Klarinet Archive - Posting 000328.txt from 2000/06

From: Ed Wojtowicz <ewoj@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Pat Metheny interview regarding Kenny G.
Date: Sat, 10 Jun 2000 22:46:21 -0400

> I intentionally purchased only one: Classics In the Key of G and that was
> because of "Wonderful World". I love that song! I listen to it to hear
> Louie Armstrong, but Kenny G just adds to it. He does not take away from
> Louie at all.

Hey- Maybe we can get someone to add some extra paint over the Mona Lisa. It
might add something too.

He did not need to add anything. The simple beauty of Armstrong's recording
speaks for itself. When I heard it, I found it annoying. I also hate the
Natalie Cole recordings with her Dad. How can you improve on the perfection
of Nat?

>
> I think the reason Kenny G is so popular because no one else is like him.
<snip>..... It can't really go next to
> Dexter Gordon, Coleman Hawkins, Ben Webster, Cannonball Adderly, John
> Coltrane or other players like that.

No, because those those guys are great players and he should not be
mentioned in the same paragraph with him. These guys are monster jazz
players who changed the face of the art form. He is merely a pop artist who
sells a lot of recordings. It is like comparing Herb Alpert with Clifford
Brown, Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, etc. He sold many recordings with the
Tijuana Brass, but will never be considered among any list of the greats.

> I'm sure that "Pat" person will just get more acclaim for being a critic than
> a musician.

Far from true. Pat is a monster guitarist and very popular musician who has
played on his own recordings as well as with the likes of Ornette Coleman,
Josh Redman, Kenny Garrett, John Scofield, Charlie Haden, Mike Brecker, Jack
DeJohnette, Herbie Hancock, Roy Haynes, Dave Holland, Gary Burton, The list
is endless. Well respected by critics and hugely popular for his jazz
playing as well as some lighter work with his own band and as a guest artist
on other recordings. Regardless of whether his more pop recordings are jazz
or not, his playing is phenomenal.

I think that the problem many people in the jazz community have with G is
that he is arrogant, makes a lot of money, and as Pat outlines, is not a
good player by any standard.

I am sure that there is much frustration as he indicates. It is like when
the TV networks promote some cheesy program as a "major cultural event for
our time". Who are they kidding? Kenny G may serve a niche and people have
the right to buy or like him. But remember, just because McDonalds serves
billions and billions does not make it high quality cuisine.

Ed

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