Hear smooth jazz, R&B, and bossa nova on saxophone by Kenny G.
It’s Kenny G, the man known for the timeless appeal of his smooth jazz sound. Hipsters like to denigrate him as the favorite saxophonist of new age aunts, but Kenny G’s popularity transcends demographics. He has sold over 75 million records worldwide, so you know it’s got to be more than just your parents rocking out to his brand of adult contemporary easy-listening.
Kenny G ribbed his own reputation as an icon of smooth jazz kitsch when he appeared as Uncle Kenny in the video for Katy Perry’s “Last Friday Night.” During the chaos of a quintessential 1980s John Hughes movie-style house party, Kenny G appeared on the rooftop wailing on his famous saxophone. In 2015, he dipped into bossa nova beats after being inspired during a tour of Brazil, and the resulting album, Brazilian Nights, saw a whole new side with heavy R&B influences and guest spots by Robin Thicke and Babyface. And now he’ll be at Yoshi’s for a four-day run.
Thursday, May 2, 8 p.m.; Friday, May 3, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.; Saturday, May 4, 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, May 5, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.; $54-$99, Yoshi’s, Jack London Square, 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland, Yoshis.com.