(The Dave Koz Radio Show is heard Saturday and Sunday mornings at 8 on Wave 98.3 FM)

1. How old were you when you first started playing saxophone?

I was 13, just entering 7th grade—the sax found me! I had already been playing piano and drums (horribly, I might add)…but the sax was the first instrument that truly felt like a match to me. It became my most trusted friend. But never in my wildest dreams could I ever imagine the role this instrument was to play in my life!

2. Who was/is your biggest musical inspiration?

I’d probably have to say my older brother Jeff, who was the one who told me to pick up the saxophone in the first place—and eventually allowed me to join his wedding band when I was 15. He was still a typical 'big brother’, but thru it all, he was and will always be the one who believed in me more than anyone else.

3. Where do you make your home?

I split my time between Los Angeles and Sausalito, CA…but have been trying to spend more time in Vancouver of late, now that I am an official Canadian citizen!!

4. Do you have any pets?

I am a fairly new dog dad (and I LOVE it!)…my pup is named Buddy, he’s a little over 2 years old and is a rescue mutt (mostly Dachshund and Chihuahua)…he’s even got his own Instagram account and is easily more popular than me!

5. What is the best concert/gig you have ever done?

Probably the first time I ever played The Hollywood Bowl—my parents were there, 17,000 people…it was a day I’ll never forget.

6. What is the best concert you have ever attended?

My first concert—Earth Wind and Fire at The Forum in LA circa 1975…I went with my dad and brother, and when I saw all those pyrotechnics, the spandex outfits and killer music—I was hooked! Amazingly, those guys are STILL at the top of their game, this many years later. Amazing.

7. Do you have an all-time favourite song?

I’d have to say “Moon River”, from the pen of the great Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer. It’s just a perfect song.

8. What musician would you still most like to work with?

There are so many artists I’d still love to collaborate with…but probably at the top of the list would be Sting. If you know him, put in a good word for me!

9. If you weren't a musician what would you be?

I’ve always loved marketing and advertising—I was a mass communications major at university (UCLA), so maybe something in that field. Thankfully I get to exercise those muscles in my chosen profession, which makes it so much fun for me.

10. What is your favourite thing about Vancouver?

What’s not to love about Vancouver?! It’s got to be the most beautiful city on the planet…especially on a sunny day. Whether walking along the sea wall at Kits Beach, visiting Granville Island or going over the bridge to West Vancouver—there’s always SO much to see and do there, and the people are absolutely lovely. It’s Canada after all--and make no mistake, I love Canada!