Kenny G – Rhythm & Romance – Double Vinyl Record

Description

Kenny G – Rhythm & Romance – Double Vinyl Record

Rhythm & Romance brings Kenny G's instantly recognizable saxophone tone into a program shaped by Latin American songs, dance rhythms and instrumental colors. Originally released in 2008, the album was his first for Concord Records and a deliberate departure from the orchestral standards and holiday projects that had occupied much of his preceding decade. Kenny G and Walter Afanasieff produced the sessions, surrounding the soprano saxophone with nylon-string guitar, hand percussion, brass, keyboards and strings. The result remains polished and melodic, but its rhythmic foundation gives the familiar smooth-jazz language a warmer, more animated character.

“Sax-O-Loco” announces that change immediately with a lively groove and a melody built for the saxophone's bright upper register. The title track follows with a more romantic flow, balancing percussion and sustained lines, while “Sabor a Mí” turns to Álvaro Carrillo's enduring bolero. Ramon Stagnaro's guitar is especially important across the record, providing rhythmic detail and an acoustic counterweight to the saxophone. Drummer and percussionist Alex Acuña and a large group of additional percussion players keep the arrangements supple. The music moves cleanly, but the layered rhythms prevent its sheen from becoming static.

“Tango” and “Peruvian Nights” use their geographic and dance references as starting points for original instrumental scenes rather than strict genre exercises. Between them, “Mírame Bailar” features singer Barbara Muñoz, giving the album its first Spanish-language vocal focal point. Kenny G adjusts his role around the voice, answering or framing the melody instead of occupying every available space. That restraint is one of the program's strengths. Even listeners who associate him primarily with long, sustained soprano lines will hear careful attention to ensemble balance, with guitar, piano, bass and percussion often carrying as much descriptive weight as the lead instrument.

The second record begins with “Brasilia” and then revisits another standard, Consuelo Velázquez's “Bésame Mucho.” Its familiar melody suits Kenny G's lyrical phrasing, while “Fiesta Loca” pushes the tempo and rhythmic brightness upward. “Es Hora de Decir” features Mexican pop group Camila, bringing Mario Domm and Samo's vocals into a duet-centered arrangement. “Copa de Amor” and “Salsa Kenny” complete the album by returning to instrumental storytelling. Across the twelve tracks, the balance between original pieces, Latin standards and vocal collaborations keeps the central concept varied rather than relying on one repeated groove.

This Concord vinyl edition spreads the complete album across two LPs, giving the hour-long program more room than a single record could provide. Rhythm & Romance reached the upper portion of the Billboard 200 and continued Kenny G's unusual ability to bring instrumental music to a large popular audience. Its strongest appeal, however, is more specific than chart history: the record documents a veteran player adapting his established sound to different rhythmic traditions and ensemble textures. The melodies remain accessible, but the guitars, percussion and guest voices make this one of the more colorful and rhythmically active entries in his catalog.

Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic

Track Listing

LP 1 – Side A
Sax-O-Loco
Ritmo Y Romance (Rhythm & Romance)
Sabor a Mí

LP 1 – Side B
Tango
Mírame Bailar featuring Barbara Muñoz
Peruvian Nights

LP 2 – Side C
Brasilia
Bésame Mucho
Fiesta Loca

LP 2 – Side D
Es Hora de Decir featuring Camila
Copa de Amor
Salsa Kenny