What do you think when you think of Kenny G? Smooth soprano sax tones? Beautiful curly hair? One of the first investors in Starbucks? That’s right. Kenny G, real name Kenny Goerlick, was one of the first investors of the now omnipresent coffee chain. He was convinced to invest after meeting founder Howard Schultz before the company went public. He also invented the Frappuccino, or at least partially, claiming that he called Schultz early on recommending they make a sort of milkshake drink. I mean, of course the king of smooth jazz would know something about a smooth blended drink.
The G man is also one of the most loved artists in China, with his song “Going Home” played across the country at malls, shops and businesses, to signal the end of operating hours.
And he is also a +0.6 handicap golfer—which, for those who don’t know, is really good—and won the Pan-Am tournament in 2001 with Phil Mickelson. Oh, and did I mention? Kenny G is a droner and held the world record for longest continually played note (for 45 minutes and 35 seconds) from 1997-2000. Someone book him a show with La Monte Young!
Here is a funny, if not rather blue music video from the G Man, called “Against. Doctor’s Orders”. If anything, Kenny has a good sense of humor about himself.
And here is some more content for last months column on Brian May. It always nice to hear Mr. May talk, he comes across as a very humble man with plenty of interesting things to say about the music he has created.
The first is a guitar instructional video in which you get a look into some of his cool stereo delay tricks (7:40) as well has him talking about his signature guitar that he and his father put together when he was a teenager.
The second is a mini-documentary about the making of Bohemian Rhapsody and it rules! Brian gives full credits to Freddie Mercury, and it’s incredible to see how the piece comes together. I was amazed to learn that the song was recorded start to finish first with just the bed tracks, drums, bass and Freddie on piano – the crazy vocal harmony middle is already in Mercury’s head. The video is wonderful because May has access to the original two inch master tape and you get to hear all the isolated tracks. Truly fascinating if you are studio or recording nerd.
Zach plays guitar in a band called Throbbing Chakra, and lives in Philly with his girlfriend Christina and dog snowflake. Christina does the drawings. Email him [email protected] or listen throbbingchakra.bandcamp.com. twitter/insta @avantlard
