★★★★★
On his 14th album, Boney James demonstrates how working within a familiar range need not be limiting. He doesn't deviate much from the R&B-inflected; saxophone sound that made him one of smooth jazz's most popular artists, but he places it in a variety of settings both classic and contemporary. James opens with a cover of Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing," slowing the original's Latin rhythm slightly to an easy groove, his soprano saxophone fluttering gracefully around the...
- jazztimes.com
2013-07-05
★★★★★
Consistency is a quality that Boney James knows a lot about. The Grammy-nominated saxophonist has been melding influences of soul into a smooth-jazz soundscape for the past 20 years. In the process, he's scored top-ten albums on both the R&B and contemporary jazz charts...
- www.soultracks.com
2013-04-01
★★★★★
Saxophonist Boney James returns with his first CD of all-new music since 2006's Shine. James has always leaned toward the R&B; side of instrumental music, and he's cleverly expanded his base by inviting new and seasoned vocalists to his projects. Contact continues that formula. The vocal tracks here are what his fans have come to expect: groove-filled ballads with soulful, heartfelt lyrics and singing. You won't find John Mayer or Rob Thomas doubling down with James--not his style...
- jazztimes.com
2011-06-13
★★★★★
No text for this review; see http://robertchristgau.com/xg/bk-cg90/grades-90s.php.
- www.robertchristgau.com
2009-07-10
★★★★★
Since 1992 Boney James has hit the Jazz music scene with hit after astonishing hit. Boney has definitely made his mark on Contemporary Jazz history. For example, with his 1995 release, "Seduction", he broke all records on the R & R NAC music charts by holding the #1 slot for 17 consecutive weeks. Boney's latest release "Sweet Thing" is just what the name states, a sweet thing. The Sweet Thing single "Nothin' But Love" has also been #1 and holding for the past four weeks on the NAC charts...
- www.jazzreview.com
2009-06-08
★★★★★
Boney's done it again! He's hit another home run with his new CD, Ride, which is as silkiest and most soulful yet. Saxophonist Boney James has always considered himself as more an R&B; than Jazz artist, but since his voice comes through his saxophone it's pegged as a jazz. This new CD may have just crossed him over the top. It's a lot funkier than even his previous CD collaboration with Rick Braun "Shake It Up". That was his third straight gold album and it is deserved...
- www.jazzreview.com
2009-06-08
★★★★★
New York native Boney James is one of the most versatile instrumentalists on the contemporary jazz scene. After his 2000 collaboration "Shake It Up" with Rick Braun comes his eighth album "Ride"."Ride" is simply different from James' previous collaborations in that the 10-track album produces a more urban flavor--namely R&B.; James solicited the assistance of friends Jaheim, Dave Hollister, Angie Stone and Trinia Broussard to produce one of the most memorable albums yet...
- www.jazzreview.com
2009-06-08
★★★★★
Anyone with any knowledge of saxophonist Boney James will immediately recognized the fact that he is the ultimate funkateer. His urban-influenced smooth jazz is cool, energetic and fully loaded with rich R&B induced grooves. For more than a decade, Boney has set about the business of putting a multi-faceted array of musical styles back into jazz...
- www.jazzreview.com
2009-06-08
★★★★★
Smooth jazz has always been partially fueled by recording artists covering classic, timeless songs while putting their own style, heart and soul into the arrangements. Boney James has long been one of the shining lights of the contemporary/urban/smooth jazz scene. In the past he has added his special spice to respectfully cover songs that have become staples in his live performance set list...
- www.jazzreview.com
2009-06-07
Loading...
