EconTalk Penny Lane on Loving and Loathing Kenny G
Jan 24, 2022
Penny Lane, a documentary filmmaker celebrated for her HBO project "Listening to Kenny G," engages in a fascinating discussion about the saxophonist's polarizing legacy. She explores how Kenny G's music evokes strong emotions, from love to disdain, and examines his cultural impact, particularly in places like China. The conversation also delves into art appreciation's subjective nature, contrasting the artistic merit of accessibility versus discomfort. Lane reflects on the complexities of presenting Kenny's multifaceted personality, revealing the artist's journey through vulnerability and criticism.
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Going Home in China
- Kenny G's "Going Home" is played in China to signal closing time.
- It's looped for extended periods in malls, schools, and even punk clubs.
Critical Disdain for Kenny G
- Critics dislike Kenny G despite his popularity and dedicated practice.
- This contrast highlights the disconnect between popular and critical taste.
Hegel's Influence on Art Criticism
- Critics, influenced by Hegel, often value art that disturbs or challenges.
- Kenny G's music, being pleasant and easily enjoyable, is therefore deemed a failure by this standard.
