Album Notes

Dan Kozak came to being in the enchanted land known as Brooklyn, New York way back in the 1950’s. In his mid-teens he became an obsessive collector of all sorts of musical recordings. At age 15 he fell prey to the works of John Coltrane, & jazz then became the centerpiece of his musical addiction. In 1971, for reasons no one can recall, Dan found himself in the Land of Oz, otherwise known as Kansas. On a lark, Dan decided to check out the instrument of his idol, & rented a tenor saxophone. With the aid of mentor Richard Mason, Dan found himself unable to be away from the horn.

Starting in 1991, he decided to take things into his own hands, and began leading groups made up of many fine players from Topeka & Lawrence. Dan also has hosted and produced two jazz radio programs: The Jazz Show on KDVV-FM from 1992-1996, and Jazz & Blues Classics on KTPK-FM, 1997-1998. In 1995, Dan co-founded the Coleman Hawkins Commemorative Committee and has produced, directed, & performed in the 1996,’97, ’98, ’99, 2000, & 2001 COLEMAN HAWKINS NEIGHBORHOOD FESTIVALS.

He has produced, directed, & performed in the twice annual JAZZ AT GRACE Episcopal Cathedral concert series. From 1997-1999 he produced, directed, & performed in the SPIRIT OF JAZZ concert series at the Seabrook United Church of Christ. Dan has also arranged, produced and directed the music for the KANSAS RIVER VALLEY ART FAIR in 1997, 1998, & 1999. Dan currently runs DAN KOZAK JAZZ and TAO (Topeka Ascension Orkester, an all-improvisational subsidiary of DKJ. In the Asian perspective of the spiritual, Tao is known as "The Watercourse Way", cultivating the serenity and ability to flow effortlessly around obstacles, and settle at one's natural level, as well as cultivating a sense of positive spontaneity whereby one can instinctively "do the right thing" from moment to moment without burdensome, deceptive "thought".

"Grace" seems to be the Judeo-Christian parallel to Tao. It is a blessing indeed to have been able to walk about this beautiful building called Grace Cathedral, spontaneously creating music, and, I hope, good vibrations.

Dan Kozak