Nov 17 2014.
views 1577A chat with Kenny G!
The biggest selling instrumental musician of the modern era and one of the best selling artists of all time, Kenny G has sold more than 75 million records worldwide! His latest show in Sri Lanka was held on the 15th of November at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa theatre from 8 pm onwards. Extremely humble and furiously passionate about music, Kenny G is a personality you cannot forget!
These are some of the questions he answered at the press conference.
What do you think of Sri Lanka so far?
It’s great! I got here at 4am. I had a pleasant welcome at the airport. Normally there is only one person at the airport to greet me but today I had about 25 faces to greet me! So far I’ve only seen Sri Lanka from my hotel room window sadly. Hopefully, this will be the first of many more trips in future.
Out of all the instruments, why the saxophone?
I saw someone playing the saxophone on TV and it just happened! I’ve loved it since then! I still practice 3 hours a day. I’ll probably never be a master at it, but I will get better at it.
What are the rewards of being a superstar?
That’s an easy question! I’m intrigued by the saxophone and I love playing it! I’m very lucky I get to do what I love to do! I’ve never had a job in my life! People pay me to play so I keep playing.
What’s your biggest regret in life?
I have no regrets. I’m very lucky to be where I am. If I didn’t do what I did, then I wouldn’t be here in front of you right now! I try not to have regrets, but obviously we’re all human, we do make mistakes. But my mistakes got me here so I’m happy.
Tell us a little bit about your new album.
It’s called Brazilian Nights. It will be released on the 27th of January 2015. It will be mainly Bossa Nova music as I’m a huge fan of it! I listened to the masters of Bossa Nova and created my own music out of it. Usually, when I make an album I picture myself going to a party and wonder what I’d like to hear at that party. Then I make music to suit what I like. I like music that isn’t too soft, and isn’t too hard. Bossa Nova is perfect!
You broke a world record in 1997 for playing the longest note ever recorded on a saxophone (45 minutes). Any plans of attempting to break your own world record?
Not any time soon, but I will break it one day. It’s not hard holding a note for 10 minutes, but 45 minutes is very difficult. Before I did, I will hold it for one hour and break my own record! A lot of physical exertion is needed for this, and for that I need to be well prepared. One day I will be, but not right now.
Any other interests apart from music?
I like to play golf, ski, fly, watch movies, cook and build things. I’m quite a good cook and I cook for my sons all the time. I’m a very curious person and I like playing around with tools. I exercise quite a lot too!
If you could give one piece of advice to budding musicians, what would it be?
Practice! The more you practice, the better you get, the better you get, the luckier you get! Practicing more opens up a lot of opportunities, it’s not a mystery; it’s easy as hard work, dedication and practice!
So what’s next?
Immediately after this show, I have a show in Bangkok. In the big picture, I’m not sure. I have a few shows with orchestras that I do every year. I will be playing in Dallas next year. My life is pretty much the same. I have 2 sons and one of them is going to college next year, I have to figure out what to do after that because at the moment I’m his cook. I arrived a little late to Sri Lanka because I wanted to be with my son as much as I can. Maybe after he leaves home, I can travel more. Maybe I will visit Sri Lanka again and explore the country.
What would you like to be best remembered for?
For my music! I’m lucky my music will be around for a very long time. Hopefully, in 100 years people will still be listening to my music.
By Shenali de Silva
Photos by Samantha Perera
0 Comments
TONY OF SYDNEY says:
Nov 19, 2014 at 12:00 amKenny G has been a great musician and I commend him for his music. I have been listening to him for almost 10 years. Living in Australia I truly believe he is a great musician. In fact I have a couple of his albums at home. So soothing music from the great Kenny G.