and
Jeff Hamilton on drums, in the background but always the perfect
strength behind the songs. Instrumentals in between her sets were
quite enjoyable by these three masters. Diana's piano work was
intense, head held close to the keys, as if listening to each note
as it floated out into the night air. Her rendition of Nat King
Cole's recorded ballad of, "I'll String Along With You", was
beautiful and simple with breathy vocals.
Although the song choices and her delivery of said songs
was truly wonderful, to me Diana
seemed to be out of sorts and not connected with the audience. As I
have never seen her in concert, I did not know if this was
standard, or the unusual. One audience member was heard remarking,
"Oh, she is just so shy". I was disappointed as at all the concerts
I have attended at Ironstone since 2006, the singers and musicians
were actively engaged with the audience, showing us a fun part of
their personalities. They all really enjoyed being on stage at
Ironstone, live in front of over 6,000 people. I would have enjoyed
more of Diana, her stories, her life anecdotes. She seemed to only
share when answering shouted calls from the audience. She did
mention her two children, 2 1/2 year-old twins, asking mommy to
please "cut apples", and "peel me a grape". At this point I
thought, great! She is going to sing the coy song...Peel Me a
Grape, but no such luck.
Photo by Neriah Fox, Ironstone house
photographer
Diana Krall was in her element tickling the ivories, eyes closed,
seemingly she and the music alone on the stage at this massive
venue. Red fringe swinging from the tops of her red leather heels, a
gift from her husband, as she tapped her toes to the music was the
little bit of fun in her we were allowed to see. I loved the lyrics
to songs, like "Oh, I could drink a case of you darling, still
I'd be on my
feet...", from a song by Joni Mitchell. The jazzy "Fly Me to the Moon"
was done commemorating her recent visit with the astronauts. So it
was moonlight, and romance with great jazz, live with Diana Krall!
Ironstone Summer Concert series continues with Jason Mraz w/
Ralphael Saadiz, Aug 28; Chris Isaak - Brian Setzer & Nashvillains
on Sunday, Sept 6; Lynyrd Skynrd/Los Lonely Boys, Sept 18; and
Crosby, Stills, & Nash, Sept 19. You have to see at least one
concert before summer ends for this year.
Ironstone Vineyards Summer Concert
Series, 209-728-1251, 1894 Six Mile Rd., Murphys 95247. Travel on the new Highway 4 that
goes through Murphys, CA. Tickets can be purchased on line at
http://www.ticketmaster.com.
To charge tickets by phone, please call (800) 745-3000. Tickets
are also available at all Ticketmaster Outlets including:
Wherehouse Music, Ritmo Latino, FYE, and select Save Mart
Supermarkets. Reserved and lawn tickets are available at Black Oak
Casino. On the day of the show tickets to that show will be
available on site at the Ironstone box office. The presenting
sponsor for this year's Ironstone Summer Concert Series is Black
Oak Casino. Their other sponsors are Guaranty Bank, Ticketmaster,
Bear Valley Resort, Anheuser Bush, Pepsi and Sacramento News &
Review. For more information, call (209) 728-1251 or visit
http://www.ironstonevineyards.com
On the
Phone with Koz
Tim Dunn, Gold Country Times,
recently had the pleasure of a phone interview with Dave Koz,
Internationally renowned saxophonist and six-time Grammy® nominee,
before his Ironstone Summer Concert in August 2009. Dave answered
his questions eloquently and with passion. So captivating were his
expanded answers, our reporter was loathe to terminate the call.
GCT:
What is it about
the saxophone that relays such a powerful musical message? When did
you start playing and how many do you have?
KOZ:
The sax covers
all the emotions. It is very transparent; it's been my best friend
for thirty years. My brother, sister, and I all had to take piano
lessons. I tried the drums when I was 13; it didn't work for me.
Someone suggested I try the sax and I was hooked. My 3 favorite
saxophones are Chip, Ernie, and Rob from My Three Sons TV show. I
have between 10 & 15 saxophones total.
GCT:
What do you do to
relax when not performing?
KOZ:
I love movies,
I just saw Julie & Julia. I also have people over for dinner; I
love to cook. I am a wine connoisseur, there is a new Koz wine out
at Whole Foods, one is in L.A., produced at the Vinum Cellars in
Napa; a red blend and red Alto. All proceeds go to the Starlight
Children's Foundation to continue their vital mission. Note: KOZ
2008 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, KOZ 2007 El Dorado "Red Alto"
Blend, and KOZ 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
GCT:
Where do you see
yourself in five years?
KOZ:
Hope to
continue doing what I am doing, to follow the evolution of my
music, as life unfolds. If it ended tomorrow, I would feel
gratitude for all of it. I also got to meet Nelson Mandela.
GCT:
What about
playing at Ironstone, what do you love about it?
KOZ:
It is a perfect
setting for blending music with wine and food. I have become good
friends with John Kautz; he has a passion for music. (see article,
page 10)
GCT:
Is there any
place in the world you would love to play that you haven't yet?
KOZ:
Yes, lots of
places; London, Capetown, the Caribbean, Munich, Australia, China
and India. October 09, I will be in Japan.
Editor's notes:
Dave Koz,
12.18.09, 7:30pm, Radisson Hotel, Sac. On Sept 22, Dave Koz will
receive his Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles. Much
more at www.davekoz.com
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