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Sax great Dave Koz learns a new role as opening act
By John Benson
HBO’s “Game of Thrones” returns Sunday night, but Dave Koz won’t be tuning in.
Sure, the saxophonist extraordinaire is currently opening for Barry Manilow’s farewell tour, which comes to Covelli Centre on Saturday; however, the real reason why is simply the Grammy Award-nominated artist isn’t caught up with the most-recent season of the Lannisters, White Walkers and flying dragons.
Granted, Koz is busy, but the fact that he’s known for his “Game of Thrones Theme [The Smooth Version]” makes this news surprising.
“Originally, I didn’t even know about the show,” said Koz, calling from Palm Springs, Calif. “The song wasn’t my idea. Scott Bradlee of the Postmodern Jukebox is a friend. He taught me the music. We went into the studio, shot a video, and the next thing I knew, the video had 8 million views on YouTube overnight.
“Since then I’ve become a big fan, and I do love that song. It’s a beautiful melody. So I am watching, but I haven’t seen the most-recent season. Don’t ruin it.”
Spoiler alerts aside regarding Jon Snow (wink-wink), Koz can’t wait to make his Youngstown debut opening for Manilow.
Over the years, the two artists contributed to each other’s projects. During that time, they struck up a friendship. In fact, Manilow inducted Koz when he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Then last year Koz was invited to open for the “Copacabana” singer’s swan-song tour. There was only one issue.
“I don’t remember how to be an opening act,” Koz said. “It’s been so long, I’m guessing probably 20 years. But I know that they’re not there to see me. My job is simple: to just really get these 10,000 people ready to see their favorite artist. So I want to pump them up and put them in a great mood.
“I know a lot of people will be seeing me for the first time and may never see me again, but the time we’re together will be fun.”
Koz elaborated the time he spends with the legend is tantamount to the greatest master class ever. He’s been able to witness Manilow’s professionalism and creative decisions that have kept him relevant for more than four decades.
“It’s pretty astonishing when you really think about it,” Koz said.
As the opener, Koz is limited to only 30 minutes a night. The set list touches upon his most- recent release, “Collaborations: 25th Anniversary Collection,” which includes collaborations with other artists as well as his new version of “Let it Go” from “Frozen.”
Initially, Koz joked he recorded it to get his four nieces off his back, but his opinion of the ubiquitous track quickly changed.
“I actually fell in love with the song,” Koz said. “I understand now why it was such a big hit globally. It’s a song where I think the Manilow fans really get it. That’s the first time in my set they really understand. It makes sense because they’re such a romantic, ballad-oriented crowd.”
Thinking about Koz as an unlikely opener brings up an unlikely comparison to Alice Cooper. Perhaps the sax man would have benefited from talking to the shock rocker, who spent the past two years opening the high-profile Motley Crue farewell tour.
“The only difference is I imagine a fair amount of people are coming to see Alice,” Koz said, laughing. “Maybe one or two are coming to see me open for Barry.”