Kenny G Exclusive – Benefit concert & new CD spark energy for audiences
by KT
Saxophone player Kenny G recently granted a telephone interview to PE&D. He was most excited about his new CD release, Heart and Soul, (Concord Records, June 2010) and his upcoming benefit concert for the Shriners’ Hospitals for Children, Aug. 21.
Heart and Soul, is an R&B-style recording, featuring guest vocalists Robin Thicke and Babyface. All tunes are Kenny G’s original compositions. As a native Seattle-ite, he certainly would have more than a passing familiarity with the R&B mode.
Of special note is the #3 cut, Fall Again, featuring Thicke. The collaboration marked a longstanding friendship between these two men. Kenny G says, “His voice is so emotional and soulful, the combination of his voice and my saxophone really hits the perfect tones for my new album.” The #6 tune is No Place Like Home, featuring Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds. Kenny says, “Just put ‘Babyface.’ When (people) see that they’ll know who that is.”
Kenny G’s staunch declaration of his craft as an instrumentalist is admirable. When exploring musical opportunities with other artists, he notes that if they want an accompanist who can solo, he will say no. “If it’s a duet, I’ll do it,” he adds. He states that he’s not really “supposed” to sing. “I’m an instrumentalist.”
In the past, many instrumentalists have snagged great popularity with their tunes, especially dance music. Some examples folks may recall are Link Wray and His Ray Men (Rumble), The Surfaris (Wipeout) and Booker T and the MGs (Green Onions). “People just buy music because they like it,” Kenny G comments. “They’re attracted to something that moves them.” Kenny G, with more than 75 million copies sold, has already secured his place in history with his work. Heart and Soul will be enjoyed by fans new and long-time.
The Shriner’s Hospitals for Children Benefit Concert is set for Saturday, Aug. 21 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland, Ore., 7 p.m. It is the inaugural event of the “Caring for Kids” concert series. One-hundred percent of proceeds from the event go to the beneficiary. With 22 hospitals nationwide, the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children have provided kids under the age of 18 with state-of-the-art medical care at no cost. Admission is based on medical needs only. For more information, visit www.ShrinersHospitals.ORG.
For more concert information, visit www.RhythmontheVine.org or call 213-368-3378. Kenny G is happy to perform for this benefit even though he doesn’t have a loved one in the medical program. He’s just a “good guy.”
Kenny G invites all, “Come to my concert.” He notes that people may be surprised at the amount of energy in this concert. Reserve your seats now.
When asked if he is more like an athlete or a chess player, he remarks, “I like all sports and I play chess, too.” Kenny G is an experienced pilot and can fly for business or just for fun. As a golfer, he was awarded the #1 ranking in Golf Digest’s “Top 100 in Music.” list, with a +0.6 handicap.
