KENNY G “Breathless” Arista * 1/2Since...

KENNY G “Breathless” Arista * 1/2

Since Kenny G became a big star with his “Duotones” album in 1986, hard-core jazz fans have dismissed his melodic, soft-jazz instrumentals as pabulum. But the word around the jazz community this year was that this album would establish the saxophonist as a real musician .

Well, jazz fans, this is not that breakthrough album.

Kenny G has played it safe again, taking a strictly commercial route. On this mostly instrumental collection of romantic ballads and mid-tempo tunes, the accent is on simple melodies and light, uncomplicated rhythms. G’s syrupy sweet soprano sax tone dominates, and there’s nothing even approaching intriguing improvisation. Two ballads featuring singers--on “By the Time This Night Is Over” with Peabo Bryson and “Even If My Heart Would Break” with Aaron Neville--are as bland as everything else.

Pop-jazz instrumentals can be pleasant and interesting if you’re in the mood for soothing music. They can boast variety and even be somewhat challenging. Within the narrow limits of this genre it’s possible to come up with much better music than this.