The Moment (1996)
Although The Moment followed four years after Kenny G’s blockbuster Breathless, the saxophonist didn’t change his approach at all during his time off. Kenny G remains a sweet, melodic instrumentalist, who works entirely in lush, slick adult contemporary pop settings. His playing has improved somewhat in those four years — he soars and dives with effortless skill, and his vibrato remains fleet and elegant — yet after The Moment is finished, you wish that he had tried some new musical territories. That said, it is true that The Moment ranks second to only Breathless in terms of sheer consistency in Kenny G’s catalog, thanks to the sustained vision of producer Babyface. Of particular note are the two vocal collaborations (Babyface’s “Everytime I Close My Eyes,” Toni Braxton’s “That Somebody Was You”), which are the best duets to yet appear on any of Kenny G’s records. (Thom Owens, AMG)
Tracks:
1. The Moment
2. Passages
3. Havana
4. Always
5. That Somebody Was You
6. The Champion’s Theme
7. Eastside Jam
8. Moonlight
9. Gettin’ on the Step
10. Every Time I Close My Eyes
11. Northern Lights
12. Innocence
**Listen**
Kenny G – The Moment (1996)
Julio 30, 2009 a 10:48 pm (Smooth Jazz)
Grover Washington Jr. – Winelight (1980)
Julio 30, 2009 a 2:25 pm (Jazz, Soul)
Winelight (1980)
Grover Washington, Jr., has long been one of the leaders in what could be called rhythm & jazz, essentially R&B-influenced jazz. Winelight is one of his finest albums, and not primarily because of the Bill Withers hit “Just the Two of Us.” It is the five instrumentals that find Washington (on soprano, alto, and tenor) really stretching out. If he had been only interested in sales, Washington’s solos could have been half as long and he would have stuck closely to the melody. Instead he really pushes himself on some of these selections, particularly the title cut. A memorable set of high-quality and danceable soul-jazz. (Scott Yanow, AMG)
Tracks:
1. Winelight
2. Let It Flow (For Dr. J)
3. In The Name Of Love
4. Take Me There
5. Just The Two Of Us
6. Make Me A Memory (Sad Samba)
**Listen**
