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The sound of Kenny G's saxophone is as iconic as his curly coif; indeed, both are instantly recognizable. His latest release, New Standards, the title of his 19th studio album, fifth for Concord Records and first since 2015's Brazilian Nights, could well be used to describe his four-decade body of work, a vision of jazz that helped launch both a musical genre and radio format. After director Penny Lane's critically acclaimed HBO documentary, Listening to Kenny G - which humorously reconsiders the purist critical backlash to his music - and a demand performance on Kanye West's Grammy-winning Jesus Is King album, it's now cool to not only be Kenny G, but admit you're a fan of his as well.
"I didn't realize how strong the message was until I saw the finished film," says Kenny, who has both the best-selling instrumental album of all time in the Diamond-selling, 12-times-platinum 1992 Breathless, earning him his only Grammy Award among 15 nominations, and the Guinness Book of World Records mark for longest sustained note ever recorded on the saxophone. The feature probes some of the many Kenny G accomplishments, from his song "Going Home" being used as the official end-of-work-day anthem in China to his skills as a golfer and airline pilot. He was also one of the original 10 investors in his Seattle hometown Starbucks Coffee.
Recalling his music spawning the "smooth jazz" phenomenon, Kenny explains, "I'm proud of the fact it was a new style of music that no one was either playing or writing at the time. And it touched a great many people who weren't into traditional jazz, pop or R&B. Somewhere in the middle, they found something they were looking for and liked."
New Standards continues the musical path that has seen Kenny G sell 75 million albums around the world, looking back to the classic '50s and '60s jazz ballads for inspiration, updating them with new studio technology, such as the digital ability to piece together songs note by note from different performances. The tracks are almost equally divided between soprano and tenor sax, with one song, "Two of a Kind," featuring him on both, duetting with himself, a slight, unintended hint of Seals & Crofts' "Summer Wind" wafting through, while the wistful, airy "Moonlight" finds him taking a rare turn on alto sax, the instrument on which he first learned to play.
"I wanted to play songs with chord progressions that reflected the classic jazz era of Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, Cannonball Adderley and Dexter Gordon, while doing them my way, creating new standards," he says.
For "Legacy," he sampled the great Stan Getz playing tenor on a live, unaccompanied version of "Happy Birthday," creating a duet with him on soprano sax.
"I took those individual notes and turned them into a melody I'm proud of," explains Kenny. "I don't think that's ever been done before."
Reminiscent of his global hit duet with a filmed Louis Armstrong on "What a Wonderful World," Kenny G expects some jazz buffs night not be happy with his Getz tribute, even though, as was the case with the Armstrong song, he is donating all proceeds to the late musician's estate and family, whom Kenny says are delighted with his version.
Kenny performs a sprightly soprano sax on the opening "Emeline," named after a close family friend, while the ultra-romantic "Only You" combines a variety of throwback chord changes with a soaring tenor sax gliding its way on top.
"Rendezvous" evokes a smoky jazz ballad of the '40s with its aching tenor, the first song Kenny G recorded for the album."Paris by Night" evokes a foggy night strolling on the bridges across the Seine, while "Anthem" sports a duet between Kenny G on soprano and cello, giving the track a hymn-like, anthemic drive a song Kenny played live with the National Symphony in Nashville in December.
"Blue Skies" is an airy, whimsical melody he wrote with piano player Randy Waldman, a fellow airplane pilot -- hence the title -- whom he accompanies on soprano sax. "Milestones" offers an homage to classic jazz tropes in name and sound, while the closing "Waltz in Blue," titled for its three-quarter time crossed with a blues beat, ends the album on a rounded low B-flat, the perfect answer to the high E which begins the first track, "Emeline."
The album forms an aural narrative, which makes it the perfect vehicle to demonstrate to film directors and music supervisors that Kenny G, the world's most popular instrumental musician, is overdue to compose his first movie score.
"If any director needs a memorable instrumental for their film..." he offers. "I think I've proven what I can do."
For the last several years, Kenny G has taken to the internet with gusto, his posts becoming memes and going viral, as he continues to have fun with the whole idea of being his iconic self, satirized in South Park, Trolls World Tour (as a frizzy-haired sax player threatens the whole pop music cosmos with his "smooth jazz") and Saturday Night Live's Kenan Thompson-hosted "What's Up With That?" segment, where Fred Armisen plays a certain frizzy-haired soprano sax player.
"I don't know why they just don't have me do it," Kenny G laughs, perfectly in on the joke. "When I was on the show playing with Foster the People, I told them, 'Hey guys, I'm right here.' I can fake playing sax really well."
And, as you can hear on the excellent new New Standards, he does quite fine when he plays for real, too.
I don't listen to Kenny G on a normal basis, and the only reason I went to the concert is because I know that he's tops in his field and I knew he'd be good anyway. He was awesome. Superb music and he's real personable. Good time.
What a perfect place to of hosted Kenny G, but in Albuquerque under the southwestern evening sky. The Santa Anna Casino Resort was wonderful. Kenny G was amazing. He was great with the crowd, he was "just himself" His band was fantastic and that they have been playing together for so long. I hope he comes back to New Mexico, it had been 15 years since he had been here. Thanks to Kenny G and Ticket Master from bringing him here.
The music was wonderful especially in the outdoor setting. The venue made it all the better! Not only is Kenny great, but the guys in his band are just wonderful. I would definately recommend seeing Kenny G in concert.
Kenny G was warm, engaging and a super performer. He played flawlessly as did his whole group. He walked thru the audience twice , making eye contact no matter which way he turned. You felt a really good high after watching him. He was funny and let each member of his group do a solo ( all were excelllent) If he could have played a few more hours no one wold have left. He sign autographs before and after the show.... he connected
Kenny G gave a wonderful performance. He began and ended playing among the audience which was way cool! He makes the sax sing like no other. What a beautiful evening!
Great performance... all amazing accomplished musicians. Great show from start to finish. Hope he doesn't wait another 15 years to return to Albuquerque.
For me, not only did Kenny G sound awesome, the concert had the perfect mix of humor and variety. You can see a true chemistry between Kenny G and his band, as each member showed off his talent with his own solo spot. I definetly look forward to seeing him again.
I loved the way Kenny G walked and play in the crowd. He showed such showman ship. I thought I would just be wowed by his music and was totally impressed the minute I walked in and there he was signing autographs. Every one had out there phones taking pictures. We all felt like he was there for us, in touch with his fans. Then showing pictures on stage of there younger days was great. The band was so down to earth.
Kenny G. proved he is the Master of the Sax. During the entire concert, I found myself in total amazement at the expertise Kenny has in working incredible smooth sounds out of the sax. He was supported by 5 other musicians who are also top notch. The concert was so enjoyable, he really connected to the crowd and I'm still shaking my head at how good he really is.
Kenny was outstanding as usual, this is my second time seeing him and delivers each time. The weather was perfect atmosphere was quaint and cozy. I was actually surprised with the seating in a good way - loved it!!!
The concert was amazing. The venue is incredible, the sound is good without the need to blast volume to make up for acoustics. Will see again when I get the chance. The wife was very happy too.
WOW!! What a show, Kenny G, put on.!! He is totally a crowd pleaser, there were people of all ages, which makes it so cool, because we just love his music, all of us!!! I saw Kenny G 15 years ago, and he was awesome then as he is now. I hope you bring him back again.... Thank you for a great concert!!!!!
Kenny G and his band offered a truly mesmerizing evening of entertainment. This was my first time seeing Kenny G in concert and I can only hope he comes back to the Albuquerque area again next year.
Kenny G is an excellent performer. His music is beautiful. He interacts well with the audience and at times performs off stage to get closer to the audience. All members of his band are talented.
whas to much emotive, specificly wwhen was playing the son HAVANA.(I'm from CUBA)
It couldn't be any better, a cool breeze, under the stars, with a friend, listening to Kenny G. playing for us. He was in the audience, close to us, feeling the beat of the music in our hearts. The music took us where we needed to be at the moment. His smile was fresh, his words funny and kind. He made you relax, feel the pulse and beat of the music. It couldn't be any perfect.
I can't think of a time when i was more uncomfortable at a performance. Yes, i loved Kenny G and his solos. But, there was so much volume that my ears hurt!!! The drummers were excellent,but again the volume was over the top!!! Same with the solo piano and bass. Well i guess these concerts are meant for people with hearing difficulties or else you should give out ear plugs as we enter the gate. Since this was my first concert at this venue, i was pleased with the why all went so smoothly. Congratulate the staff for me. Next time i buy CD's so i can control the volume!!!
Great venue and great artist! Thoroughly enjoyed -what an amazing talent and awesome band!!
Kenny G was outstanding. My first time seeing him live. He said he was impressed with our venue. Starlight night Sandia amphitheatre, great weather. I think promotors and advertisers chose wrong channels to run ads. Although a very large crowd, I personally felt the concert should have been sold out. My daughter who is 21 years old(collegiate) loves K-G. But heard from mother that he was going to be in town. She joined us. They do not listen to the same radio stations. I'm not sure if advertizers let those around university know that he was going to be in town. We hope he and other legends like him would consider Albuquerque more often. Thank you Kenny G.
I thought Keeny G was fantastic. He has a great group of talented musicians. The setting and venue were intimate and perfect.
