It’s not news to anyone that Kenny G’s last few recordings have been, to be kind, less than stellar; this all changes with the release of Rhythm & Romance. In this outing the biggest-selling instrumental musician of all time leaves the security of hit-maker Clive Davis and Arista Records to follow his own muse. Abandoning the smooth jazz cover-tune formula, this album is not only all-Latin but also captures the excitement of the concert experience by having the tunes all cut live in the studio. The result is a truly hot disc even straight-ahead jazz lovers can respect. 

With heavy-hitters like Fourplay bassist Nathan East, Weather Report drummer Alex Acuna and percussion superstar Paulinho da Costa as members of the band, the recording has an authentic clave. The tunes feature Kenny’s trademark sweet melodic writing style as well as a return to the true spirit of jazz by including a number of long and burning improvised solos.