So, my lovely wife treated me to the Bob James and Dave Koz concert at the Studebaker Theatre in cold and windy downtown Chicago last night, and it instantly moved up in the ranks to one of the best, if not the best, concerts I’ve ever attended.
I’m sorry, but there’s no way Bob James is 85. His arthritis-free fingers flew across that grand piano keyboard in a way that would make a twenty-something musician blush. He’s quite the hilarious storyteller, too! There’s nothing quite like a stellar jazz sax player, and the amazing Dave Koz certainly fits that bill.
But we were in for an unexpected treat when, during the question and answer period, an audience member encouraged him to sing—and Dave did, performing the the Alpert-Koz standard, “This Guy’s in Love With You.”
It brought the house down.
But the best part of the evening was how these musical legends genuinely enjoy each other, and how that connection was evident in throughout every aspect of the show.
Who knew Charlie Chaplin composed the 1936 standard “Smile,” which they performed to perfection. You can find that one their new album “Just Us,” available on Bob James’ website. Of course, I’m waiting for the early May vinyl release.
And yes! Bob played “Angela’s Theme,” better known as the theme from Taxi, and Dave played his signature instrumental, “Together Again.” It was downright magical! I am so SICK of artists like Bobby McFerrin and Huey Lewis who bemoan their singular hit as if it’s somehow uncool to have had one.
But Bob and Dave really got into those amazing pieces and the audience responded in kind.
The real irony is how we ended up at the Studebaker last night. With Newton Minow sagely predicting that “vast wasteland,” there’s nothing worth watching on the tube anymore. So, I’ve been leaning on reruns of Taxi and Cheers, and after one Taxi episode, I turned to my wife at the dinner table and said, “I wonder if Bob James is still alive.”
Upon asking my phone the same question, Google told me he was not—but then I realized it was referring to Bob James of Montrose, who is, in fact, deceased. The legendary jazz pianist was still going strong at 85. Then I asked Google if Mr. James was still touring, and sure enough, he is! Not only that, but he’d be in Chicago on March 22nd with Mr. Koz! The rest, of course, is history. It truly is better to be lucky than smart!
What this means is, my wife is clearly better than yours because she treated me to such a memorable evening for no other reason than I’m me. Eat your hearts out gentlemen!
