Kenny G

There are bound to be those who will simply refuse to give Kenny G's 2006 release, I'm in the Mood for Love, half a chance, and it's a crying shame. Returning to a purely instrumental approach following At Last...The Duets Album (which featured a great cameo by Chaka Khan), I'm in the Mood for Love is admittedly a lot like Kenny G's other albums. Like At Last..., this is yet another album's worth of standards, ranging from torch songs to "Yesterday." And like every other album Kenny G has made, it's pop-oriented and ultra-smooth. But the overall feel of this release is a little brassier and a smidgen more big band than usual, and it adds up to some sparkling moments. The title track, "I'm in the Mood for Love," two-steps along with ease, warmth, and genuine emotion, and it's a real treat to hear Walter Afanasieff on piano. "The Way You Look Tonight" is refreshingly genteel, and there's something gratifying in hearing Kenny G belt out "Fly Me to the Moon." Naturally, there are a few underwhelming moments on the album. Kenny G's squealing improvisation on "Love Theme from 'Romeo and Juliet'" is a little over the top, and a few of the arrangements are forgettable, if not a tad silly (the chimes on "If," for example). But when a slinky-sweet number like "It Had to Be You" comes rolling around, you forget all about it. ~ Margaret Reges, All Music Guide