The ink was barely dry on his diploma from UCLA in 1986 when Dave Koz decided to pursue a career in music. And the beat has gone on ever since.

Born in Tarzana, Calif., the now 62-year-old saxophonist toured with Bobby Caldwell, Jeff Order and Richard Marx before releasing his self-titled debut album 35 years ago.

Twenty-two more have followed, including five winter/holiday-themed albums and this year’s Grammy Award-nominated “Just Us” collaboration with Bob James. Koz has also been part of the bands on “The Arsenio Hall Show,” “The Pat Sajak Show” and “The Emeril Lagasse Show,” has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, hosts a Sirius-XM show and has composed themes for TV’s “General Hospital.”

This month, meanwhile, he’s out with the 28th Annual Dave Koz & Friends Christmas To

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