Hey everyone…..
 
I’m the worst when it comes to blogging…..I’ll tell you why..I spend 3 hours a day practicing my saxophone and so when I sit down at the computer….I feel like I don’t have enough time to blog, or I feel like I’d rather be playing my horn…but I’m going to get better at it so hopefully, you will all so more blogs and pictures and videos etc……

OK….well…we had a great tour of europe. Played a great gig at the Royal Albert Hall in London…so much fun. And we played great that night. It was one of those great nights when all the notes I wanted to hit…I hit…etc….and the crowd was magic and the venue was magic…..everything was wonderful and I can’t wait to play that gig again. I think we are trying for early 2010. We also played Scotland, Bulgaria, Poland, Turkey, and Romania….it was really fun and even though the traveling was a bit hectic….still fun. A couple of nights we had to go to the airport after the gig….get on a charter that barely held all of us and our equipment and fly at 1am from Romania to Bulgaria to Turkey. The pilots were Swedish …..crazy life eh??? I’m a pilot and I asked these guys about a million questions before I got on the plane. All was fine except when we landed in Turkey, we had a flat tire ……not life threatening …..just bumpy when we taxied to the gate!!!

OK….there are some questions I need to answer….
 

Q-I d like to know when you are coming to Beijing.your fans in Beijing are looking forward to seeing you now!!!
and’..I have a dream of being a great sax player like you,but I donnot know how i can do it,you know some great sax players are really incredible ,but they are not so popular as you,could you please give me some advise about how to be a great sax player like you??
 
A-Well…..I don’t know how to answer ….except to say that I just practiced a lot because I love the sax. So if you love it,
keep playing and things will work out.
 

Q-Hi kenny!! My name´s Débora . I play the tenor saxophone but I want to buy the soprano saxophone because it´s so sweet and I love listening your music. I´m 25 years old and I´ve listened your music when I was child (about 8 years old)How can I buy your saxophone? Because there isn´t in Argentina. Please I will waiting for your answer, sorry for my English I´m study yet.
God bless you so much
Deby
 
A- just email Rheuben Allen at rheuben@rheubenallen.com he is my partner in the sax business….
 

Q-Hi there, kabuki here, from Malaysia. Nice to know u there. I just wanner to conform weather there is one of your’s album call love ballet? because there were shops in Malaysia sold it. it come with a CD and VCD. They say it was a limited album. therefore i need your recommendation and hopefully you will reply me as soon as possible.

A- I don’t know about this CD….it may be a bootleg…..

 
Q-When are you coming back to baltimore?
 
A- Not sure!!
 

Q-I read in the blog that many of the songs for Skate for the Heart are on this CD. But, I am not sure I can identify which piece is the closing number in that skating program. I would like to know the name of it and if it is available on CD or sheet music.

Wonderful program !!
 
Ron
 
A- the song is called Salsa Kenny and it is on my Rhythm and Romance Album
 
 
Q-Hi, would you mind if I ask you what resonators you use for your alto, tenor, soprano? ( the disk in the middle of each pads)
 
A- on the tenor it is metal and on the soprano and alto…..plastic…..I think!!
 

Q- What kind of Sax do you use?
 
A- I play an old selmer. But the saxes that I have created are new versions of this horn. They play great and I recommend them highly.
 

2. Q-Will you be performing in Israel in the near future?
 
A-maybe in 2010
 

3. Q-I notice that you have perfect tone which can only come as a result of perfect breathing techniques etc..
that must mean you sing well too. In Actuality, do you sing/do you enjoy singing? will you be putting out an album soon and with your own singing?
 
A-No way
 

4. Q-How many years/How many hours a day do you practice to get such a sound for ex: how long did it take you to master Circular breathing (which by the way is awesome)
 
A-I practice 3 hours a day now….but have probably put in 50,000 hours ….it takes years to get really good at anything….no short cuts…but it’s fun if you love it!!!
 

Q-Anyway, love your WKGS except for one thing! They don’t play enough Kenny G! Can you fix that? Also, I saw mentioned here a new DVD, but can’t find it in your store. Any update??
 
A - my latest cd Rhythm and Romance is there at the website….autographed too!!!
 
 
Q-A local guitarist plays a BEAUTIFUL song that he says you wrote called “For Laura”, which he adapted to his own guitar stylings. It’s the sweetest piece I’ve heard in a long time. Did you write it? If so, where is your rendition? I can’t find it anywhere in your discography. Thanks so much for your response.

Anne
New Haven CT
 
A- I don’t know anything about this…
 

Q- You have recorded all genres of music with all kinds of artists like the standards, smooth jazz stuff and even with EWF My question is would you consider bringing back some funk in a new recording or a funk/R & B style beat but with some real drums like your live record but more vocals?
 
A- my next CD will be an R and B CD……glad you like that idea!!
 

Q-Do you mind if i ask you what was your 1st saxophone when you were a beginner? can you tell me the model,what company it came from, type?
 
A- Buffet Crampon Alto.
 

Q- Is it possible to purchase a DVD of the Skate for Heart that Kenny G performed on for NBC in February? It was awesome!
 
A- I don’t think so
 
 
Q- About your sax, could you confirm me that you play with a Selmer Mark VI Soprano, Alto and Tenor Saxophones, as it is said on Wikipedia website ? Can I also get your advise about the choice for my sax : do you think it is better to buy a silver, a gold or a lacquer finition, in order to get a sound very closed to yours.
 
A- all true. The closest saxes to my sound are the ones I make. The Kenny G saxes are really great. If I do say so myself.
 

Q-what model of ligature do you use with your different sax ; BG, ROVNER or other ?
 
A- Rovner…yes I use that
 

Q-I have been enjoying your Ultimate Kenny G CD. I was wondering if I could use Track 15 “The Champion’s Theme” for a graduaation slide show for my 8th grade students at the end of this semmester?
 
A- Sure go ahead.
 

Q-when is the video of the Rhythm and Romance concert coming out? I saw the concert in Orlando and it was GREAT. Also watched it on HDNET. Thanks
 
A- very shortly…within a couple of weeks!!
 

Q- How do you play the soprano sax for such a long time with out getting your bottom lip worn out by the teeth marks? I have been working on trying to get rid of that by pushing the sax harder up towards the top of my teeth and also tensing up by my lower lip, but after like 3 hours or so I start to develop those annoying marks on the lower lip and I cant seem to find out how to get rid of that so I can play longer and more often. It also seems like I only do this with the soprano sax rather then the alto. When I play the alto this doesn’t happen to me, only on the soprano. So could you help me with this little problem?
 
A- good question…..it’s just the way it is. I think it is because the soprano mouthpiece is smaller. But after 3 hours….I
get the same as you….so don’t stress…..I’ve done this for 40 years….and my lips get worn out after playing for 3-5
hours….no worries…..
 

Q-Is there an official fanclub address of Kenny G where you can write (fan)letters to (by mail)?
 
A- No…just do what you are doing…..I look at most stuff if I have the time.
 

Q-I saw you perform in Melbourne, Australia many years ago and I was wondering if there was any chance that you would be planning a series of concerts Down Under in the future?

A-No plans yet….it’s a long way to go..money is tight….you get the picture…let’s hope we can make all that work out sometime, because I love it down there and I can’t wait to come back.
 
 
Hey everyone…thanks for all the questions…..well….my fingers are tired so I’ll say good bye for now….
 
KG

Hi Everyone….. Another week just went by. Whew!! So much fun though……I was up at the ATT Pebble Beach National Pro-Am golf tournament. I must say that it is about the most fun an amateur golfer can have! I got to play 3 competitive rounds of golf with a PGA Pro- I played with Bob Estes…and he came in 4th place at the tournament. Congrats Bob!! He was just incredible to play with. I’ve been pretty lucky in the fact that I’ve played with some very amazing golfers….Tiger Woods, Phil Michelson, Arnold Palmer etc….but I haven’t seen anyone hit the ball like it was going to go into the hole every time like Bob Estes. Each shot was so perfect!! Wow….so impressive. If his putter was even a little bit warmer….he would have won the tournament by 5 shots!! Bob and I have the same golf coach….Craig Koy….and he was up there too. Each night after the round, I would work with Craig on the range until dark! That’s how I became a zero handicap by the way!! One night, we were working at the range at Pebble Beach and Ray Romano came up and wanted to see what we were doing…how cool is that…and then Craig proceeded to help Ray with his swing for an hour…..pretty cool stuff. I know Ray from golf. In fact on the Wednesday night, a bunch of us performed for free for the volunteers that work the tournament…..there are about 800 of them and each year we give them a Wednesday night show, hosted by Clint Eastwood!! Isn’t that about the coolest thing ever?? So…Pat Green sang, I played, Michael Bolton sang, Tom Dreeson told jokes, Clay Walker sang, Huey Lewis did a great blues song, Ray Romano and Kevin James did a very funny routine!! So much fun….OK….so that’s just a little bit of what happened this week…….

So…the best thing was that I made the cut!!!! Wow…top 25 amateur teams make the cut and at a zero handicap ….that’s a tall order…but we played great and I made a bunch of birdies and so did Bob..and we never made a bogey on the same hole!! Unfortunately, the 4th day got rained out…so I never got a chance to actually win the tournament…but making the cut is really amazing and I feel proud of my game last weekend.

OK…time for Q and A

Q-Any chance of a DVD of the UK tour?

A-I don’t think we will make a DVD of this tour.

Q-I use the Dukoff D8 and its socket is a little small. What can I do?

A- I really don’t know what to say…the Dukoff D8 is what I use….and I don’t see any way to change the shape of a mouthpiece.

Q-What kind of mic / system do you use to amplify your soprano and your tenor? Are they different for each instrument you play? Do you think the mic makes a big difference in the tonal and dynamic reproduction of your performance?

A- I use AKG microphone. Yes the mic makes a big difference….find the one that suits you!!

Q-Could you suggest a wedding song, mother and son song and a father and daughter song?? Also one more HUGE favor, my son’s hair is just like yours maybe even more curly. He wears it in a ponytail, but it still looks untamed. Could you please tell me what you use to keep your hair so well kept?

A-My song called the Wedding song is a beautiful one for anyone. As far as the hair goes….just tell him to use any kind of after conditioning cream that you leave in the hair. Just a little bit goes a long way…just comb it into the hair with your fingers and it should keep things from looking too wild…..Hair questions are so funny to me…but I like them!!!

Q-How do I purchase a copy of the music from Amway Skate for the Heart which aired on February 7, 2009 on NBC? Can I buy the CD via your store?

A-Yes you can go to my store and get the Rhythm and Romance record. Most of the songs are on that record…..

Q-The beautiful song that was played by Kenny G at opening ceremonies for the 2009 World Special Olympics. Is it possible to get a copy to listen to. It was absolutely incredible.

A-I haven’t released that song yet….maybe someday…so glad you liked it.

Q-Could someone please tell me the name of the piece Kenny G played at the end of the show when all the skaters came out for their bows? If it is on an album could I get the name of that also? The name was not announced or showed on the screen. It was, in a word, AWESOME.

A- it’s a song called “Salsa kenny” …it’s on my Rhythm and Romance CD available at my store.

Q-Hi Kenny I’m a budding soprano player and I have all of your songbooks to play with. Love them. I’m stumped though, I would love to have a Copy of your rendition of “Jasmine Flower” it’s not in any of your books though. How can I get sheet music?

A-wow…that’s a song that I did for a bonus song on an asian release of one of my past records….I’m sure the sheet music doesn’t exist…..sorry about that…..it’s pretty simple….maybe you can get someone to write it out. I wish I had time, but I’m super busy and really don’t have time to write out all the notes……

Well…..I had a really fun week of golf….now back to music…lot’s of practicing this week….and I am going to start working on my new CD with my friend Walter….who I work with on all my music…we are going to come up with a great concept and start it!! This is the exciting time…when I don’t know how it will all turn out, but I have confidence that it will…….talk to you later.

KG

HI everyone,

I am getting all your emails via my online store. I’m new at blogging so I hope you will all forgive me if this doesn’t feel like a “normal” blog. I’m sure that I’m going to get better at it the more that I do it! Like anything else right? So I’m going to start by answering some of the emails that you have sent and then see what happens. If you want to email in a question send it to info@KennyGStore.com

Q- I would like to know if you do posters for your shows?

A- I don’t do posters for my shows. I do CD’s and T-shirts at the moment. I’m going to start having my saxophones at my shows for 2009. I’m really excited about this. I’ve finally created my own saxophone line and they are wonderful horns. I think these are going to be very well received by both students and professionals.

Q-Hi! I attended the concert in San Diego, which was filmed for an HD Net concert. The concert is scheduled to be broadcast 12/21, but it is not carried by my cable provider, nor is it available for purchase on Amazon. How can I purchase this DVD?

A- I’m just tweaking the final cut of this DVD. And I’ll be finished this week so yes it is going to be available at my shows and also at the store. So check back in a couple weeks or so and I am very proud of this DVD. It’s coming out great.

There was a question about pictures and a tour book. I’m planning on doing a tour book at some point but it really is not a priority. It just seems like a lot of work and I’m so busy these days with all the concert dates, and practicing everyday and I have to figure out what my next CD is going to be …so I am only capable of so many “creative” projects at one time…but I love tour books…so let’s see how this year goes.

There was a question about selling instruments at my online store. My saxophones will be for sale in the next couple of weeks at the store….so yes..this will happen. I’m not sure about selling other instruments, but I do think that is a good idea…I’m going to look into that….but since I don’t make other instruments, I’ll have to find other instruments that I feel are up to my standards and feature them. GREAT IDEA!!! Thanks for the suggestion.

Q-WE WENT TO THE Kenny G concert in san diego ca. They mentioned something about a Kenny G christmas video,my wife would like to know when is it due to release?

A- well….it’s really part of the whole concert DVD that we filmed that night. We did a few xmas songs so that when the season comes next year, we can feature a Christmas section in the DVD. That won’t happen until next X-mas.

Q-Do you ship to Europe? If so, how much do I pay for shipment on top of purchase?

A- I’m sure that my store does ship to anywhere. Not sure the charge for this, but if you order something, I’m sure that you will find out!! Hopefully it is not too much.  Note from the store:  Yes, we ship worldwide and cost is based on the items you select.  You can see the shipping charges in the cart.  Depending on what you purchase and where it is going there may be duties due upon receipt.  We have already shipped to Japan and Russia.

Q-I want to get kennyg saxphone How can I get that in Japan?

A-We sell saxophones all over the world. Here is how to get one. You can wait until they are featured at my store and then order that way. Also, you can email my partner in the sax business. His name is Rheuben Allen. His email is rheuben@rheubenallen.com.  Note from the store:  We are currently working with Rheuben to get these added to the store as soon as possible.

Q-I don’t know if you will get this email but I don’t know anyway to contact you. I was at the Dec16th show in Baltimore. It was great. My wife and I are still in shock, we are the couple that won the sax at the concert. Just last night at dinner she was talking to me about her day and started to cry about how wonderful It was to have one. As I told you she has loved you since before we were married and she wanted you to play at our wedding 18years ago. She had to settle for me. I bought a sax and took lessens and played for her at our wedding. Then the babies came and we have twins(boy and girl) 8yrs old now but we play your music every night for them to sleep to ever since they came home as new born. So to win the sax and have you play for us was so unbelievable we will never forget it. I asked the video people at the show to send us a copy of the tape of us and you playing. I gave them all my info. This will be a cherished item for generations in our family. I will leave my info so you have it. You have no idea how you have touched our lives forever. We thank you so much. I wish you and your family a HAPPY HOLIDAY AND A GREAT NEW YEAR.

A-I remember that show. So much fun and I’m so glad you got the sax. I really don’t know if we can find that footage from that show. Let me ask my video guy about that. I won’t promise that we can get it to you…but I’ll try. In fact…I just emailed my guy and will see what I can do. So Please keep in touch with me via this online store and blog and let’s see if I can get this footage to you.

Q-do you mind if i ask you what mouthpiece you use and are you doing any concerts in england soon. I have a baritone, alto, tenor, soprano love them all do you play the baritone?

A-I use a Dukoff mouthpiece on my soprano, a Beechler on the Alto, and a Ria on the Tenor. I don’t play the Alto. I am going to be in England after not being there for over 12 years. I’ll be there at the end of April this year. Just go to my website to get the dates and cities…..can’t wait to get there…it’s been way to long for sure.

Q-Are you coming to the Washington DC area anytime in soon? I would love to see you in concert I just can’t get out west. Also do you play a Miami Fl. Dukoff D8 or one of the new ones? Thanks,LARRY pS. You are the reason I play the sax!!

A-We aren’t coming to DC anytime soon. We just played in Baltimore about a month ago so it could be a while. I’m not sure what a Miami Fl. Dukoff D8 is but I do play a Dukoff D8…it’s an old one so it may be the same thing as the one you are asking about. Good luck with the sax….that’s cool that you play because of my music!!

OK…well that covers the questions…..so let’s see what’s going on. Well…the weather in LA is awesome this morning……gorgeous! And as usual, I’m up pretty early and usually I’m practicing my saxophone…..but this morning I thought…OK..I can’t wait any longer…I’m going to write my first blog. So here I am with the morning news on typing away. I’m a pretty fast typist…well I’m pretty good with my fingers!!!  I’ll get to my practicing after I finish the blog.

I’ve been pretty busy during the last few months. December was crazy with lots of gigs on the east coast during the big snowstorm. Wow…it was crazy trying to get from city to city…but we made it to every gig, even though we almost missed the show we had in New Jersey because we came from Buffalo NY….just when the big storm hit. January was less hectic but it’s flying by and I just finished a weekend in Vegas at the Orleans hotel. It was a blast…so much fun to play in Vegas and we will be back in July at the same hotel for another weekend. Can’t wait. Also…I’ve been producing a couple of artists for the first time. One is my bass player Vail Johnson who just finished a record of Beatles songs… all played on the bass…it sounds great so please check it out when you hear about it. I’m trying to get his music on the smooth jazz stations across the country so keep your fingers crossed. He worked really hard on it and he is an incredible bass player… so good luck Vail. Also I’m working with a trumpet player from Atlanta named Joe Gransden. He is a great player and his music is coming out great. I did a duet with him on the Eric Clapton song… Tears in Heaven. It’s coming out great and I’m sure you will hear this on the radio sometime by June….. So producing other artists is something new to me…it’s a lot of responsibility and I am hoping that I can help these artists in their careers. Wow…. never thought I would be in a position to be responsible of some one else’s career.  And as far as I am concerned… I have to start another CD right away….I was thinking of dong a CD of all Oscar winning film scores. And then writing one new song for a current film …so that the whole CD will about film music. Good idea?? Not sure….. I’ve got the London Symphony Orch on hold for April to record on this with me….. let me know your thoughts on this.

OK….that’s pretty good for my first blog right?? Oh ….I should tell you that I’m getting very excited about the upcoming ATT Pebble Beach Pro-Am that’s coming up the week of Feb 9. Can’t wait to get up to Pebble and tee it up with the pros. I think I’m playing with Bob Estes. I used to play with KJ Choi. He is a great guy. Super famous in Korea…my music is very popular there so we were a great team. I also played one year with Phil Michelson…we tied for first place that year!!! So I have the famous Pebble Beach Crystal trophy here at the house….what a memory…anyway…I’m probably gong to hit a few balls today to see if I can come up with a swing for the tournament.

Keep in touch everyone….this is fun.

Kenny G