Kenny G Steps Back Into the Spotlight

By PopEater Staff Posted Oct 26th 2009 06:30PM

Though he's kept a low profile over the past few years, Kenny G has been busy, quietly releasing albums like 2008's Latin-tinged 'Rhythm and Romance.' But rather than stick solely to his trademark smooth jazz sound, he surprised fans recently by collaborating with alterna-rockers Weezer.

For their recent Sessions taping at AOL's West Coast studio, Weezer asked the saxophonist to contribute a solo for their catchy song 'I'm Your Daddy,' from their latest album, 'Raditude.' Prior to the taping, the jazz man had never met the quirky California band. "I got an e-mail from my manager," Kenny G said of the odd pairing. "I don't know anything about Weezer -- nothing. I've heard the name, but I never knew any of their songs [except] some song about a sweater," he added, referring to their 1994 hit, 'Undone -- The Sweater Song.'

Watch Weezer's 'Undone - The Sweater Song' Video

His lack of familiarity shouldn't offend the band, as Kenny G is the first to admit he lives "in the closet, pretty much" when it comes to new music. "I practice three hours a day, and when I'm done practicing I don't think about music again," he said. "I'm off doing other things." During a break from the Sessions taping, he even invited Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo and his wife, who coincidentally live down the street from him in Malibu, Calif., on a surfing excursion. "I do lots of things. I'm not just a musician."

While some fans could be thrown by this unlikely partnership, Kenny G isn't looking to broaden his audience. For starters, he said he will never do a pop covers album, calling the idea "meaningless" to younger audiences. "They want words," he said. "I'm not trying to sell to a certain demographic. I just do what I think is right for me at the time. Whoever hears it, if they like it, they buy it. I've been lucky so far because a lot of people seem to like what I do."

Kenny G is currently at work with longtime producer Walter Afanasieff on an as-yet-untitled album. The saxophonist is looking to take the half-finished work in an R&B direction and is meeting with acclaimed producer Babyface this week to work on a new song. "I want more rhythm in my music," Kenny G said. "I want my album to have a bit more tempo. Otherwise, I'm going to be lost in the huge smooth jazz array of saxophone players. Half of them don't even need to be making records."

Tags: kenny g, KennyG, weezer

Comments

(61)

Tuesday 27 October

By K.D.

Vote down Vote up Report this

Kenny G. is a looser. And anyone who listens to him is an even bigger looser. His music sucks.

By MusqMan

Learn how to spell...LOSER!!

By Krickett

I interviewed Kenny G. once and he was a total idiot. I spent hours preparing and putting insightful questions together and his answers were awful! He actually said that Smokey Robinson was "super fun" to work with. Really? Now, any time I interview someone who is nervous, I say, "You can't be any worse than Kenny G. and he is an international entertainer!"

By alschrod

I always thought his music was great---for about 20 minutes! As long as I can listen and not have to look at that ridiculous hair everythings fine.

By kissjonez

Kenny G has a movie out not too long ago..Its called "BRUNO"? Lol!

By LST

Whoever that "Weezer" is, it sound slike a major problem, and ought to see a doctor about it. Kenny G, its obvious he hasn't been getting his hair cut, might be allergic to barbers.

Wheezer cares!!
They ARE playing with him!!

By Buck Joose

Come on back Kenny G but "come back" with that "Ol' Skool G-Force" & "Jeff Lorber Fusion" style of music!! Put the R&B & "da Funk" back in it & you should do well and hopefully "regain" your old fan base as well as created a new one. Good Luck to You & keep making the music!

What is a "Weezer?!?"

By EARS ON

Kenny G ? Not on my IPOD...........

By AJA

Kenny G plays a jazz instrument, and he is what I what would call a jazz innovator. He took jazz and many other kinds of music and mixed them together and made it profitable. Yet he is not what I would typify as a jazz musician. Let me make that clear: the technique, skill, and mastery to play jazz and standard jazz charts is a lot different than commercialized jazz. You know his style, so if you want to listen to instrumental solos or relaxing music, buy his music. If you want to listen to authentic jazz, then buy the greats. It's that simple, music is made to entertain a particular audience, so no one can say you have to listen to something that you don't agree is "jazz".

By grokprod

Hey Kenny Gorelick...I'm in the smooth jazz industry and you already know the majority of us don't like your music or your sound! Can you hold weight with Marion Meadows, Everette Harp, Nelson Rangell, Eric Darius, Kirk Whalum, Eric Marienthal, George Howard, Grover Washington...need I go further? Honestly, you along with Dave Koz and the rest of the sorry crew have ruined the industry! What did Pat Metheny have to say about your music...Do you remember? How quickly we forget!!! He said, "Kenny G is the musical equivalent of a stain on a white shirt."

Go back to doing to whatever you were doing, quit polluting my genre with your garbage and play on the the top of Mt. Rainier where we don't have to listen to you

I don't understand what is wrong with saying that someone is "super fun" to work with?!? Would it not be appropriate to say that someone was an "a-hole" to work with if it were in fact true?? Did Kenny G not (actually) work with Mr. Robinson or what?? Just asking for clarity.

By deni

I love Kenny G , most days his cds are what I listen to. Saw him in concert this summer and he really put on a great show . he spotlighted a local artist and he would get right in the audience.. it was GREAT!

By Paul Timmons

Unserved, under served and forgotten people need your help...

www.portlight.org

By joanne

I do "massage therapy" and I do like Kenny G.
I really wish he would do some slow paced albums just for "massage therapy"... I think my clients may like it. At least some of them might. Not all people are the same and everyone has their own tastes... That is what makes the human race so interesting ! And definately NOT Boring!

By DARTH NADER

Kenny G...the richest jazz man there is...the least of a jazz player. His cute, pretty, too oft repeated, silly phrases with nothing new in them have made him a millionaire, but most all serious jazz men who innovate and strive to create rather than simply entertain generally consider him a joke. So, he makes more money...that's what pop musicians do. They thrive on the popular admiration of teeny boppers and mindless, old folks (like me) who are afraid of new sounds. I praise Kenny G's ability to make money, but musically he offers nothing. I suppose, if I could make that much money I would too, but I would sure try to also offer alternative recordings that are creative as well.

By Susan

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Angela, what are you talking about? You have NO taste in music. If you've heard one Kenny G song, you've heard them all. He's got no talent and the worst hair EVER!

By Tara

Wow, this is entertaining. I imagine more than half of you who are criticizing Kenny G for his music and 'lack of talent' are either:

A) In your late teens or early 20's
B) Green Day, Paramore, Good Charlotte fans
C) Non-appreciative of other genres of music other than what is on the Top 40 Hit Chart.

I am 26 and have been a big fan of Kenny G since I was a kid listening to it in the car with my mother. I would definitely like to see any of you pick up a soprano sax and begin to play. Oh wait a minute, excuse me, you play expert on Guitar Hero right?

I have even seen Kenny G live and both he and his band members are EXTREMELY talented. He also holds the record for longest note held, which is 45 minutes. Guinness Book of World Records...look it up.

There is definitely a lot of music out there I am NOT a fan of but I appreciate the musician for their talents. Like Bob Dylan...I cannot stand his music but he is very influential and talented.

Don't throw a stone if you live in a glass house.

By spsurfer27