I started writing this post just after pushing the pause button at the 9:36 mark of the newly released HBO Kenny G documentary entitled Listening To Kenny G. At this point of the documentary, after pushing pause, I found myself doubled over in laughter over a segment taken from the SNL news desk, circa the early ’90s, in which Norm McDonald proclaims(in his best Norm voice): “Kenny G has a Xmas album out this year. Happy birthday Jesus, hope you like crap.”

For the past month Alan Light, co-host of Debatable on Volume 106 SiriusXM, has been harping on the Listening To Kenny G documentary. From Alan’s overall description my expectations were quite low going in. That being said, I still couldn’t wait to see the anticipated train wreck. Train wreck? After watching this captivating masterpiece of a documentary nothing could be further from the truth.

Much of the critique that I’ve heard from Alan Light and others revolves around Kenny G’s obsessive-compulsive personality. I personally find Kenny’s odd persona rather endearing to the overall makeup of the documentary. The uber-focus on Kenny G’s early years really helps to propel the storyline. The documentary does an excellent job in detailing Kenny’s effect on the music industry as he grew to define an entire genre – Smooth Jazz. Unfortunately, I was forewarned(spoiler) about the Pat Metheny jazz purist tirade which is perhaps my favorite part of the documentary. While I’ve never really devoted much time to actually listening to Kenny G for an extended period I did see him live in the late ’90s as he opened for Ray Charles the featured act at The Cincinnati Jazz Festival. Before seeing him live I’d bought into the Jazz purist disdain of all things Kenny G. Upon seeing Kenny G throw down live, even I’ve got to admit: this fool can play his ass off.