Just two months after his South African concert, Kenny G will release his 14th studio album, Brazilian Nights, set for release on 27 January 2015 via Concord Records.
Kenny G has had one of the most eclectic and dominant careers the music business has ever seen. He’s maintained a high level of creative excellence through decades of unprecedented commercial success by never allowing himself to stay in one place too long. That reputation for musical curiosity stays well intact on his newest album.
“I’ve been in love with bossa nova my whole life,” said the saxophonist in the album’s liner notes. “I think the first song that ‘won me over’ was Cannonball Adderley’s version of Quiet Nights. And more recently I’ve been listening (non-stop!) to Stan Getz’s album called Getz For Lovers. I think I’ve listened to that record almost every day for the past five years and it really was the inspiration in making this album. My goal was not only to make a bossa nova album that pays tribute to the ‘masters’ who I’ve been listening to (Cannonball Adderley, Paul Desmond and Stan Getz) but also to write and record original bossa novas that I hope can ‘hold their own’ in this distinguished company. I humbly say that I feel we’ve succeeded.”
Starting with melodious sounds of Bossa Antigua, the 10-song set is a mixture of classics and Kenny G originals. Writing five of the 10 tracks with longtime collaborator (and co-producer) Walter Afanasieff, the veteran performer plays alto, tenor and soprano sax and dazzles on such cuts as Bossa Réal, the gently pulsating April Rain, and the relaxed, yet, dramatic flair of the title cut. He admits that he took his time making Brazilian Nights, as he wanted to immerse himself into the light and melodic sounds of music from across the globe. “I spent a year and a half studying the style of the bossa novas from decades ago. I had fun and learned a lot during my ‘wonderful labour of love’ and I truly hope you get the same pleasure from this album that I have experienced when I sit down after a long day and put on my ‘bossa nova’ sounds. Words can’t describe that feeling but hopefully the melodies that I’ve played here will.”
Kenny G has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the business during his legendary career, ranging from Michael Bolton to Weezer to Whitney Houston. He recently worked with pop superstar Katy Perry on her single Last Friday Night.
Don’t miss an evening in the company of the jazz giants, Kenny G and Selaelo Selota at the Coca-Cola Dome in Northriding next week. Book now at Computicket.
Details: Computicket 0861 915 8000; www.computicket.com or your nearest Computicket service centre. For more tour information, visit www.KennyG.com or www.canoc.co.za Keep up to date with Kenny G on Twitter and Facebook.
