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Crescendo
Matt Catingub
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Kenny G plays Latin rhythms with Pops
Fresh from the February release of his CD "Rhythm & Romance," saxophonist Kenny G heads for Honolulu for two nights with our Honolulu Symphony Pops. This is a first for Kenny and the Pops -- and the earliest chance local folks have to enjoy live the Latin-inspired sounds Kenny introduces in his new CD.
Kenny G
With the Honolulu Symphony Pops
» In concert: 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday
» Place: Blaisdell Concert Hall
» Tickets: $29 to $94, available at Ticketmaster outlets
» Call: 792-2000 or visit www.honolulusymphony.com
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Across the country, Kenny G -- that's G for Gorelick -- is practically a household name, an incredible achievement for an instrumentalist. With global sales totaling more than 75 million albums -- including 45 million albums sold in the United States -- it's more than fair to say that Kenny is the world's most famous soprano saxophonist.
His fans know and love him for a signature sound that's relaxing, sentimental and entertaining. The saxophone takes center stage to become star of the show. This is music that takes you to another place -- a romantic evening, dancing with friends or a peaceful walk.
Radio listeners will remember Kenny's biggest hits, like the Top 5 smash "Songbird"; his renditions of pop classics including Gershwin's "Summertime"; plus his trio of chart-topping holiday CDs.
Kenny is bringing new material to Honolulu. Together with our Pops orchestra, he's set to surprise us all. We'll blend Kenny's signature style with Latin sounds, romantic melodies and the vivid energy of our Symphony Pops.
Concertgoers can look forward to such classics as "Besame Mucho" and "Sabor a Mi" -- songs infused with jazz and Latin rhythm but also with an undeniable pop appeal.
Longtime Kenny G fans won't be disappointed, either -- we've got an incredible lineup, with songs like Kenny's Grammy Award-winning "Forever in Love" and, of course, "Silhouette."
Golfers should also keep an eye out for Kenny on the greens: His plus-0.6 handicap earned him Golf Digest magazine's No. 1 ranking of the "Top 100 in Music" in 2006. You can bet that he won't be able to resist Oahu's breathtaking -- and demanding -- courses.
Joining me in the first half of our concerts will be Hawaii jazzmen Bruce Hamada and Jim Howard. Having established themselves as two of the most accomplished local jazz musicians, it's time for them to join the Pops in a set ranging from the standard to the contemporary, backed by new arrangements written, as always, especially for this concert by yours truly.
Matt Catingub conducts the Honolulu Symphony Pops. "Crescendo" appears prior to each concert of the season to illuminate works to be performed. E-mail
suggestions@honolulusymphony.com.