Date: 19 Nov 2006 17:50:58
From: slot
Subject: AMG: "refreshingly genteel, surprisingly appealing" Kenny G's Most Romantic Melodies of All Time
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More sad news for the Kenny G haters - another stellar review!
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There are bound to be those who'll simply refuse to give Kenny G.'s
2006 release, I'm in the Mood for Love, half a chance, and it's a
crying shame. Returning to a purely instrumental approach following At
Last...The Duets Album (which featured a great cameo by Chaka Khan),
I'm in the Mood for Love is admittedly a lot like Kenny G.'s other
albums. Like At Last..., this is yet another album's worth of
standards, ranging from torch songs to "Yesterday." And like every
other album Kenny G. has made, it's pop-oriented and ultra-smooth. But
the overall feel of this release is a little brassier and a smidgen
more big band than usual, and it adds up to some sparkling moments. The
title track, "I'm in the Mood for Love," two-steps along with ease,
warmth, and genuine emotion, and it's a real treat to hear Walter
Afanasieff on piano. "The Way You Look Tonight" is refreshingly
genteel, and there's something gratifying in hearing Kenny G. belt out
"Fly Me to the Moon." Naturally, there are a few underwhelming moments
on the album. Kenny G.'s squealing improvisation on "Love Theme from
Romeo and Juliet" is a little over the top, and a few of the
arrangements are forgettable, if not a tad silly (the chimes on "If,"
for example). But when a slinky-sweet number like "It Had to Be You"
comes rolling around, you forget all about it. I'm in the Mood for Love
has some surprisingly appealing moments.
Margaret Reges
All Music Guide
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