Kenny G is a worldwide famous musician among those who enjoy Jazz music. His music has accompanied us through our childhood, teenage years, and adulthood.
However, if you watched him play live, you’d be confused, and you’d ask yourself: “what instrument does Kenny G play?” Even though it might look like a really big clarinet, Kenny G actually plays the saxophone.
In this article, we’ll be looking at the different models of saxophone that Kenny G uses, as well as a short insight into Kenny G’s musical career and some facts about his saxophones. So, read on to learn more!
What Instrument Does Kenny G Play?
Kenny G’s favorite instrument, and the one he uses a lot, is a Selmer Mark VI Soprano saxophone. However, Kenny G also plays the Alto saxophone, Tenor saxophone, Baritone saxophone, and Bass saxophone.
Kenny G has also created his own line of saxophones that he called Kenny G Saxophones.
So, let’s get to know some of these instruments more!
Soprano Saxophone
This type of sax is noted for producing a soft, mellow sound, which is ideal for Kenny G’s music. It’s the smallest and highest in tone type of saxophone.
When it comes to Kenny G’s love, the Selmer Mark VI Soprano saxophone, it’s a magnificent saxophone made in France that was popular from 1954 through 1981.
Kenny G mentioned before that he played his high school Mark VI Soprano saxophone in all of the tracks he has ever recorded.
He went on to say that he played this saxophone in every performance he’s ever had. He’s also been playing it for his daily three-hour practice sessions.
The Mark VI was also used by other artists such as John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, and Sonny Rollins.
Alto Saxophone
The Buffet Crampon Alto saxophone was the first saxophone that Kenny G had ever played. It’s one of the best types of saxophones for beginners.
Kenny G didn’t play the Alto saxophone quite as much as the Soprano. However, the Alto sax is included in several tracks, such as Against Doctor’s Orders.
Alto saxophones are bigger in size than Soprano saxophones but smaller than Tenor saxophones. This saxophone was made in Belgium around 1840.
The Alto was played by jazz performers such as Charlie Parker, Art Pepper, and Eugene Rousseau.
Tenor Saxophone
Tenor saxophones are larger than Altos. They have a deeper tone than the other types of saxophones.
If you see a saxophone with a huge mouthpiece, it’s probably a Tenor saxophone. This instrument is distinguished from other saxophones by its neck curve.
Ben Webster, Chris Potter, and Stan Getz are all well-known jazz musicians. These are just a few of the many people who play the Tenor saxophone.
Kenny G plays the Tenor on numerous tracks, including Midnight Motion and Don’t Make Me Wait for Love.
Kenny G Saxophones
As a result of his undying love for saxophones, Kenny G decided to have his own line of saxophones. He is the creator and seller of these instruments. Manufacturing, marketing, and distribution are all handled by his parent firm.
There are around ten of these saxophones on the market right now. Kenny G’s Concert Series Saxophones are designed specifically for use in his concerts.
Players can easily swap between the soprano, alto, and tenor saxes with these saxophones.
Naturally, there will be fake copies of them. If you’re thinking about purchasing one, make sure it’s original. Originals will be made in Taiwan rather than China, as most copies appear to be.
How Did Kenny G’s Relationship With the Saxophone Start?
At the age of ten, he was given his first saxophone. He was motivated to perform after seeing a saxophonist play his sax beautifully on the Ed Sullivan show. He admitted that it had to be the way the saxophonist played that drew him in. He went on to say that the instrument seemed to be speaking to him.
At the age of 17, he had his first important musical performance with Barry White. He was still in high school at the time and aspired to be an accountant. However, he attended the University of Washington and began his career as a musician shortly after graduation.
He ended up joining Arista Records, where he had some success. However, it was Duotones, his fourth album, that established his reputation. It was a hit in the United States, selling over five million copies.
Over the years, Kenny G has worked with a variety of performers, including Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, and Michael Bolton. He is still touring widely all over the world.
Guinness Record
Apart from the several awards that he has won throughout his musical career, the most astonishing achievement of Kenny G is his Guinness record for the longest note ever recorded on saxophone in 1997.
This note was exactly 45 minutes and 47 seconds long. Imagine being able to hold your breath for longer than your favorite episode in most shows!
However, it’s not really about being able to hold his breath. In fact, it’s more about the Kenny G breathing technique that enables him to inhale through his nose while simultaneously exhaling through his lips.
Smooth Jazz
Kenny G is well renowned for his smooth jazz technique, but he also knows how to play classical and mainstream music. Many in the music industry believe that Kenny G invented the term smooth jazz. Before he entered the music industry, this music genre did not exist.
He claimed that the term was coined by others, not him and that he was simply playing his music the way he liked. Many people seemed to enjoy it, and the genre grew in popularity.
However, music is labeled with genres to make it easier to categorize it. Smooth jazz was popular before Kenny G and will continue to be popular after him. It is a style rather than a genre.
Conclusion
Kenny G is most famous for playing the saxophone, especially his beloved Selmer Mark VI Soprano saxophone. He plays other types of saxophones as well, including Alto, Tenor, Baritone, and Bass saxophones.
Just as he plays for his pleasure, we’ll always listen for how good music feels to our ears and souls.
