Klarinet Archive - Posting 000920.txt from 2000/01

From: "John W. Sheridan" <otare@-----.au>
Subj: [kl] So what's wrong with Kenny G?
Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2000 00:17:53 -0500

I've observed over time on various instrumental bulletin boards, especially
saxophone and clarinet oriented, frequent jibs referring to Kenny G and
would like to submit my own opinion, representing apparently a minority.

I've a few cd's of Kenny G and can find no fault in his playing - technique,
tone or otherwise. I'm aware that many jazz enthusiasts seem to love the
sounds produced by various artists - often airy of tone, as if they're
playing on a reed much too strong, and even worse are those with the rattly
hiss of spit in the mouthpiece producing a sound reminiscent of a bee
drowning in water - too "cool".

Granted, Kenny's style is not quite pure "jazz" - whatever that really is,
but his tone is pure and clean - a thing of beauty one seldom finds in
modern sax playing. His songs are generally melodic, pleasing and
comfortable. A saxophone, in capable hands and suitable embouchure can
produce a marvelous, lovely sound similar to that of a cello, or quality
human voice. I can and do admire some jazz artists, with their spontaneous
creative approach in redefining melody and elaboration, but I'm disappointed
that more players don't exhibit the beautiful sounds possible with the
instrument. This is one factor I enjoy in playing saxophone over clarinet,
in that the sax is capable of expressing such a variety of moods. I'm also
disappointed in the failure of musicians to realise that music represents a
wide genera of moods from down and dirty to tearful melancholy, and that a
true musician recognizes and respects all aspects, regardless of their own
personal preferences.

Kenny G has perfected his style, performed and recorded with great success
and made a name for himself with his skills, and I for one would be
contented with life were I to achieve a tiny fraction of his recognition.
This is hardly a reason for professional jealousy, as compared to how many
"musicians" out there who have made mega bucks using publicity over talent
and well honed skills. How many of us have labored for years developing
technique and tone, perhaps performing in a small town band or orchestra, or
serve as teachers working with uninspired students, to eventually pass
unremembered except for a few close friends and fellow performers.
What's wrong with Kenny G? Nothing, that I am aware of and I'd be hard put
to list many other modern saxophone players that I would wish for my
students to emulate.

My 2 cents worth.

John

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