At Last...The Duets Album

Kenny G

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 23, 2004)
• Original Release Date: November 23, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Arista
• ASIN: B00064K2RQ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #19,337 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The genius of At Last...The Duets Album is in its matchups and cross-pollinations. If producer Walter Afanasieff weren't already a much sought after music man--check out his arrangements here if his talents are unfamiliar--he might have built a brilliant career as a modern-day cupid. These are covers with a what-if factor (what if Brian McKnight covers Wham!? What if Richard Marx covered Elton John?) you don't want to miss: LeAnn Rimes wraps Bryan Adams' anthem-y "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" in rainy-day heartache; Yolanda Adams reaches for the stars in a rendition of R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly" as inspiring as the original; Barbra Streisand waltzes through "The Music That Makes Me Dance" like the years since her heyday haven't mattered; and Earth, Wind & Fire dig the depth out of Raphael Saadiq's "The Way You Move." This, of course, is to say nothing of the sensuality brought to these collaborations by the goldilocked sax man himself. As with all Kenny G projects, the music is smoother than a frappuccino and oddly suited to a soap opera living room set; its swirls, swells, and crescendos seem meant to fall on bejeweled ears in pretty, carefully appointed spaces only. All-instrumental tracks like "Don't Know Why" with David Benoit and "Pick Up the Pieces" with David Sanborn have a fun look-at-me-sharing-the-spotlight quality, but in the end Chaka Khan puts across her point most convincingly: She, not Christina Aguilera, should have sung "Beautiful" to begin with. -Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice! My favorite CD of his yet...., June 16, 2006

By	E.G. "Music Mommy" (Beafort, SC USA) - See all my reviews

I always find it humerous that far less accomplished "musicians" will blast Kenny's success all over the place, and basically rate him with the likes of a middle school wannabe. Bottom line - he is successful, he caters to the "average" listener without the ear fatigue that normally accompanies heavy jazz, he is respected among his peers in the business (as evidenced by his duets), and he repeats what works for his success. To trash his talent and success is to also trash the notable musicians and singers who obviously respect him enough to record with him on this CD. He's made millions, so there is an enormous fan base out there that doesn't care much for the jealous comments by aspiring performers. My advice is to judge for yourself!

If you appreciate great musicians coming together to produce some really listenable music, (and I do mean, over and over without ear fatigue), then this CD is for you! I only hope he doesn't stop here. I hope he comes out with more duet albums in the future. Maybe some Chicago, Rascal Flatts, Peter Cetera, Tower of Power, and any number of other great voices in the business!

My favorite is the remix of "The Way You Move"...nice grooves in there! If I had one complaint, it would be that the songs didn't actually line up in the order on which they were listed on the CD cover. Other than that, it's at the top of my favorites in my library of 3,000+ CDs!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Repeated Plays, December 4, 2004

By	Eliott Marten (Chamblee, GA) - See all my reviews

I've never purchased a Kenny G CD before this one, but I must say I'm very surprised at how good this CD sounds. Kenny G.'s saxaphone playing is the singular thread which weaves through this rich tapesty of popular songs, gorgeous voices and clean production. I've played this CD at home, in my car and at work. It works everywhere I go. That's a difficult feat for most CD's.

I'm very impressed by his selection of duet partners, which speaks volumes for his ability to appreciate good music, from many different genres. I'm especially fond of his readings of 'Beautiful' w/Chaka Khan, 'Sorry Is The Hardest Word'w/Richard Marx, 'Music Makes Me
Dance' w/Barbara Streisand and 'Alfie'w/Burt Bacharach.'

I highly recommend this record for ALL lovers of good music!!!

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's smooth jazz, so lighten up!, February 1, 2006

By	E. Laway "Lady E" (Temecula, California United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Wow, some cantankerous people listening to this cd. I like it though. It isn't that bad. In fact it's probably nice music when you're trying to cook dinner or just sitting out. I have to say, the most beautiful track is Chaka Khan's "Beatutiful" I know Christina Aguilera's version, I'm sure everyone's heard it, but I will go head to head with anyone who says that CA's version is better. Chaka Khan sang this song like it was written for her and she sang it like she was the only one who had the authority to sing it. And there's also a lot of nice little gems like, "I Like the Way You Move," and "At Last." Come on people, it's not like you're reviewing classsical jazz, this is Smooth Jazz staple and plenty of people obviously like it. Don't let your snootiness and your qualifications as a musician or jazz officianado hinder you from liking this cd. It is nice to listen to. Don't get your Fruit-of-the-loom in a bunch. Enjoy!!!!