Id say that his playing and sound is pretty damn similar to Coltranes. Kenny G doesnt remind me of anybody when i hear him. Actually, just saw him last night. hes giving away free sopranos in a promo event. I didnt win..... and on the college thing- In my opinion, formal schooling in jazz is useful to a point; but by the time someone hit college, it becomes detrimental. Virtually everyone new, that has gone through a college, is extremely technical during improv. I dont hear any melodic-ness (cant think of the actual word) to their playing. Is it a good technical solo? yes. Does the average listener want to listen to or for that matter understand those technicalities? no, no they dont. I think for jazz to make a comeback, people have got to improv in a much more melodic state of mind.

i believe what you are is how you will play. I don't think you can learn or be taught to sound like somebody, but who YOU sound like can be enhanced by realizing where your sound came from, what you were or are infulenced by and what ablities you have. not everyone has the dexterity to play like bird, or the passion coltrane got when he was high, you can't learn that. what you can learn is tunes, i agree with cuber 100% and i was told once many years ago by Mr. Phil Woods " learn to play some melodies and you will be fine". you have to know the songs the standards and people need to be able to reconize them, whether you are technically correct or not, in order for them to appreciate them. have a nice nite.