It takes no stance on social or any other issues, and offers only his signature soothing strains of smooth jazz, a genre that was essentially coined based on his popularity. Musically, there are no hard edges or high drama.Īt one point, one of the critics featured in the film mentions that his music “isn’t against anything”, and that’s one of its characteristics. His sound is soothing, perfect for office environments and those drive-home radio shows where it first became hugely popular. What, though, as Kenny himself asks in the doc, is wrong with music that’s easy to listen to? And, all those jazz festivals he’s played at would tend to reinforce his cred. He’s easy listening, adult contemporary-even RnB in his early releases from his debut in 1986. In the case of Kenny G, the accusation amounts to a down-dumbing of jazz, a notoriously esoteric genre of music, for the masses. It’s the same kind of furor that classical music purists exude at the mention of Lang Lang, whose flamboyant style and highly successful commercialized approach to releasing and presenting his music have led to much pearl clutching. He’s also sold upwards of 75 million records. He’s gotten many, many disparaging reviews, and the film shows a sampling. Is it good? Is it jazz?ĭespite his obvious musicianship, it’s the style that grates with some critics. There’s no doubt he has the chops, and he continues to practice three hours daily even at this stage of his career. He’s good, and he wants to tell you about it. Smiling through every interview, and unshakably upbeat in his approach, Kenny frequently runs through (intentionally) impressive runs on his saxophones during his interview segments. The film makes that point by showing it playing in shopping malls as well as in concert, and as the daily signal to leave work in Shanghai-but also during weddings and many people’s other special moments in life. You’re either fan or foe of Kenneth Bruce Gorelick and his music, but anyone living in North America, or China for that matter, over the last three decades or so has undoubtedly heard it. “I made this film to find out why this makes certain people very angry,” she adds. ‘Listening to Kenny G’ (Image courtesy of TIFF)Īs Listening to Kenny G opens, filmmaker Penny Lane notes that the saxophonist is the best-selling instrumentalist of all time.