Mad Love for Kenny G

Thank you Kenny G! You taught me a valuable lesson last night. It’s not a new lesson… But it’s a lesson that could save jazz. Know your fan and love your fan.

I’ve been at the Playboy Jazz Festival for many years, but I was not ready for your entrance last night. For those who have never been to Playboy, the stage spins like a turntable between acts. I was looking for you onstage after the amazing performance of King Sunny Ade… the stage turned and there was no Kenny G. Instead I HEARD you… Then I SAW the spotlights… Damn! Kenny G was taking the stage from the top of the Bowl. Fortunately for me, I was near the top of the Hollywood Bowl at that moment… in the cheap seats. You not only entered from the cheap seats. You performed an entire song from the top of the bowl. For once, the people in the box section had to check out the jumbotrons, to see what was going on. Once you hit the stage, you gave a very spirited and engaging performance… and the whole house was listening. You grabbed our attention and never let go.

I also owe you an apology. I guess the best way to put it is I’ve been sort of a Jazz snob. One look at my iPod and it’s evident that I listen to all types of music; Coltrane in rotation with Jay-Z, Motown, Marley, Prince, Miles and Kenny G. But I have been hard on you. Not overly hard, but you already know what I’m trying to say. The fact is, I can appreciate Herbie Hancock in all derivatives [Maiden Voyage, Rocket, Possibilities] and not question his jazz chops. But I unfairly hold you to a Coltrane/Shorter/Redman standard, while I give Boney James and so many others a pass.

Maybe, I’m hatin’… maybe jazz has hated on you because of your success. They do it in hip hop all the time! Just ask 50 and Kanye. Hatin’ hasn’t slowed the growth of hip hop though. Hate is killing jazz. I'm still trying to understand why the Jazz Bakery closed. I do know that you checked the haters at the door last night and put on a stunning show.

My first exposure to jazz was John Klemmer in college. He’s not exactly a Bebop Kat. But his music opened my ears to Coleman Hawkins, Dexter Gordon, The Brecker Brothers, Miles and Coltrane. That jazz course with Stanley Crouch was an added bonus. My journey to jazz just wasn't on the A Train... but I now appreciate everything jazz.

I guess the lesson for me and jazz is a simple one. EXPOSURE. The future of jazz was sitting in that space. It was a special night where both Wayne Shorter and Kenny G were on the same stage at Playboy. Everybody at the bowl didn’t come to hear you or Wayne Shorter. But they did, and both sets; though very different, were amazing! That is the magic of Playboy Jazz. Two days of exposure to great music. I do know that my iTunes bill is always big right after exposure to new artists at the Playboy Jazz fest. Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings... already in my shopping cart. Another trip to Amoeba Records is coming soon. Alfredo Rodriguez, Esperanza Spalding and Anat Cohen are the future of jazz.

Has it really been twenty years since you last played at Playboy Jazz? It has been too long Kenny. I’ll never forget how you walked into that space and owned it. I truly loved how you paid homage to everyone in the bowl. Much respect! Very few artists can turn the cavernous Hollywood Bowl into their personal living room. You clearly know your fan.