Jan

30

Loving and Loathing Kenny G

January 30, 2022 |

Penny Lane on Loving and Loathing Kenny G

Love it or hate it, but you've definitely heard it: the so-called "smooth jazz" of saxophonist Kenny G. Filmmaker Penny Lane talks about her documentary, Listening to Kenny G, with EconTalk host Russ Roberts. They discuss the pursuit of perfection, the power of vulnerability in art, and why Kenny G is loved by the people and reviled by the critics.

Here is the trailer for the documentary.

Jeff Watson comments:

If I was forced to listen to Kenny G, I would welcome an increase in the rate of my deafness, in fact deafness would be my safe space.

Zubin Al Genubi writes:

In contrast to Kenny G I've really been into John Coltrane. Took a number of years to truly appreciate his music.

Adam Grimes adds:

I absolutely loathe smooth jazz and New Age music (Einaudi, et. al.). I'm not completely sure why, but I've always had a very strong visceral reaction to music like this. And I DO embrace a lot of simplicity and minimalism… so it's not that… Perhaps it's music that is obviously intended to be trivial.

James Lackey writes:

Well joy! Who loves listening to the same key trillion not low tech music? Kenny G blah blah blah. Charlie Parker on a 50s Miles album. If the ever frustrates me is because I can’t play it. Branford Marcellus probably the best ripper sax ever but whatever. Some may think taking pop tunes re sketch them into EDM is silly or lazy. It’s not hard but it’s hard to do and who wants women to dance anyways.

The point was Kenny G hit a note and held it then. Did not hit a note a rest then hit a note on same scale coming from and angle and your eyebrows raised. Damn!

And guys the emotional response to music rests rhythmic beats to each his own. Like the markets please remember the scientific evidence. Down 20% is always going to be emotional. The first 10, I’m not sure if any of us should lift a brow.

Jeffrey Hirsch writes:

I get into some of that old jazz from time to time. But I am a rocker at heart. Recent highlights:

Grateful Dead in Honolulu Jan 23, 1970, with Pig Pen and an extended Turn On Your Lovelight. It's on Dicks Picks.

Little Feat - Electric Lycanthrope – recent release of a live studio performance in 1974

Laurel Kenner responds:

I'm with Adam — I hate the phony sentimentalism/exhibitionism.

Antonio Porres Miranda suggests:

I end up always defaulting to what ever has to do with Antonio Carlos Jobim.

Laurel Kenner approves:

Jobim is impeccable — good choice!

Vic offers:

i always and continuously listen to Verdi. every aria is a perfect blend of instrumental music and singing. each aria is designed to please. and he's very innovative in his orchestration, sometimes 7 basses, other times 4 clarinets. beautiful augmentation of life for me, heartily recommend it.

Maria Callas - Early Verdi arias


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