Dave Koz & Phil Perry: Live at the Strand

Smooth as a baby's behind, saxophone blow man Dave Koz, one of today's most gifted jazz musicians, teams up with sessions vocalist Phil Perry for a blend of hot and cool tunes presented here in Dolby Digital 5.1 sound. Alternating solo numbers with duets, Koz is definitely the draw here with an instrumental lineup that includes “Give It Up,” “Castle of Dreams,” “Perfect Stranger,” and standout song “Nothing But the Radio On” (with the lead vocal performed by non-headliner Joey Diggs). Perry, who has worked with stars such as James Ingram, Quincy Jones, Barbra Streisand, and Patti Labelle, belts out “Amazing Love” and “Forever” before sharing the stage with Koz in “The Best of Me” and the hit song “Call Me.” Though the set list includes Stevie Wonder's “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours,” the song is only heard on the end credits against a black background, making the six song set a little on the skimpy side. Still, fans of jazz, pop, soul, and R&B will find this DVD (with extra features including artist bios and discographies) to be easy listening indeed. Recommended. Aud: P. (N. Plympton)