PURE SOUND - Baltimore Sun

BY RASHOD D. OLLISON
June 19, 2005

Lights low. Candles burning. The wine chills on ice. It is time for love. And all that is needed to complete the mood is the music of Boney James, whose soulful, warmly seductive saxophone style has catapulted him to the top of the smooth jazz genre. His latest album (and ninth release overall) is "Pure," a silky, romantic set enlivened with colorful textures and fine, focused playing from James. It's the first album the widely popular saxophonist produced himself.

"It was something I had done on my Christmas record in '97, but I was [doing] more co-producing," says James, who's calling from his home studio in Los Angeles. The saxophonist plays the Hampton Jazz Festival Friday.

"I became better at it. Producing is a complicated job with a lot involved. But it's a creative job, too. I wondered how pure it could be, which is where the idea for the album came from."

"Pure" doesn't stray too far from the albums James has done before. The grooves are still slick, urban and slightly funky overlaid with subtle percussion, guitars and live bass lines. James improvises enough to keep the music in the true spirit of jazz.

He never falls into the annoying grandstanding of, say, Kenny G. And though his records can be a bit too polished at times, James' playing retains a sense of earthy soulfulness reminiscent of the style that made Grover Washington Jr. famous in the 1970s.

"Pure," guest starring the great Joe Sample, Philly neo-soul wonder Bilal and Detroit singer-songwriter Dwele, is as engagingly straight-forward as smooth jazz gets.

"Paul Brown [James' old producer] was more into that glossy sound of smooth jazz," says the New York-raised artist.

"I was more interested in creating a sound closer to my live sound. And I worked with Serban Ghenea, who has mixed albums by the Neptunes, Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson. So that has something to do with the overall sound of 'Pure.'"

With three gold albums, including 1998's satisfying "Sweet Thing," the man born James Oppenheim in Lowell, Mass., has amassed a solid and loyal following since the release of "Trust," his 1992 debut.

Before becoming a star on the smooth jazz scene, James, a history graduate of UCLA, had established a solid reputation as a skilled session player.

He played the sax, keyboards or flute on records by Randy Crawford, Bobby Caldwell, the Isley Brothers and toured for a while with the dynamic showman Morris Day.

"I grew up listening to what we call smooth jazz today," James says. "There were the Crusaders and there was Earth, Wind & Fire, the Isley Brothers. I think my music is like an extension of all that. I'm bringing my experience in the world to my music and trying to be honest. All the experiences shape who you are as an artist."

As for the undeniable romantic element of his sound, James finds inspiration in his 20-year marriage to actress Lily Mariye, who for seven seasons has played nurse Lily Jarvik on the NBC series "ER."

"I was delivering pizzas when we met, and she was taking tickets at the Comedy Store," James says, chuckling at the memory. "We were both just trying to make it then. I guess we've come a long way."

For James, playing his way brings sunny days

By PAUL SAITOWITZ / The Press-Enterprise

Playboy Jazz Festival
Where: Hollywood Bowl
2301 N. Highland Ave.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 2:30 p.m.
Boney James will play on Saturday only.
Admission: $30 Saturday and $35 Sunday.

Where: Thornton Winery
32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula.
When: Sunday
Admission: SOLD OUT



Boney James couldn't get no satisfaction. After years of working as a sidekick -- playing keyboard -- his inner saxophone player was burning to get out.
He had a pretty good gig. Touring with '80s funkster Morris Day was lucrative, but he had to get out from behind the keys. It took some convincing, but Day eventually gave him the opportunity to blow the horn on stage.
James' groove-heavy playing was such a hit it earned him frequent guest spots with other artists including Sheena Easton, the Isley Brothers and Bobby Caldwell. It was satisfying, but for a guy who refers to the sax as "my voice," it was still not enough. "When I auditioned and got that gig, I was just happy not be delivering pizzas. I was happy to be playing music for a living," James said. "But after a while I was tired of just trying to re-create what I was told to play; I wanted to play music I created." After four years on the road with Day, it was time to go solo.
Thrust into the generally banal genre of elevator-happy smooth jazz, James played a different tune. From his first solo effort, 1992's "Trust," James injected funkiness into his music. Many in the smooth jazz realm come from an academic background with years of classical training, where technicality is often stressed over feeling. James studied history in college and spent his free moments playing in rock and fusion bands. "I consider my time playing with Morris Day to be my music education. That was my funk school," James said.

Eight albums (three of them gold), a Grammy nomination and three straight No. 1 albums on the Contemporary Jazz/Top 40 R&B charts later, the satisfaction of the solo career had long since arrived, but things were beginning to again feel rote. All of James' previous efforts had been helmed by producer Paul Brown, and he felt like the music was calling for change. After building a digital recording studio at his home, he decided it was time to man the boards on his own for album No. 9.

Right at the beginning of the process he also took a heavy emotional jolt with the sudden death of his older brother. "It was a tough time for me, but I was glad that I was able to use the recording process as an outlet for my feelings," James said. "It was nice to be in complete control of things. It was very fulfilling."
The result was "Pure," an album James considers to be the most challenging and emotional of his career. It plays like a jukebox with an eclectic mix of guests playing funk, jazz, R&B and pure pop complete with a few vocal numbers.

"Better With Time," a standout track, is a groove-heavy tune carried by James' note-happy tongue and the soaring vocals of R&B crooner Bilal. "Stone Groove," a song that spent several weeks at the top of smooth jazz radio charts, gets a nice visit from pianist Joe Sample.

"It's turned out really well, and if the record company lets me, I'll keep producing on my own. It's very satisfying," James said.

Finally.

Hi everybody,

I wanted to just take a second and say hi, since I haven't been out on the road recently.
For the last few months I've been out in the studio every day working on a bunch of new songs.(well, almost every day. I promised Lily I'd take at least one day off a week!) "Pure" still feels really new to me, but I've been getting fresh ideas and I have to see where they go.
The band and I are gonna be back out there soon, and we're really looking forward to it.
I also wanted to thank you guys for your support during the grammys. It truly was a lot of fun just being nominated (it must be crazy cool to win!).

Wishing everybody all the best,
Boney

Still Stone Groovin' @ #1

This week "Stone Groove" (featuring Joe Sample) celebrates its fourth consecutive week in the Top Spot Numero Uno at Smooth Jazz Radio
"Stone Groove" is the 2nd straight #1 SJ single from Boney's current album "Pure." (You got your copy yet?)
The 1st SJ single off "Pure" to hit #1 was "Here She Comes"

Boney James Listed Among Nominees for Soul Train Music Award

Boney James has been nominated in the 17th Annual Soul Train Music Awards under "Best R&B / Soul Single" for his performance of "Something Inside" (featuring Dave Hollister). Initial nominees will be pared down to a list of finalists in late January, with the two-hour prime-time television special to be telecast live on Saturday, March 1, 2003 from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Boney is a previous Soul Train Music Award winner for his Sweet Thing album which was honored during 1998's 12th Annual Soul Train Music Awards. Good luck Boney!

Summer Tour Dates Announced!

Check the tour page for new dates click here More dates to follow soon!

LA - TUNE IN TO HEAR BONEY PREMIERE TWO NEW SONGS AND GUEST DJ THIS SUNDAY NIGHT FROM 8-10PM ON 94.7 THE WAVE!

Hey LA, check out Boney this Sunday evening (August 1st) when he spin his faves on 94.7 "The Wave" from 8-10PM.

Boney will debut two new songs from his upcoming "Pure" album (in stores Tuesday) and be spinning tunes from Ronnie Laws, The Crusaders, The Isley Brothers, Quincy Jones, Barry White, Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie and other musical heroes..

Don't miss it!

Boney "Appreciates" great vocal from Debi Nova

With work continuing on his upcoming, as yet untitled, album, Boney was recently joined in the studio by Costa Rican born, LA based songstress Debi Nova. Debi added her soaring lead vocals to the song "Appreciate" which is set to appear on Boney's next studio album. The song was written by Boney, Jon B and Boney's long time keyboardist David Torkonowsky. The young Ms. Nova is quickly making a name for herself having contributed her writing talents and vocals to two of the biggest albums of the last year: Sean Paul's Dutty Rock and Black Eyed Peas Elephunk. Debi's debut solo album is scheduled for release through Warner Bros. in 2004. Boney continues to be hard at work producing, writing and performing (sax, keys, bass and a whole lot more) for the follow-up to his Grammy nominated album Ride. Stay tuned for more details...

Boney Spotlighted on Jazz Nation!

Click here for site.

Boney In Detroit To Record For New Album

Boney was recently in Detroit to record vocals for his upcoming, as yet untitled, next album with Virgin Records recording artist Dwele. The Motor City visit began with Dwele laying down his seductive vocals on the track "Break Of Dawn." On Day Two, Boney joined Dwele, Motown recording artist Kem, and Capitol Records hip hop emcees Slum Village to jam at Kem's birthday bash at downtown Detroit's "Half Past Three" club. Boney is currently hard at work on his next album that is tentatively due to be released in early 2004.

Boney nominated in four categories for the 4th Annual Smooth Jazz Awards!

Boney has again garnered a handful of nominations in this year's 4th Annual Smooth Jazz Awards. You can vote for Boney for Saxophonist of the Year (Category #1), Instrumental Song of the Year (Category #12), Album of the Year (Category #13) and Male Artist of the Year (Category #15).

The Big Ride Continues - Sax Star Boney James Readies "Live 2003" Tour On Heels Of First-Ever Grammy Nom

Sax Star Boney James has announced the first dates of his upcoming "Live 2003" Tour, kicking off in March (click for dates). In addition, he has just been nominated for a 2003 Grammy Award in the Best Pop Instrumental Album category, for his #1 Warner Bros. album Ride. The album has already launched radio smashes in both the Urban AC and Smooth Jazz radio formats. The new single, "Grand Central," has just cracked the Smooth Jazz Top 5 and looks to become Ride's third consecutive #1 single. Boney's last four albums have all been certified GOLD, and Ride will soon join the family. Boney could not be more pleased: "Everything you hear about what an honor it is just to be nominated turns out to be true," says the saxophonist with a degree of wonder. "This is my first time, and when I got the call I was ecstatic. I still am. Win or lose, I'm going to New York with my wife and we're going to celebrate every minute we're there!" The 2003 Grammy Awards take place February 23 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. While in New York for the Grammys, Boney will take part in NARAS' Grammy Fest activities, including the Grammy Foundation's Gibson/Baldwin High School Jazz Ensemble concert, February 21 at 7:00PM (location TBD). In addition, Boney James appears on the Wayne Brady Show this coming Tuesday, February 4 (check local listings) and also on the syndicated game show "The Pyramid starring Donny Osmond" during their upcoming Grammy Week from February 17-21 (check local listings).

Boney To Appear Feb. 17 During Pyramid Grammy Week

Make sure to check out Boney when he appears on Pyramid (formerly The $25,000 Pyramid) hosted by Donny Osmond during their Grammy Week (February 17-21). See Boney as he is paired with contestents trying to win the big prize of $25,000.

RIDE NOMINATED FOR GRAMMY AS BEST POP INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM!

Boney James' album Ride has been nominated as Best Pop Instrumental Album in this year's GRAMMY Awards. The 45th GRAMMY Awards will be held on Feb. 23 at Madison Square Garden, and will be broadcast to almost 2 billion people around the world on CBS from 8-11:30 (ET/PT). Other nominees in this category include Norman Brown, Kirk Whalum, John Tesh & Kenny G. Ride debuted at #1, and is currently #9 (after 62 weeks!), on Billboard's Current Contemporary Jazz Chart. The album also was the #3 Current Contemporary Jazz Album for all of 2002, with Norah Jones & Kenny G finishing #1 & #2 respectively.

Boney performs at Stevie Wonder's "House Full Of Toys"

Boney James has again been honored by being asked to participate in Stevie Wonder's 7th Annual House Full of Toys Benefit Concert. The concert will take place at The Forum in Inglewood on Saturday, December 21st. The show will be hosted by Jamie Foxx and feature, in addition to Boney, Luther Vandross, Sounds Of Blackness, Nelly, Chante Moore, Mary Mary, Wycleff, and of course Stevie Wonder.

BUY PURE NOW! Hear & Order Pure at Amazon.com

To hear streaming audio and order Boney's new album Pure Click here

Boney Is Smooth Jazz Now's "Artist Of The Month"!

Check out Boney's "Artist Of The Month" interview with Smooth Jazz Now

PURE highest Boney album debut EVER!

PURE, Boney's brand new album debuted @ #9 on the R&B album chart and @ #66 on the POP chart - Boney's highest album debut's EVER! If you've bought it already, you know what the BUZZ is about, If not, CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR COPY

The album is the first produced solely by Boney and features brilliant guest appearances by Bilal, Dwele, Joe Sample, Debi Nova and more.

PURE EXCITEMENT AT R&B AND JAZZ FOR BONEY JAMES

Amongst the most respected and best-selling instrumental artists of our time, Boney James continues to consolidate his longstanding reputation as a major force in both the worlds of Contemporary Jazz and R&B with his latest Warner Bros. Records release, Pure.

Powered by vocal and instrumental singles simultaneously rocketing to the top of the R&B and the Contemporary Jazz radio charts, Pure debuted in the Top Ten of not only Billboard’s Top Contemporary Jazz chart (#2 debut), but also of Billboard’s Top R&B and Hip Hop Album chart earning “Hot Shot Debut” status as the highest debuting album of the week at #9.

The debut vocal single “Better With Time,” a testament to lasting love featuring the sanctified vocals of Bilal, was recently the #1 Most Added track at Urban Adult Contemporary radio and this week broke into the Top 15; while at the same time “Here She Comes,” the first instrumental single from Pure, strutted up to #2 at Smooth Jazz radio. Said WWIN Baltimore Program Manager Tim C. Watts: “Boney is a class act all the way, and ‘Better With Time’ is a solid hit with my audience.”

Dwele, one of the guest vocalists on Pure (and one of Entertainment Weekly’s ten artists "on the brink”) explained Boney’s unique success in the disparate worlds of R&B and Contemporary Jazz as follows: “Boney exemplifies the ‘soul’ of jazz. He seamlessly slides from contemporary to classic styles” adding “I’m very proud to be one of the artists he chose to blend with his unique artistry.”

Called “the best kept secret in today’s music scene” by Circuit City buyer Steve Lerner, Boney James has “quietly” released four consecutive GOLD albums (including the Grammy© nominated Best Pop Instrumental Album Ride), been honored with a Soul Train Award, earned a NAACP Image Award nomination, and taken home numerous National Smooth Jazz Awards including “Best Saxophonist” and “Male Artist of the Year.”

Pure builds on the success of 2002’s Ride which, in addition to being nominated for the above mentioned Grammy©, featured two of most played songs of the year at Urban AC radio "Something Inside" (featuring Dave Hollister) and the title track “Ride” (featuring Jaheim); and three #1 Smooth Jazz singles “See What I’m Sayin’?,” “RPM” and “Grand Central.”

With a live show that Radio & Records called “a must see” and Variety said “raised the roof,” Boney James will be playing select concert dates throughout September and October. Upcoming live highlights will include a benefit performance with Seal and Macy Gray for the Orangewood Children’s Foundation at the Anaheim Pond (9/18); a headlining performance at Los Angeles’ Greek Theater (10/10) with Brian McKnight supporting; and a pair of shows with opener Van Hunt at Philadelphia’s Keswick Theater (10/27) and New York’s famed Beacon Theater (10/30).

"Here She Comes" #1!
"Stone Groove" (featuring Joe Sample) single to SJ Radio on November 15, 2004

The first single from "Pure" - "Here She Comes" - was the #1 single on the R&R SJ Radio chart last week! Thanks to radio and all the fans for taking it to the top!

"Stone Groove," the next Smooth Jazz Smash from "Pure," goes to radio on November 15th.
"Stone Groove" features not only Boney's signature horn, but also the playing of piano legend Joe Sample. Make sure to call your local SJ Station and request "Stone Groove"!

Jazziz Review of "Pure"

After working with in-demand producer Paul Brown for most of his successful recording career, multi-reedman/composer Boney James sought a different challenge on his ninth CD for the label: he produced and co-wrote the entire 11-track project himself. His hands-on involvement as producer has resulted in his best and most personal work yet.
Among the seven instrumentals, standouts include the romantic title track, which opens the disc. Here James’ production work shines as the song’s intro possesses haunting, ethereal synthesizers before evolving into flirtatious tenor saxophone riffs. Pianist Morris Pleasure provides a lovely acoustic piano solo that complements James’ gentle reed work. The saxophonist not only plays soprano and tenor but also keyboards throughout the disc.
On the soulful “Stone Groove,” he’s joined by Joe Sample, who’s on hand with a tasty, Latin-laced acoustic piano solo. The gospel and bluesy “You Don’t Have To Go Home” finds him accompanied by the scorching organ work of veteran Billy Preston.
James made a wise production choice to include four strong vocalists on this project, most of whom are notable solo artists. Newcomer and labelmate Debi Nova adds some hip, syncopated work to the gritty groove of “Appreciate.” Philly-based singer Bilal’s throaty tenor sounds a lot like Eric Benet on “Better With Time,” a funky, mid-tempo number that displays the saxman’s prowess as an accompanist. Bay Area-based singer Ledisi provides her bold, sultry approach to “Thinkin’ ’Bout Me,” a tune that has a Sly-Stone-meets-Ohio-Players vibe, and Detroit-based Dwele’s plaintive vocals slice through “Break of Dawn,” a halcyon tune that finds James’ soprano sax soaring above the melody.

— Elizabeth Goodwin  

Tower Pulse Review of "Pure"

Nine albums into his career, Boney James makes a grab for the smooth-jazz crown with PURE, an outing that finds him working with a mix of soul and jazz luminaries.
James ups the stakes by taking over the production reins (in addition to co-writing every song). Still front and center with his beloved tenor saxophone, this Grammy-nominated artist shifts to soprano sax for the harmony-soaked Bilal duet "Better With Time" and the silk sheets-and-champagne slow jam "Break Of Dawn," featuring up-and-coming Detroit crooner Dwele. Debi Nova adds her lovely vocals to the beat-driven "Appreciate," a cut that wouldn't sound out of place on a Toni Braxton or Brandy album.
Instrumentals are still the focus, however, as revealed on the light funk of "Here She Comes" and the snappy "Stone Groove" (featuring Crusaders keyboardist Joe Sample).
Most impressive of all, the languid closing number, "You Don't Have to Go Home," showcases the interplay of Billy Preston's Hammond B-3 lines and Bobby Lyle's subtle piano runs.

Check Out Boney On The Tavis Smiley Radio Show

Click here on the Wednesday, September 15th program to listen to streaming audio from Boney's appearance on the Tavis Smiley Radio Show

November 02, 2004

Hi, just voted today here in L.A. I hope everyone gets out there and lets their voice be heard!
I wanted to drop a note just to say how much I've been enjoying playing the shows for you guys this year. I really appreciate all the support I've gotten from you over the years and I wanna send out a "special thanks" to all my fans.

Peace,
Boney

What's Missing On Your Radio? Boney & Ledisi "Thinkin' 'Bout Me"

Well, it never got released to radio, but you can check out the smokin' hot vocal version of "Thinkin' 'Bout Me" featuring Ledisi here!

Quick Time Player
Windows Media Player (96 Kbps)
Windows Media Player (32 Kbps)
The original version can be found on Boney's current album "Pure"

BONEY JAMES CAPS BANNER YEAR WITH SECOND GRAMMY NOMINATION. JOINS KANYE WEST, USHER, JILL SCOTT, AND EARTH, WIND & FIRE FOR GRAMMY JAM ON DECEMBER 11TH

Boney James, one of the most successful artists in the worlds of Instrumental Pop, Contemporary Jazz and Urban Adult Contemporary music, today earned his second consecutive Grammy nomination for “Best Pop Instrumental Album.” This year’s Grammy nod, for Boney’s new album Pure, caps a year that has seen him continue his reign at the top of Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Albums chart (with the likes of fellow Grammy nominees Norah Jones & Jamie Cullum) and announced his arrival into the Top 10 of Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart when Pure earned “Hot Shot Debut” status as the highest debuting R&B/Hip-Hop album with its #9 bow.
Following four consecutive GOLD albums, Pure marked Boney’s debut as a producer and, more than any of his previous releases, revealed him to be an artist capable of challenging conventions, and creating music that is both innovative and inviting. In an album hailed by Jazziz as his “best and most personal work yet,” Boney’s sax remained the centerpiece; but by co-writing every song, handling a variety of instruments (sax, keyboards, drum programming, key bass, etc.), and choosing innovative voices to realize his vision (Bilal, Dwele and newcomer Debi Nova), James was able to experiment and stretch out musically in the studio in the same freewheeling manner for which his singular live shows have become renowned. Says Boney: “The great joy of Pure was in allowing myself to explore any idea that came into my head. The album reflects more of my true musical sensibility than anything I’ve ever done. To receive a Grammy nomination for what is such a personal statement is truly an honor.”
An additional testament to Boney’s arrival as a producer/performer can be found in another of the albums nominated for a “Best Pop Instrumental Album” Grammy, the Luther Vandross tribute album Forever, For Always, For Luther, which includes two new tracks co-produced, and featuring performances, by James: “Wait For Love” and “My Sensitivity (Gets In The Way).”
Boney will bring the year to a close when he joins fellow Grammy nominees Kanye West, Usher, Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton and Brian McKnight on stage as part of GRAMMY JAM celebrating the music of Earth, Wind & Fire. This “who’s who” of Grammy nominees and the founding members of Earth, Wind & Fire will perform to raise funds to support the Entertainment Industry Foundation's National Arts Education Initiative. The event takes place on December 11th at Los Angeles’ historic Wiltern Theatre. For ticket information, contact 5B Events @ 310.559.9334
Boney’s previous “Best Pop Instrumental Album” Grammy nomination was for the album Ride. Boney is already the winner of a Soul Train Award, a NAACP Image Award nominee, and winner of several Smooth Jazz Awards, including “Best Saxophonist” and “Male Artist Of The Year.”

Dallas Black Live Review, Bass Musical Hall, 11/30/04

What’s cold-blooded mixed with black and white and better than turkey and dressing?  Well, if you guessed a Boney James in concert right before Thanksgiving, you’re absolutely right!
As part of his cross-country whirlwind tour, saxophonist Boney James treated the Metroplex to a pre-Thanksgiving Eve treat when he played at Fort Worth’s magnificent Bass Performance Hall on Wednesday night.
Donned in a classic white shirt, black pants and a black brim hat, Boney took the stage for 90 minutes of pure, smooth jazz, complete with...two fabulous, foot-stomping encores to end the evening!
Click here to read full review