Scott Yanow, Cadence Magazine
"Dan Kozar is an excellent solo guitarist whose technique
is conventional; much closer to Joe Pass and Charlie Byrd
than to Stanley Jordan or Charlie Hunter. On this relaxed and melodic set, he performs 11 well-known standards. Kozar's
interpretations are well played. I Remember You works well
as background music although guitarist will enjoy
listening closely to the intricate voicings."
Reg Schwager a jazz guitarist from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
says:
"It sounds beautiful - lyrical, relaxed, sincere - what more could you want?"
C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz
"All of Me" and "Deed I Do" are bouncing delights, played with vigor and apparent joy. Mr. Kozar is obviously enjoying himself. "Summertime" is given perhaps the most technically complex reading, with Mr. Kozar coaxing out the darker themes of the Gershwin piece. The disc ends with a rolling "Days of Wine and Roses," providing a perfect end to a recording best listened to with the lights low and someone special near."
John Gilbert, E Jazz News
"It is one of tough task to play solo guitar and make it swing. Kozar is certainly a fine player, knows his instrument and plys the right changes."
Geannine Reid, All About Jazz
The musical journey begins with the classic standard "All the Things You Are." Kozar's counterpoint between the bass lines and the melodic/harmonic elements in the mid to upper register of the guitar helps create an illusion of a conversational duet."
H. Allen Williams, Jazzreview
Dan's ability to create fluid transition between the bass lines and the voiced harmonic treatments create a beautifuly executed historical interpretation."
Adam Greenberg, AMG
" Kozar shows off a nice array of skills on the solo guitar, particularly his fingerstyle specialty."
Review from Jazz Review:
Dan Kozar's first release entitled "I Remember You" creates a wonderful introduction into the jazz guitar world in its most organic form, solo guitar.
Kozar, a lifelong Welland, Ontario resident began his pursuit to become a professional guitarist at age 12. In his formative years, Kozar gained his education on the bandstand, Eastman School of Music Summer Jazz Studies, and the Banff School of Fine Arts where he was mentored by Canadian Jazz Guitar Legend Ed Bickert.
Dan's release "I Remember You" contains 11 tracks of highly recognizable standards. Dan kick's off the release with "All the Things You Are", written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein. Dan's ability to create fluid transition between the bass lines and the voiced harmonic treatments create a beautifully executed historical interpretation. In the title track "I Remember You," the melody is given a livelier approach with rhythmic variances and a prancing tempo. "The Girl from Ipanema" gives the release a solid nylon stringed rendition that is perfectly suited for a night of relaxation. Kozar finishes out his release with the classic "Days of Wine and Roses" treated with standard guitar voicings and sprinkled with chord tone fills and solos, reminding the ears of the swing era. Dan's release is perfect for a night of romantic ambiance or a dinner party of friends where mood is essential.
by: H. Allen Williams Jazz Review
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