Pat,
Dave Koz is most definitely not-Jazz. And the Rippingtons are not far behind. They fall under that smooth whatever. I think they call it Elevator Music, because it usually comes out of the speakers on hotel and office elevators, not because such music is in any way elevating.
You need to hear David Binney. I didn't know there were so many notes on an Alto Saxophone. Scales I have never thought were musically possible. They're not. How does he do it? I just marvel at his genius. His level of musicianship is simply Godly.
Start with Lang Xang and go from there. Try to get Lost Tribe the fusion band he was/is with. He plays every Monday or Tuesday night at the 55 club on Christopher Street in the Village.
http://www.mythologyrecords.com/binney.html
Gene
P.S. If you don't like Jazz, tell your friend to check him out. The Dave Koz CD's will fall by the wayside, I predict.
