Smooth jazz phenom plays Strong

Dave Koz, photo by Greg Allen

Dave Koz is way more than just a smooth-jazz saxophonist. Over the past two decades, the marketing genius responsible for Koz Wines, Cookies for a Koz and the upcoming Mediterranean cruise Dave Koz and Friends at Sea has evolved into a one-man smooth-jazz industry.

A recent New York Times review annointed him “the leading light in smooth jazz, its sharpest custodian and most reliable brand,” elevating him above smooth compatriots Kenny G and Chris Botti.

His latest album, “Hello Tomorrow,” found him teaming up with Herb Alpert, Jonathan Butler, Brian Culbertson, Sheila E., Boney James and Keb’ Mo’. Koz even hijacks the mike and sings for a change, picking up where Alpert left off on “This Guy’s in Love with You.”

Before the 49-year-old smooth-sax phenom settles in Saturday with vocalist BeBe Winans at Rodney Strong Vineyards, Koz took time out to chat about wine, using your brain too much and Justin Bieber.

Q: You have your hands in a lot of projects at once. I had no idea you have your own line of wines. Are you a connoisseur?
A: I would never say I know a lot about wine. I’m just a huge fan. It started out as little pet project to have fun and also to raise money for the Starlight Children’s Fund. Then all of a sudden Whole Foods picked it up and now we’re in four states and a national restaurant chain may be coming on board soon. So it’s the most surprising thing you can imagine for me.