Search - Kenny Garrett :: Simply Said

Simply Said
Kenny Garrett
Simply Said
Genres: Jazz, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (11) - Disc #1

There's no denying that Kenny Garrett is a tremendous saxophonist, whether on alto or the much less manageable sopranino and soprano. But Garrett established this fact long before this odd mix of tunes. His Triology was a ...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Kenny Garrett
Title: Simply Said
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: © Warner Bros. Records Inc., / WEA International
Original Release Date: 6/22/1999
Release Date: 6/22/1999
Genres: Jazz, Pop
Styles: Modern Postbebop, Bebop
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 093624734321

Synopsis

Amazon.com
There's no denying that Kenny Garrett is a tremendous saxophonist, whether on alto or the much less manageable sopranino and soprano. But Garrett established this fact long before this odd mix of tunes. His Triology was a sophisticated, intricate pianoless trio date, and Pursuance was a moving, apt tribute to John Coltrane. So Simply Said isn't about Garrett's talent, and that's too bad. The music's consistently mired in what seems confusion. Does the saxophonist want to be considered an ace smooth-jazzer? Too often, there's only the acoustic band setting--with pianists Shedrick Mitchell or Mulgrew Miller, drummers Chris Dave or Jeff Watts, and even Pat Metheny--to set this apart from synth-enhanced pop jazz. If Garrett envisions this as his smooth jazz record, it's entirely stronger than most music in that genre. But if it's to be considered in light of Garrett's other work, it's a distinct disappointment. The melodies are too simply stated to be memorable, the saxophones too thin and their phrases not even dented with the convolutions Garrett's earlier work hints at. If it's the burning, creative Garrett you're after, this recording is probably going to be a bummer for you. But if you're wondering what this Kenny "G" can add to the smooth mix, then the good truth is Simply Said here. --Andrew Bartlett

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CD Reviews

Deeper than you think
Mark Diamond | Sydney, NSW Australia | 10/09/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)

"Well out here in Australia we really do get to hear great jazz both locally and imported. Which brings us to this odd but largely excellent CD by Kenny Garrett. When I first heard it I thought "Oh God, he's gone jazz-lite!" But further listening revealed this to be far from the case. Those reviews which slate the record on jazz-lite offences are based probably on only one listen. If you give it a fair go then you must conclude that Kenny has tried for something which is pretty difficult in music-make something complex sound simple. And he has mostly succeeded. If you like jazz then this one is worth the effort of repeated listening. Kenny-I get where you're coming from."
A pleasant sound surprise from the REAL Kenny G
Mark Diamond | 08/21/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, like many other people I started out with smooth jazz players like George Howard, Gerald Albright and even Kenny G; later on I woke up and discovered the great music of John Coltrane and Herbie Hancock. Listening to Kenny Garrett's latest offering is like finding the perfect happy medium between the two genres. There is not one track on Simply Said that I don't like. Yes, it is a big departure from what I'm used to hearing from Mr.Garrett, and yes, I have seen him live (something every fan of his should experience atleast once), but if you just take the album for what it is without comparing it to past treasures like Black Hope and Songbook ,you will come to see that this is a strong album on it's own merits! It's a very solid album that's easily accessible to people who only listen to "smooth jazz" and want to venture onto something else but are scared to venture too far. For jazz purists, it's an album that you can listen to that won't insult your love for the music. Simply put, Simply Said is another great album showcasing another side of a great musician!"
Give Kenny a break
floris van straaten | 02/22/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)

"Even though I've enjoyed Kenny Garrett's CDs "Songbook" and "Pursuance," I almost was scared away from this one by the negative reviews here. Happily, I had the opportunity to see Kenny in concert last night, which put my mind at ease. He's lost none of the intensity demonstrated on his earlier work. This CD, which features some lovely melodic playing, merely showcases a different side of his tremendous artistry, and makes me even more eager to see what he's going to do in the future. I'm afraid some of the criticism equating him to the other Kenny G demonstates why many people will always apprehensive about sampling real jazz because of what they perceive as the snobbery of its aficionados. I love Coltrane, Shorter and Rollins as much as anyone, but I don't think it's fair to criticize Kenny's effort here because he doesn't match someone's ideal of the "pure" jazz saxophonist. Jazz should be a big tent. Let's invite people in, instead of scaring them away."