Who In The Heck Is..Boney James?

Two years ago I went to the Capital Jazz Fest. As an avid music lover, my love for contemporary jazz was a natural progression. After all, its the first cousin of R&B.

The Jazz fest was great - talent from one performer to the next. Being my first fest, I wasn't really waiting on anyone in particular but all the fest veterans were waiting for Boney James.

James was the last one to hit the stage and when he did the crowd went crazy! And he deserved every bit of their adulation, this man is bad on the saxophone!!

With each CD, Boney James has slowly moved more into R&B or should I say more into the mainstream, period. Maybe to a jazz afficiendo this is akin to a four letter word - but to folks who love music, its all good. It means James will be heard more often over the radio airwaves.

Though James says he did not pre-plan a concept for "Ride," the CD features vocals from Jaheim and Dave Hollister - solidifying its R&B flavor.

The track with Hollister, "Something Inside," is a smooth groove and one of my favorite jams right now.

James protests that he's not actively seeking love from R&B fans. Ultimately its about the music, he's not picky regarding who is feeling it. No matter, because at his core, Boney James is a Jazz artist.

When he starts blowing that sax on cover songs like Janet Jackson's "I Get So Loney," you forget all about the absence of a lead vocalist. His sax playing is powerful and it moves you.

In 2000, James teamed up with Trumpet player, Rick Braun. The resulting CD, "Shake it Up" is one of his best. Only one mind you - because he has a string of successful projects. 1997's "Sweet Thing" went Gold!

What I love most about jazz and Boney James in particular, is the music reminds you why you love music. With Pop and Hip-hop music dominating the airwaves lately, you can easily slip into a teenybopper, hip-hoppin coma.

I enjoy Pop and hip-hop as much as the next guy when I want to get my groove on but after awhile you just click off the radio because your head is pounding from the nonsense. Or from hearing the same songs over and over.

Jazz, on the other hand, is the pure essence of music. One or two instruments taking center stage amidst the harmony of others. It makes you close your eyes, sit back and sigh.

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