Great Musician=Great Music=Great CD - Kenny G does it again. It is amazing how many of my favorite songs are made by him. Whether I am looking for a song to keep me upbeat or one that could set the mood, he is always there. The highlights of this cd for me are Paradise, Malibu Dreams, Seaside Jam, and of course, Midnight Magic. He has truly grown as an artist. His earlier cds were basically duets. After his release, Gravity, he moved toward more instrumental moods than being accompanied by backup vocals. He is truly one of my favorite artists, and if you like relaxing music, this is a great buy.
Paradise Lost! - Thank goodness this mans music is now largely passe and this opus shows us why.... it s just dreadful wimpering stuff. I was told by a relative this man was the greatest musician in the world because he can hold a note longer than anyone else. Well, if that s true, I am not sure that makes him necessarily musical. All I can tell you is that his bleating and whining kazoo-like tenor sax is sure to annoy anyone with a real ear for music. Again on this album, his improvisations are nearly all identical in texture and pattern and are perfectly suited to the grocery stores, dental offices and shopping malls his tunes are mostly heard, since you can only take this music in little doses. I will say that he does wisely choose first class arrangers and back up musicians to accompany him, but that screechy sax the delicate-looking Kenny plays is nothing more than ego, vanity and hype. How this strange little character with an abrasive instrument became popular is beyond all logic musically or visually.
Positively Inspired and Brilliantly Conceived! - I had almost given up on Kenny G! I could never get into his CDs except for Kenny G Live. And I wondered why he could sound so soulful in concert on the live album but so DOA in the studio. I would rank his past studio albums right along side of elevator music.This is the first studio recording from Kenny G that I can say he was elevated, relaxed, and fluid. The compositions are creative while the music flows from deep within his soul. The samples on the website only allow enough time to hear Kenny G begin in a structured parameter but do not give the listener the opportunity to hear him independently break away into rhythmic expression. His improvisation is impressive. I agree with many others who feel that the Brian McKnight song sounds uninspired. It just doesn t have the charisma of the others. It easily could be deleted, leaving an album with perfect continuity.No wonder Kenny G was nominated for a Grammy for this work. It is his best recording yet. Hopefully there will be many others in his future that are equally as brilliant.
Paradise Found - I will freely admit to having a love/hate relationship with saxophonist Kenny G. While frequently I find his music far too innocuous and musically uninteresting I will also readily admit to finding him a not so small guilty pleasure. And with the release of Paradise my exasperating relationship continues. Inquiring minds may want to know...My introduction to this disc was at a listening station in a nearby booksellers. And while the initial strands of the song Brazil didn t exactly knock me out I did find it pleasant enough...in an innocuous fashion that is. Nevertheless, hope springing eternal and all that I found myself purchasing my very own copy and after digesting it for several months now have found it more and more in my CD player. Brazil has grown on me quite a bit as of late and Malibu Dreams is gorgeous ( though I find the title sounding far too much like the name of a daytime soap-opera or something akin to that. ) The real surprise was of course One More Time with lyrics sung by Chante Moore. A beautiful number that grows more enchanting with every listen. Of course there are other surprises as well but I ll let you discover them for yourselves. Ok, one more of mine would be Falling In The Moonlight another very languid and inviting selection that makes me stop whatever I may be doing and give my full attention to. The disc as a whole does possess a certain warm and intimate atmosphere that is truly engaging.Overall, while Jazz purists the world over may ultimately condemn Kenny ( and no, I don t know if I would call this jazz either! ) I will admit to enjoying his music very much and finding myself happy for accepting it for what it is. And at least as far as this CD is concerned Kenny has indeed helped me find a small slice of Paradise. Here s hoping you find yours as well. All the best...
Looking to relax your mind, body and soul? Buy this CD! - I just happen to be in the music store a few weeks ago, and was looking for DVD s and decided to visit the Jazz section...While browsing, I saw this CD and immediately purchased it without even listening to samples. Something just told me this was going to be good CD, and its not just good, is wonderful.90% of the CD is great, with the exception of the track with Brian McKnight (I love BM, but this could have been left out)..Paradise and Ocean Breeze are my two favorites. I play these two tracks everyday while at work. I especially love Paradise its soooooo sexy!!! I always want to dance with my husband when I hear it...I have always been a fan of Kenny G (His entire CD, Breathless, was the theme for my wedding)..I look foward to more from this gifted artist.