It’s April at last, and spring is officially in the air. What better time to devote an entire Idiot’s Guide to my favorite jazz musician of all time, Kenny G?

You know, we talk about a lot of music here, and a lot of different opinions are expressed, but I just don’t think I’ve ever met anybody who didn’t love the music of Kenny G. It’s smooth, sophisticated, and relaxing Á¢€” just the thing to listen to if you’re enjoying a Bartles & Jaymes or doing some light calisthenics. Or doing anything, really. There aren’t many artists you can say this about Á¢€” particularly artists who have been recording for as long as Kenny G Á¢€” but every song on every album is just full to the brim with talent. The guy can play, write, and Á¢€” rumor has it Á¢€” even sing a mean tune.

And let’s not forget the whole circular-breathing thing. That’s talent.

But anyway, let’s get down to business. You probably own most or all of these albums already, but why not take a fond look back?


Kenny G (1982)
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Kenny G - Kenny G

Right from the eye-catching cover shot, featuring Kenny G’s winsome smile and flowing mane, this album draws the listener in. A brilliantly seamless collection of uptempo numbers and gorgeous ballads, Kenny G gave old fans everything they could have hoped for, while still managing to bring millions of new listeners into the fold.

Is it his mellifluous playing or the beautiful songs that make the record so great? Heck, that’s easy: Both!

It’s so hard to choose, but this one might be my favorite Kenny G album. Listen to the hauntingly melodic “I’ve Been Missing You” (download) and “Come Close” (download).


G Force (1983)
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Kenny G - G-Force

Right from the eye-catching cover shot, featuring Kenny G’s winsome smile and flowing mane, this album draws the listener in. A brilliantly seamless collection of uptempo numbers and gorgeous ballads, G Force gave old fans everything they could have hoped for, while still managing to bring millions of new listeners into the fold.

Is it his mellifluous playing or the beautiful songs that make the record so great? Heck, that’s easy: Both!

It’s so hard to choose, but this one might be my favorite Kenny G album. Listen to the hauntingly melodic “I Can’t Tell You Why” (download) and “Sunset at Noon” (download).


Gravity (1985)
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Kenny G - Gravity

Right from the eye-catching cover shot, featuring Kenny G’s winsome smile and flowing mane, this album draws the listener in. A brilliantly seamless collection of uptempo numbers and gorgeous ballads, Gravity gave old fans everything they could have hoped for, while still managing to bring millions of new listeners into the fold.

Is it his mellifluous playing or the beautiful songs that make the record so great? Heck, that’s easy: Both!

It’s so hard to choose, but this one might be my favorite Kenny G album. Listen to the hauntingly melodic “Last Night of the Year” (download) and “Where Do We Take It” (download).


Duotones (1986)
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Kenny G - Duotones

Right from the eye-catching cover shot, featuring Kenny G’s winsome smile and flowing mane, this album draws the listener in. A brilliantly seamless collection of uptempo numbers and gorgeous ballads, Duotones gave old fans everything they could have hoped for, while still managing to bring millions of new listeners into the fold.

Is it his mellifluous playing or the beautiful songs that make the record so great? Heck, that’s easy: Both!

It’s so hard to choose, but this one might be my favorite Kenny G album. Listen to the hauntingly melodic “Sade” (download) and “You Make Me Believe” (download).


Silhouette (1988)
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Right from the eye-catching cover shot, featuring Kenny G’s winsome smile and flowing mane, this album draws the listener in. A brilliantly seamless collection of uptempo numbers and gorgeous ballads, Silhouette gave old fans everything they could have hoped for, while still managing to bring millions of new listeners into the fold.

Is it his mellifluous playing or the beautiful songs that make the record so great? Heck, that’s easy: Both!

It’s so hard to choose, but this one might be my favorite Kenny G album. Listen to the hauntingly melodic “Home” (download) and “Pastel” (download).


Breathless (1992)
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Kenny G - Breathless

Right from the eye-catching cover shot, featuring Kenny G’s winsome smile and flowing mane, this album draws the listener in. A brilliantly seamless collection of uptempo numbers and gorgeous ballads, Breathless gave old fans everything they could have hoped for, while still managing to bring millions of new listeners into the fold.

Is it his mellifluous playing or the beautiful songs that make the record so great? Heck, that’s easy: Both!

It’s so hard to choose, but this one might be my favorite Kenny G album. Listen to the hauntingly melodic “Forever in Love” (download) and “The Wedding Song” (download).


The Moment (1996)
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Kenny G - The Moment

Right from the eye-catching cover shot, featuring Kenny G’s winsome smile and flowing mane, this album draws the listener in. A brilliantly seamless collection of uptempo numbers and gorgeous ballads, The Moment gave old fans everything they could have hoped for, while still managing to bring millions of new listeners into the fold.

Is it his mellifluous playing or the beautiful songs that make the record so great? Heck, that’s easy: Both!

It’s so hard to choose, but this one might be my favorite Kenny G album. Listen to the hauntingly melodic “Innocence” (download) and “That Somebody Was You” (download).


Paradise (2002)
purchase this album


Kenny G - Paradise

Right from the eye-catching cover shot, featuring Kenny G’s winsome smile and flowing mane, this album draws the listener in. A brilliantly seamless collection of uptempo numbers and gorgeous ballads, Paradise gave old fans everything they could have hoped for, while still managing to bring millions of new listeners into the fold.

Is it his mellifluous playing or the beautiful songs that make the record so great? Heck, that’s easy: Both!

It’s so hard to choose, but this one might be my favorite Kenny G album. Listen to the hauntingly melodic “Paradise” (download) and “Falling in the Moonlight” (download).


At Last:The Duets Album (2004)
purchase this album


Kenny G & Arturo Sandoval - At Last... The Duets Album

Right from the eye-catching cover shot, featuring Kenny G’s winsome smile and flowing mane, this album draws the listener in. A brilliantly seamless collection of uptempo numbers and gorgeous ballads, At Last:The Duets Album gave old fans everything they could have hoped for, while still managing to bring millions of new listeners into the fold.

Is it his mellifluous playing or the beautiful songs that make the record so great? Heck, that’s easy: Both!

It’s so hard to choose, but this one might be my favorite Kenny G album. Listen to the hauntingly melodic “Baby Come to Me” (download) and “The Music That Makes Me Dance” (download).

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About the Author

Jeff Giles

Jeff Giles is the founder and editor-in-chief of Popdose and Dadnabbit, as well as an entertainment writer whose work can be seen at Rotten Tomatoes and a number of other sites. Hey, why not follow him at Twitter while you're at it?

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