The latest contender for the instrumental pop saxophone throne, Dave Koz came out of nowhere after his self-titled 1990 release made it onto the Billboard Contemporary Jazz charts and stayed there several weeks. He has more fire and intensity in his work than Kenny G., and often sounds like a reworked David Sanborn. Koz also played on Arsenio Hall's show, which increased his popularity among the urban contemporary, light jazz and pop audience. Koz plays instrumental pop covers, some upbeat tunes and generally sticks to the fusion production formula; background vocalists, synthesizers and drum machines, a minimum amount of solo space, etc. His sessions are available on CD, and have been regularly released since his first appearance on the scene. Highlights include 1993's peppy Lucky Man, 1999's collaboration-heavy Dance, and 2001's holiday treat A Smooth Jazz Christmas. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide