Love it or hate it, chances are you’ve run across the music of Kenny G. The musician is out to set the record straight on what everyone thinks they know about the man as well as the songs that define his legacy. HBO’s documentary, “Listening to Kenny G,” dives into the artist’s meteoric rise and subsequent place in jazz. It also tackles criticism that went well past the norm, often venturing into sarcastic digs towards every aspect of his career.
Director Penny Lane comes to the project with an extensive background outside of the music doc. “Listening to Kenny G” represents a departure from her last film “Hail Satan?” and her upcoming documentary “Confessions of a Good Samaritan.” With ‘Samaritan’ Lane is setting off on a journey that focuses on her own concepts of selflessness while dealing with the organ donation process.
The documentary’s official synopsis:
“HBO’s “Listening to Kenny G,” part of the Music Box series, directed by Penny Lane (“Hail Satan?”) and executive produced by Bill Simmons (HBO’s “Andre The Giant,” “Showbiz Kids”) takes a humorous but incisive look at the saxophonist Kenny G, the best-selling instrumental artist of all time, and quite possibly one of the most famous living musicians. “Listening to Kenny G” investigates the artist formerly known as Kenneth Gorelick, unravelling the allure of the man who played jazz so smoothly that a whole new genre formed around him, and questioning fundamental assumptions about art and excellence in the process. In his own words, Kenny G speaks candidly about his musical background, his stringent work ethic, and his controversial standing in the jazz canon.”
A musician’s identity is at the heart of “Listening to Kenny G.” The Music Box documentary premieres on December 2 on HBO and HBO Max. Watch the film’s trailer below.