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The Jazz In You

© Paula Chase-Hyman

As Hip-Hop and R&B merge more and more, its hard to remember that samples and synthesizers aren't the only way to make music. So as a reminder, this two part feature will focus on two of jazz's hottest artists, sax men - Boney James and Mike Phillips.

Inside of every R&B music lover is a jazz fan dying to get out. Jazz is the essence of music, so how can you not like the instruments that sets the mood, tone and scene for strong vocals?

You're fooling yourself if you think a good song is made by vocals alone. I've heard a few of today's artists sing acapella...and it ain't all good!

Besides, any R&B artist worth their weight in CDs has fused jazz into their work at some point and those at the top of their game do it regularly.

Anita Baker is the best at this - she backs her vocals with a jazz band, and is one of the few artists who has truly timeless music.

Like Anita, many vocalists will record with jazz artists periodically, just to keep their game tight. And thankfully, its happening more and more lately.

Boney James and Mike Phillips are proof that the worlds of R&B and Contemporary Jazz are colliding more frequently and the collision has produced some of today's phattest tracks.

Part one of this feature highlights Boney's new CD, Ride. But check out part two later on this month, where I'll feature an interview with Mike Phillips and get the scoop right from the artist's mouth.

"Ride"

The saxophone produces a very sensual sound. The music flows from it like water, cascading over your ear drums like a gentle rain. It can also whip you into a dance frenzy as you try to capture some of its energy. Perhaps because it can take you to such extremes, Boney chose to title his latest and eighth CD, "Ride."

A one time keyboardist and sax player for Morris Day and the Time - Boney's style is a mixture of funk and R&B, always topped off with a silky, often sultry, smooth finish. "Ride" is a mixed bag of Boney's best.

Four tracks, including the title track, feature vocals. "Something Inside" with Dave Hollister on lead mouth, is a classic ballad. Boney infiltrates the song in a hide and seek style - popping in and out of the vocals along the way, setting a sorrowful tone for Hollister's pleading.