Customer Reviews

Paradise

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

Wow...I love this album and I've never claimed to be a Kenny G fan. In fact, the only reason I bought this CD was because it features my favorite male and female R&B artists (Brian McKnight and Chante Moore) on it. As it turns out, I love the entire recording. The melodies flow so beautifully and it's a great mix to relax or meditate to. Kenny won me over with this one. I'm sure I'll be purchasing more of his music in the future.

I had almost given up on Kenny G! I could never get into his CDs except for "Kenny G Live". And I wondered why he could sound so soulful in concert on the live album but so DOA in the studio. I would rank his past studio albums right along side of elevator music.

This is the first studio recording from Kenny G that I can say he was elevated, relaxed, and fluid. The compositions are creative while the music flows from deep within his soul.

The samples on the website only allow enough time to hear Kenny G begin in a structured parameter but do not give the listener the opportunity to hear him independently break away into rhythmic expression. His improvisation is impressive.

I agree with many others who feel that the Brian McKnight song sounds uninspired. It just doesn't have the charisma of the others. It easily could be deleted, leaving an album with perfect continuity.

No wonder Kenny G was nominated for a Grammy for this work. It is his best recording yet. Hopefully there will be many others in his future that are equally as brilliant.

This isn't jazz, and Kenny G's no instrumental virtuoso. Up till now, he's been much the seducer, the wooer, appealing to the emotions of the listener. On this CD, he's more of a party guest enjoying himself with the other party goers.

The two duets are truer duets than those on previous CD's. The sax is singing with Chante Moore and with Brian McKnight rather than accompanying and enhancing their solos. Interesting effect, and especially with Chante Moore.

I've enjoyed his treatment of songs with a Spanish flavor, and his treatment of "Brazil" is indeed quite listenable.

None of his CDs are for serious jazz fans. They're aimed at mainstream audiences, and I see no fault for that. Music is to make people happier, and as long as there are those made happy by his playing, more power to him. None of us have the right to tell others what they should listen to and enjoy. This will be a much better world if we just let those who enjoy certain musicians do so, and let those who don't enjoy them go elsewhere.

So if you've enjoyed Kenny G's previous CDs and are aware that this one is maybe less of a seductive set but still enjoyable for those who like him, you'll probably like it.

And if you don't like Kenny G, stay away from this CD, but let others enjoy it if they want to. Kenny G is no threat to Miles Davis, John Coltrane, or any of the other jazz greats so let him entertain his fans...they're not hurting you.

Have you ever wanted to listen to an album straight through, not having to skip any songs? This is that album. By far my most favorite of Kenny's recent albums. It just flows from song to song.

There are so many people out there in the world that don't like jazz. I could care less. Kenny G is by far the best selling saxophonist of all time, and for good reason. 'Paradise' is yet another masterpiece created by Kenny G. This guy is an absolute genius when it comes to the sax. There are so many people out there that bash him and jazz in general. I mean, I have to admit, I didn't like jazz either, but then I started listening to Kenny G's music, that changed me forever. I love this music. This CD deserves more than 5 stars in my opinion, and I know people will disagree with me on that, but who cares, this CD deserves it!

This CD is like every other G CD....great. Jazz listeners never like to listen to Kenny, but they must understand something very important...Kenny G does not play jazz, so don't expect to hear it. His style is all his own and anyone that thinks it is jazz is mistaken. This CD was very well constructed and once again is an excellent example of this artist.

This album from Kenny G has a more Latin feel. Tracks like Malibu Dreams and Peace are some of the soft pop tunes that are his trademark. This is a good album for the Kenny G fan, and for those that like that Smooth Jazz/Latin feel to music. For a new album, I give it a four. Sound-wise, he stays in a certain area here, and doesn't explore his instrument as much as earlier albums. That's why I say, it's not his best, but it's still got that Kenny G feel to it. Over all, a good album.

I must confess that I find it difficult to understand why some of the reviewers don't like Kenny G. The only reason that I can come up with is that they must have an incredibly narrow concept of what constitutes good jazz. There is apparently no room in their concept for technically excellent, beautifully musical, moving, jazz.

My taste in jazz covers a wide range, depending on my mood. There is jazz that I do not like at all, including some of Coltrane's work (I know, I know... blasphemy!!!). For example, some of Coltrane's work is so full of tension with no release that I end up exhausted after listening to it for an hour or so. Other of his work is fantastic! (When I bought my copy of Paradise, I also bought CDs by Roland Kirk, Charlie Parker, Sidney Bechet, and Coltrane.) If I want to just chill out and relax, say while I'm in rush hour traffic at the end of the workday, I like Kenny G.

Kenny G's new album, Paradise, is an exceptionally beautiful example of the kind of smooth jazz that Kenny G excels at. His tone is perfect and his command of the soprano sax is unmatched. He can be recognized after only one or two notes, his tone is that distinctive. Listen and you will hear all of the standard jazz licks, but done is an exceptionally beautiful manner. I know saxophonists who try to imitate his tone, but know of none who are sucessful at it.

If you want the kind of jazz that you can relax and just listen to, you won't go wrong with this album. Apparently you either like Kenny G or you don't. There seems to be no middle ground. I play soprano saxophone and clarinet and I am absolutely astounded at his prowess on this instrument and love to listen to him. The ONLY problem I have with his albums is that frequently, just as he is really starting to crank things up with his improvisation, the piece fades out and ends. Listen and you'll see what I mean!

Maybe the problem that some people have with his music is that it is too perfect...

Kenny G does it again. It is amazing how many of my favorite songs are made by him. Whether I am looking for a song to keep me upbeat or one that could set the mood, he is always there. The highlights of this cd for me are "Paradise", "Malibu Dreams", "Seaside Jam", and of course, "Midnight Magic". He has truly grown as an artist. His earlier cds were basically duets. After his release, "Gravity", he moved toward more instrumental moods than being accompanied by backup vocals. He is truly one of my favorite artists, and if you like relaxing music, this is a great buy.

This is a wonderful compilation of latin mix & fun, w/ a little pizazz! Chante Moore sings a wonderful ballad... love it!!! I think this cd reminds me of summer!!! I can't wait to listen to it in the hot sun while sipping a pina colada by the pool. Kenny G is by far an awesome musician... I'm sorry some folks can't appreciate talent and leave the poor guy alone!!!!!!! Yes... please buy this cd, you will like it. Who doesn't like music that reminds them of summer and having fun?