Is Kenny G even jazz?

[Lamontsdad]

I think of it as awesome torture music, myself. I really wanted to do a full record of Kenny G tunes played with a kazoo, but that means that I would have to make my ears bleed with that music. But is his music genre jazz or something else?

Please discuss...

 

[Squirrel Man]

 

[cworrick]

 

[michaelg]

Real Jazz man!

 

[Deafmoon]

Up until 2020, Kenny G's music was always sold separately as an accessory package for purchasers of elevators by Fujitech & Otis Elevator Companies.
Now it is just standard in the cost.

 

[cworrick]

Real Jazz man!

 

[JazzDrumGuy]

According to the internet, yes:

"Kenneth Bruce Gorelick, known professionally as Kenny G, is an American smooth jazz saxophonist, composer, and producer. His 1986 album Duotones brought him commercial success. Kenny G is one of the best-selling artists of all time, with global sales totaling more than 75 million records."

Frankly, I'm more of a fan of rough jazz........

 

[dingaling]

There’s been a big push to stop labeling improvised music as jazz. I’m down with that. Labels constrict, especially in the arts.

 

[Squirrel Man]

Kenny G

The official website of Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Kenny G

www.kennyg.com

 

[Steech]

I nearly peed myself!

In an elevator?

 

[Lamontsdad]

In an elevator?

That performance was sublime. I was sitting in my office chair.

 

[INeedDrumLessons]

What is jazz?

 

[paulwells73]

I think of it as awesome torture music, myself. I really wanted to do a full record of Kenny G tunes played with a kazoo, but that means that I would have to make my ears bleed with that music. But is his music genre jazz or something else?

Please discuss...

I thought Kenny G’s music was ALREADY recorded on a kazoo…


Also, Kenny G’s music is not jazz. Just because he improvises doesn’t mean it’s jazz. The Grateful Dead improvised, but nobody calls them jazz. At best, Kenny G plays instrumental pop.



Also, how long before someone posts the inevitable Frank Zappa Jazz quote….

 

[Squirrel Man]

Does he have jazz hands?

 

[sasallys]

I was taking a sip of coffee when I read the thread title.
Now there's coffee down the front of my clothes.

 

[Blue Zurich]

Jazz has very long open arms

 

[mtarrani]

I won't say one way or the other if he is jazz. I personally cannot stand his music, but you know what? He sure got rich playing it, so he does appeal to more than a niche audience. I have the freedom to say no, but would feel trapped if I were stuck somewhere where I had to endure listening to him for more than a minute.

 

[equipmentdork]

Kenny G is as jazzy as Jethro Tull is heavy metal.



Dan

 

[Lamontsdad]

I won't say one way or the other if he is jazz. I personally cannot stand his music, but you know what? He sure got rich playing it, so he does appeal to more than a niche audience. I have the freedom to say no, but would feel trapped if I were stuck somewhere where I had to endure listening to him for more than a minute.

That is my take, as well.

 

[Polska]

This has been debated ad nausium for years.