Classics in the Key of G - G, Kenny (CD 1999)

A sense of profound relaxation washes through my mind when I listen to Kenny G's music. This haunting saxophonist with his hypnotic style lulls me to sleep with his soothing passionate music.

Kenny G's "Classics In The Key Of G" arrived in the stores quite some time ago in June of 1999. I already had a few of his CD's, one that I especially like is the soundtrack album of the movie "Dying Young" which was released in 1991.

"Classics In The Key Of G" offers the most beloved song of all "What A Wonderful World" ~ Louis Armstrong sings along with the soft playing music of Kenny's saxophone. Kenny G donated 100% of the profits from this single to a charitable network that he himself created called "Kenny G Miracles Foundation" to help keep music alive in public schools when the government decided to cut the budget and take music out of the schools.

The CD also contains vocals from Bebel Gilberto in the "Girl From Ipanema" and "Summertime" with George Benson's guitar. Also the timeless "Over The Rainbow" which is a duet by Kenny G and producer Afanasieff.

"Classics In The Key Of G" was a tribute, re-interpreting in his own style, to the composers and recording artists for whom which Kenny respected. He celebrated by planning an all-star musical party and invited those who meant the most to him in his early years as a musician.

Yes, Kenny G rates number one in my book and I think he's come a long way showing his love of music with the saxophone and flute in his very special style of performing relaxing music.

Barnes & Noble Started an online music score with Kenny G as their first featured artist in June, 1999.

Kenny performed in a live broadcast in the "Independence Day Concert" from the United States Capital in Washington on July 4, 1999. This live PBS broadcast featured Kenny G and many great artists with the National Symphony Orchestra. His classics from "Classics In The Key Of G" were heard from many homes.



Out of all of Kenny's music I think the one that haunted me the most was in his first November, 1999 release "Faith~A Holiday Album" (A follow-up to his 1994's release "Miracles-The Holiday Album") ~ inside the album "Faith" contains a surprise that hit people emotionally, a special version of "Auld Lang Syne" which includes historical news bites from the 1900's. That song haunts me every time I hear it. he has updated it in further CD's but that first one really gets to me.

This "song-with words" was never listed on the album so that is why it came as a surprise to many people. (The regular version of "Auld Lang Syne" IS listed.)

Kenny G formed a one year official agreement with the Korbel Company (America's best-selling champagne whose creator also was the sponsor at Times Square, 2000) in November, 1999 to celebrate the Millennium.

To honor the Millennium for New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day, weddings and the Olympics of 2000, Kenny G agreed to make a performance with his "haunting" hit "Auld Lang Syne" by appearing with the world's largest champagne bottle (which is in the Guinness Book Of Records) and a special Korbel donation of $50,000 to the "Kenny G Miracles Foundation."

In not only my opinion, but friends who have heard it, the music and the words of this "very different" version of "Auld Lang Syne" in this special nostalgic album "Faith~A Holiday Album" haunts the very core of your soul. It is a suitable end to a century that will never come to pass again.

As I said before he makes many CD's and there have been more of haunting ones but never will there be one like the first one.



Kenny G's music (turned down low) provides a very romantic background to any special dinner-at-home occasion or just for everyday music when one comes home to unwind after a stressful day at work. His music is "Breathless" (which is also the title on one of his albums.)