But a new Penny Lane documentary might give some of Kenny G’s critics a second look.
The documentary also raises bigger questions beyond the music. It explores racial prejudice and the debate between art and commerce, and offers several lessons about what it takes for one to succeed in any field.
It’s worth noting that Kenny G was probably successful at whatever he chose to do. He’s a relentless pushover – practicing his sax for at least three hours a day – with a compulsive need to get better at everything, even if it’s just baking an apple pie in the kitchen. his luxury.
Many critics have criticized his music
However, Kenny G’s devotion to his craft probably won’t impress critics.
Some of the funniest scenes in the documentary are when jazz critics are asked to appraise Kenny G’s music. Many of the kids squirm like toddlers at the dentist, with annoyed expressions on their faces. when the standard Kenny G like “Songbird” plays in the background.
“I’m sure I’ve heard a lot of Kenny G’s music – in the meantime, when it comes to the kind of music that’s available that he hears in stores or during his visits to the bank,” Ratcliff said. .
Yet another critic cited Kenny G’s enormous popularity – he’s sold at least 75 million records – as a form of defense.
However, at the heart of the film is Kenny G himself. His dissuading detractors take the film in unexpected directions.
Kenny G does not label his own music. Is it jazz, pop music? You tell me, he said. He also rejected the notion that he purposely set out to create Muzak jazz that would appeal to the masses.
“These are songs from my heart,” he said. “This is just how I hear it. They [critics] thought I decided to play these songs because I knew they would sell well. If only I were that smart.”
Even so, he made a characteristic sound
But the movie makes it clear, as it traces his rise to the music world, that Kenny G is a lot smarter than people realize.
Kenny G’s high school music teacher recalls him as a shy kid without a girlfriend “super, super smart.”
The teacher told a humorous story about how Kenny G stole the show during one of his first live performances by holding a lingering note – a signature theatrical move that any Any of his fans can recognize it today.
Some of the best scenes show Kenny G’s complacency. He’s also a brilliant golfer, as well as a successful pilot and investor.
“It was a difficult song and I played it well,” he says with a smug grin after an impressive workout on his soprano sax.
The movie also explains very well why some jazz critics look down on him. Many people say his music is not jazz.
They say jazz is about improvisation and powerful crossover between musicians who are testing musical boundaries. Those qualities don’t describe the music of Kenny G.
But even some critics acknowledge that Kenny G has created a new kind of instrument with big hits like “Songbird” and “Silhouette”. It is undeniable that he has an exceptional sound that has sold millions of records.
How many musicians can claim that?
“I don’t think many people can say they made a new sound, but I did,” he said.
Some remove that sound as “easy to hear”, but the Kenny G doesn’t seem to be appreciated by the label.
“When you hear the words, ‘easy to hear,’ it almost sounds bad,” he said. “Um, I don’t see anything wrong with a pleasant thing.”
His music sparks debate about what is authentic jazz
Jazz purists criticize Kenny G because they don’t think his music reflects any particular jazz innovation or creativity. They also complain that he has made a lot of millions from his music while many jazz musicians are far more skilled in relative obscurity.
As the film makes clear, the debate over what constitutes real jazz is as old as jazz itself.
In addition, there is another purpose that jazz, and all music, serves.
Music gives people an outlet, a way to feel good. Some of the most moving passages in the documentary reveal Kenny G’s broad appeal. His fans are of all races, age groups, and nationalities (he is numerous in China). The film depicts them all happily nodding to his music with the same satisfaction.
Kenny G’s music may not fit the classical definition of jazz. And it can put some listeners to sleep.
But perhaps we shouldn’t underestimate a musician who can wash away the dust of everyday life for many listeners weary of living in an increasingly divided world.
If we go by that standard, Kenny G could be a conductor.
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