Photos by And Argyrakis

Contemporary jazz chart-topper Dave Koz is no stranger to hosting Christmas tours featuring several of his famous friends, and not only did the 2022 edition mark a 25th anniversary milestone, but it also resulted in a post-pandemic return to the historic Chicago Theatre.

Even though it landed on a weeknight, that didn’t stop the crowd from coming to catch the saxophonist, trumpeter Rick Braun, guitarist Peter White, pianist Keiko Matsui and vocalist Rebecca Jade.

Though Koz was the first to enter the festive, beautifully lit stage to an instrumental version of “Winter Wonderland,” the nearly two-hour evening quickly turned collaborative and would remain that way as combinations of guests regularly rotated.

For instance, the headliner, Braun and White took turns leading throughout “Happy Holidays,” Matsui accompanied them all on “My Favorite Things” and Jade joined for “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm.”

Everyone shifted their attention towards saluting the American troops come The Andrew Sisters’ “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” plus Koz turned the tide towards the romantic side of the season with “Wrapped Up In Your Smile.”

Believe it or not, that track comes from his eighth overall Yuletide-themed album, “Christmas Ballads (25th Anniversary Collection),” which also includes Braun, White and longtime collaborator/piano great David Benoit.

However, Koz was quick to joke he’s actually Jewish prior to teasing a bit of actor Adam Sandler’s “The Chanukah Song” and his own “Eight Candles (A Song For Hanukkah),” spiced up by a funky, four-piece band.

There were many more holiday selections, such as a clever combination of John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” and “Imagine,” along with a general hits medley, culminating in the vibrant “You Make Me Smile.”

Most of all, Koz and company brought a much-needed spirit of peace and unity, ultimately closing with Louis Armstrong’s “What A Wonderful World” as the audience linked arms and let all their cares drift away in the blanket of warmth that only jazz can bring.

For additional information on Dave Koz, visit DaveKoz.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Chicago Theatre include A Day To Remember (Dec. 12); Zoé (Dec. 14); Brett Eldredge (Dec. 15-16); The Beach Boys (Dec. 18); Straight No Chaser (Dec. 23); P1Harmony (Jan. 29) and Vance Joy (Feb. 18). For additional details, visit TheChicagoTheatre.com.

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