Kenny G is the stage name of Kenneth Bruce Gorelick, a saxophonist from Seattle, United States, born in 1956. He is associated with contemporary jazz, jazz, quiet storm and smooth jazz, and is known for an instrumental style that reaches a wide pop audience.

Career

Kenny G starts playing saxophone at the age of 10 in 1966. His main instrument is the soprano saxophone, although he also plays alto and tenor saxophone at times. He becomes a Grammy-winning American saxophonist and builds a career as a highly successful instrumentalist whose recordings appear on the pop charts as well as on adult contemporary jazz and smooth jazz radio.

Breakthrough and style

His fourth album, Duotones, brings him breakthrough success in 1986. His sound becomes closely associated with smooth jazz and adult contemporary jazz from the mid-1980s onward, and he is often described as a player who shapes melodies with a pronounced emotional style. His approach is also marked by limited improvisation and a strong focus on clear melodic statements. His playing is influenced in part by Grover Washington, Jr.

Place in jazz

Kenny G becomes a widely recognised name in jazz, especially among listeners of contemporary jazz, even as his music is often placed outside jazz by critics because of its predictable melodic approach. He is nevertheless identified with jazz in mainstream public perception and remains listed at the top of contemporary jazz charts.