Jazz saxophonist Waters to perform at Gilly's downtown

How to go

What: Saxophonist Kim Waters

When: 7 and 10 p.m. Sept. 9

Where: Gilly's, 132 S. Jefferson St., Dayton

Cost: $25

More info: (937) 228-8414 or www.gillys jazz.com.

Although jazz saxophonist Kim Waters has been heard by millions of people in concert, over the radio or on CDs, he’s content to reach them one at a time. “I like having a career where I’m touching people’s lives,” he said.

Fans often tell him that his music helped them through a difficult experience, or that one of his CDs was playing when a life-changing moment occurred. “It’s great to see that the music makes a difference,” Waters said. “That’s why I love my job.”

Waters will appear for two performances at Gilly’s in downtown Dayton on Sept. 9, a Friday. “I like coming to Dayton because Gilly’s is always packed, and the people really get into the show,” he said. “They give me the energy I need to play better.”

Also on stage will be Kim’s brother James Waters on bass, Alan Smith at the keyboard and Greg Grainger playing drums. This quartet has toured together for many years, resulting in a close cohesion.

“These guys really know me as a musician,” Waters said. “They have the ability to understand where I’m going, because every night is different.”

Waters said his Dayton shows will include recent hits along with selections from early in his career. “Also, I’m working on a new album as we speak,” he said. “Hopefully by then I’ll be done and we’ll introduce a couple of new songs from that as well.”

A native of Maryland and a childhood violinist, Waters began playing saxophone at age 11 and was touring with a band while still a teenager.

As he established himself as a jazz artist, Waters absorbed other musical influences, such as rhythm and blues, and crafted his own appealing sound.

In a studio recording, his sax is often surrounded by a cushion of synthesizer and soft vocals. But as he plays with his quartet on stage, Waters reveals a different facet of his musical personality.

“In a live show, we get a chance to open up and play,” Waters said. “We really dig in and show our ability.”

Adam Alonzo is a contributing writer for the Dayton Daily News. He can be reached by email at music@adamalonzo.com.