Anyone of you who likes Kenny G can tune out right now. (As a matter of fact, any of you who like Michael Bolton as well can just go onto a freeway overpass and throw yourselves off, shouting "El Divoooooo" as your swansong).
And anyone who isn't too interested in music can pretty much tune out as well, but this goes beyond music.
I thought I could rant, but I do it in a cranky, loud way, you know, with lots of expletives and moaning and groaning -- I know it can get tiresome. (Have you ever argued with yourself? Well, I do it all the time, so I feel fully qualified to know what I'm talking about). (Over-qualified, perhaps).
But who knew Pat Metheny was the master of polite invective, of the nailing putdown, of the Supreme Diatribe? This unassuming, superb jazz guitarist who has filled this world with so much angelic sound over decades . . . who knew that HE COULD EVER BEAT ME WITH A RANT.
Wow is that interesting. He's pointing out flaws that only a highly trained ear could notice, but also notes Kenny's charisma.
ReplyDeleteI think the real problem is whoever thinks Kenny G is in the same pantheon as Pat Metheny. Of course Metheny would have to kick him to the curb. Kenny G is just easy-listening pop. It's meant to be accessible. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.)
Just for fun, in a totally unscientific poll, Kenny G's best selling amazon sales ranking is 416 for "Rythym and Romance". Metheny's best selling ranking is 4865 for "Daytrip". But I'd rather have "Daytrip".
But what do I know? I always get Kenny G confused with Chuck Mangione.
Hmm . . . I always get Chuck Mangione confused with Herb Alpert.
ReplyDeleteBut in reality, there were always pioneers of the "smooth jazz" sound, like Spirogyra (you have to be old enough; sorry). Some were a lot better than others, but Kenny G is like Cheez Whiz to the jazz world. There's just no other way to put it.
As a lifelong musician, not that I'm in any way brilliant, I recognise what Pat is saying. Kenny G is McDonald's and Pat is your local diner owner. Somewhere, integrity has to pay a price.
The music industry has long had a record of producing pap, but hey, it's what the audience wants. Bot bands. (Whoa, that was a typo, but I'll let it stand, in this case!)
True musicians play to play, not to make money . . . oh, how trite I'm sounding here.
Uh, what HE said. And you too!
Oh yes, I agree with you totally! Integrity is key. Love the "Bot bands" typo! HeHe
ReplyDeleteYes, I'll add "Bot Band" to my now-considerable band names list!
ReplyDeleteAnd by the way, when are we going to form that band, anyway?
Hi Nick! I'm a little clueless, I'm afraid I'll blow something up if I plug my PA into the computer! But I did just cut all the nails on my left hand. (Right too, for what it's worth.)
ReplyDeleteAllez-y, chérie
ReplyDelete