Kenny G -The Greatest Holiday Classics

Kenny G | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 18, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Arista
• ASIN: B000BC8TD2
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #41,977 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Doing what every good merchandiser does when there's no new real product for the Christmas season, Kenny G repackages his best stuff with a few new tracks. The Greatest Holiday Classics boasts pieces from previous holiday records, Wishes (2002), Faith (1999) and Miracles (1997), with five new cuts for a total of 16. To be sure it's a generous offering from the one guy in popular music who just might be contemporary America's Jazzman. Whether playing his acclaimed alto sax or blowing tenor, Kenny's signature tone is nearly unmistakable from anyone else's, perhaps, for his easily accessible phrasing and the limited improvisation he's willing to put on record. His focus has always been on delivering the song, rather than the possibilities for innovation, exploration and enhanced creativity that more adventurous players readily welcome in the jazz setting with any tune. One of the new pieces, a big band treatment of "Jingle Bell Rock" joyfully swings under Randy Waldman's arrangement and fellow his horn men seem to push G on his solo, while the other new works "My Favorite Things" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas" are fairly predictable fare. Even "Jingle Bells" is reduced to a slow tempo, with KG's trademark moody, saccharine strings and piano in the mix. But then, this is exactly the kind of Christmas tea many want against the often-overwhelming din of the holiday rush. Martin Keller

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointment, November 11, 2005

By 

dj - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kenny G -The Greatest Holiday Classics (Audio CD)

If you own the first three Holiday albums, don't waste your money for 4 new songs. Every year I look forward to holiday music and Kenny G is on the top of my list when it comes to checking for new music. This year was quite a disappointment. If you want any of these new songs, I would suggest itunes.

15 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great For First Time Buyers Of Christmas Songs by Kenny G, November 13, 2005

By 

Steven Resnick (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kenny G -The Greatest Holiday Classics (Audio CD)

If you don't have any of the 3 cdes that Kenny G has put out for Christmas before this is the one to get. There are four additional songs that aren't on the other 3 cds it's a great compiliation of his previous work and adding of new songs. He's great to listen to at Christmas time.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Saccharine and Homey, November 25, 2006

By 

333 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kenny G -The Greatest Holiday Classics (Audio CD)

This is the type of album that relaxes you during the hectic holiday season. Sure, Kenny G is definitely not the best jazz musician (heck, I don't think we can even call him a jazz musician) but a Christmas album such as this one does not require such innovative improvisation. This album just draws out some sweet substance and really creates a comforting feeling.
If you are looking for something creative, don't approach this album. If, however, you are looking for soothing Christmas album, then this is a good choice. If you don't have Kenny G's old Christmas albums, then give this a try. It's fair enough.