Kenny G (65-year-old curly-haired saxophonist) has sold over 75 million records. He also inspired the whole genre of smooth jazz. Not only is he the greatest-selling instrumentalist, but he has also been criticized as one of the worst musicians of all time.
The brilliant HBO documentary now features Kenneth Gorelick, the former artist. Kenny G: ListeningWhich? The New Yorker“An ironic masterpiece,” which perfectly describes “the elusive concept of guilty pleasure”: enjoying art made of misguided ideas or dubious processes.
Penny Lane is a director who explores why Kenny G hates critics while the majority of people love him. This film, which Penny Lane created, has a hilarious, touching and captivating story about mass commercial appeal and elite tastes. It also examines Kenny G’s ever-changing music industry and epistemological humility. A long conversation with me. Reason interviewPodcast), and she talks about her work’s themes (her film from before was). Hail Satan?The story is about Baphomet devotees who push for religious freedom. It also describes her life philosophy and aesthetic. ReasonSeit her college days.
“WLane, 43 years old, tells me that when I think of music, the first thing that pops into my mind is taste. It is how intimately connected it is to our senses of self and social identity. It was something that I really desired to accomplish. The path to Kenny was quite clear. It was basically a sale. [HBO]This is a discussion about why Kenny G has been the most successful, best-selling instrumentist ever and what makes certain people mad.
That “certain subset” includes jazz critics who write for places ranging from The New York TimesTo JacobinEvery outlet between. Kenny G is a snitch because he doesn’t seem to be interested in the musical traditions that millions have come to know and love.
“ILane says that he spent lots of time with Kenny, and it didn’t really matter how many times I tried to ask him questions about his life when creating the songs. “He just said, ‘I don’t know. It is beautiful, it’s my favorite. Most artists have a whole set of things they’re thinking about—who your audience is and who you’re in conversation with and what history you’re drawing on and how are you innovating. Kenny doesn’t seem to be interested in those things. It’s a good idea. He has a complete lack of interest for jazz [that drives critics nuts.]Kenny G knows nothing about jazz.
Lane is known for her unwavering dedication to the art of filmmaking. This means that viewers don’t know where she is coming from. This creates a wonderful tension for viewers, as you are never quite sure what to root for. Although she is open to criticism, she doesn’t forget Kenny G fanatics with whom she speaks.
Lane states that music should be useful to people. Lane says, “I believe that life is difficult and it is okay to want something to calm down after 10 hours in the factory. [Kenny G.’s music]you don’t need to be there, it doesn’t matter what background music or other distractions are going on. They meditate and practice to it. It is the object of their affection. They marry it. It has been used to help babies sleep. It is used by anesthesiologists before they perform surgery. This helps to lower the heart beat. It is used by the Chinese government to get people home after work. “It’s a supremely useful music,” Lane states. Lane also explains that a critic has called it musical furniture. I believe this is quite fitting. IIt is easy to forget the fact that many people don’t like Kenny G. I told them this when they were telling me that I had made a documentary about it. They responded with, “Wow!”Kenny G is hated by everyone All LovingKenny G!
Lane’s film from 2019 seems quite far-fetched for a documentary about a smooth Jazz saxophonist. Hail Satan?However, she insists that her work has strong themes. “TOne joke is to tell it like this: “After I made a movie about Satanists, my thoughts were, Who do people hate most than Satanists?” “But that’s not true,” she replies. She says, “But it’s really not true. My films are meant to be funny and entertaining. I believe people should have the ability to make changes in their lives. To be what I desire is for people to be WillingTo change their minds. You Love that. The feeling of being wrong is a great feeling. Not everyone does. This is what I love. “I’m trying create moments that are destabilizing for people.”
Lane’s movies (full listing here) are all based on her assumption that Lane doesn’t really know all the answers. That she doesn’t know what the best ways for people to live or the best music to listen to. It may be no coincidence she is a long-time reader. ReasonOne who rejects the traditional ideological or political tribes.I began subscribing ReasonWhen I was in college, I went to Vassar,” she recalled.To bring it home to my dorm, I’d put it under my other mail.”
However, her fascination with alternative views and political thought began much earlier. Lane recalls that in high school there was a class on politics. You were required to pick Democrat or Republican for the discussion or any other purpose. I was like “I don’t want one.” The teacher replied, “OK. There’s one more thing.” On some level, I feel like I was attracted because it made my feel special. It’s like, “I don’t want you to be with this crowd.”
Lane feels like an outsider, with a unique point of view. “SocPeople who make you mad are necessary for iety. They stand out and tell the world, “But what about?” This?’ That’s how I identify with myself. So, I believe that it’s a type of libertarian personality.
Lane states that Lane’s films convey a constant message: “very much about humility.” My thoughts Although I consider myself a genius, I don’t believe I can run the world. I wouldn’t want to be a leader of this country because my ideas may not be better than those of others. There are many things I know about.ItAlthough I would like to live, they are not something that I will force on others.
She tries to get people to think. To see issues from multiple points of view, and to face and overcome their biases. With Listening To Kenny GYou might think that critics are stupid or that Kenneth Gorelick, the music legend you once knew, is the worst.
Lane says, “It is a joy to make films that allow for these readings.” Lane doesn’t like making movies about people. WhatThink. She wants to create movies. MakePeople think. With Listening To Kenny G, She’s available on HBO.
Regan Taylor Edited, Camera by Kevin Alexander
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Music Credit: Saint Charles music by Mark Yencheske (via Artlist).