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Kenny G, the saxophonist who doesn’t blow his own trumpet
View(s):He’s the best selling saxophonist on the planet, but Kenneth Bruce Gorelick, better known as “Kenny G”, will not accept the title of ‘Superstar”. Playing in Sri Lanka for the firs time last night, his demeanour insists he’s just another guy who happens to play sax
The fame and crowds have nothing to do with why he’s been making music for nearly the last half-century. “The reward is that I get to play all the time,” he smiles, “and I’ve never had to have a job!”
Kenny started playing on the Alto Saxophone when he was 10-years-old. In high school, he heard a Soprano Sax and wanted to try that. So, at 17, he bought his first instrument. Since then, he and his soprano, have been selling (and breaking!) records like nobody’s business.
From the word “GO”, he’s been multiple-platinum, working up from the G Force, Gravity and Duotones albums to Breathless which became the best selling instrumental album ever. His holiday album “Miracles”, which he says came out of just wanting to hear some good holiday music, is one of the best Christmas albums, selling over 13 million copies.
Although reviews of his work has been mixed, Kenny G is obviously loved world over. His hectic tour schedule is ample proof- after last night’s performance at Nelum Pokuna, he flew straight out to Thailand, where he will perform again tonight.And he’s not taking any of the credit. “Let me tell you, my band is awesome,” he gleams. “And playing live is so exciting! What you hear on the record, that’s just for you, when you’re at home. But when we’re live, its just so much more exciting than you would think. People just seem to love it!”
Although yesterday’s (less than 24-hour long) visit was in and out, “it’s been like an appetiser” he says. “I like what I’ve seen (from my hotel window” he laughs. We hope he plans to return soon!