Kenny G has had one of the most eclectic and dominant careers the music business has ever seen. He's maintained a high level of creative excellence through decades of unprecedented commercial success by never allowing himself to stay in one place too long. That reputation for musical curiosity stays well intact on his fourteenth studio album Brazilian Nights, out now via Concord Records."I've been in love with bossa nova my whole life," says the saxophonist in the album's liner notes. "I think the first song that 'won me over' was Cannonball Adderley's version of "Quiet Nights." And more recently I've been listening (non-stop!) to Stan Getz's album called Getz for Lovers. I think I've listened to that record almost every day for the past 5 years and it really was the inspiration in making this album. My goal was not only to make a bossa nova album that pays tribute to the "Masters" who I've been listening to (Cannonball Adderley, Paul Desmond and Stan Getz) but also to write and record original bossa novas that I hope can 'hold their own' in this distinguished company. I humbly say that I feel we've succeeded."
Starting with melodious sounds of "Bossa Antiqua," the ten-song set is a mixture of classics and Kenny G originals. Writing five of the ten tracks with longtime collaborator (and co-producer) Walter Afanasieff, the veteran performer plays alto, tenor and soprano sax and is dazzling on such cuts as "Bossa Réal," (listen below from B&T) the gently pulsating "April Rain," and the relaxed yet dramatic flair of the title cut, "Brazilian Nights."
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