At the Movies

AMG Review of At the Movies

Matt Collar
All Music Guide

Lush, heartfelt, and elegant, At the Movies finds smooth jazz saxophonist Dave Koz celebrating his favorite movie themes. Featured here are such classic movie melodies as "Over the Rainbow," "The Shadow of Your Smile," and "The Pink Panther" as well as more contemporary songs like "A Whole New World" and the main theme from Schindler's List. Showcased beautifully throughout At the Movies is Koz's deftly melodic and supple saxophone sound, which truly evinces his obvious love of film and film music. It also doesn't hurt that he's often backed by a full orchestra and ig band here, adding to the widescreen, cinematic sound he's going for. Also engaging are Koz's guest artist choices, including trumpeter Chris Botti, vocalists Johnny Mathis, Barry Manilow, Donna Summer, and others.