Klarinet Archive - Posting 000725.txt from 1999/03

From: "Frederick S. Sterns" <fssterns@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] WATCH THE DECIBELS!
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 1999 09:42:23 -0500

Brief commentary on the following...

>....I think I've said I used to work in a place
>where they piped Kenny G into the cafeteria during the afternoon hours.
>I mean, the man's technique IS awesome, but he played so pretty...and
>prettier...and prettiest. In my dreams, Kenny G will come one day to
>his eternal reward and encounter John Coltrane, waiting for him wearing
>his baddest grin and brandishing his favorite soprano horn. "Hey, Kenny
>my man, been waitin' a long time for ya. Meet my buddies Miles, Prez,
>and Bird. Wanna sit in?" Oh my God, they've killed Kenny; and indeed,
>these are a few of my favorite things....

..from what I've heard from folks who have known, studied, and worked with
Kenny G, Miles,Prez, Bird, and other such luminaries would not necessarily
"kill" him in a cutting contest. It's said, he is indeed an accomplished
*jazz* player...only that he has not been willing to pass up the
substantial economic benefits of the "schmooze" he plays on the air and in
recordings.

I, too, find his commercial playing something to avoid but I would not
write off his established competence in a number of styles.

Anyone else have any personal insight into this issue? My information is
second hand...does anyone on the list know Kenny G personally?

Fred Sterns

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