The relaxed poetry coupled with effervescing rhythms that
flows from his music also filters through a conversation with jazz great Boney
James.
Due for a repeat area visit at the upcoming Holiday Jazz
Fest occurring November 28, James is a content man.
Blessed with the triple gifts of songwriting, producing and
the ability to play a number of instruments including the alto, tenor and
soprano saxophones the Grammy nominated artist has been able to make a living
for three decades.
It is the latter that he describes as the fun part. The two
remaining might be the most time laborious, but as he acknowledges they allow
the headliner role to be possible.
Becoming an acclaimed superstar was not the goal when he
began as a keyboardist during the mid 80’s to Morris Day. He was living his lifelong dream of making a
living with his music. During the four-year gig with Day he switched from
percussion instrument to a woodwind, and simultaneously altered his sound,
career path and eventually his name.
After bemoaning a severe lack of food due to inconsistent
funds made as a sideman, another musician advised he could end up bony.
The moniker stuck as the young musician’s foray into
R&B/hip hop infused urban jazz began to grow in stature.
In 1992 his first album Trust was produced
independently and within two years Warner Brothers had him signed to a major
label.
The limelight has not dimmed, but even into his second
decade of stardom James admits to still remaining grateful each time he walks
onto a stage to play. Whether in a venue like the cavernous Hollywood Bowl or
an intimate showroom his concert style never falters. As one reviewer once noted he approaches the
audience with the attitude of daring them not to be happy during his show.
It is an analysis the man who has worked with Stevie Wonder
and George Benson agrees with.
“People have paid good money to see me,” he says. “I want them to have the best time.”
In a day where the music business is in constant flux from
the demise of record stores to the ever-increasing ways the public can purchase
it, James admits to being sad at the lack of multiple track albums.
He calls it limiting – the dearth of “B” side songs.
Often in the past he notes these songs rarely, if ever,
given airplay simply needed time to speak to the listener.
Rather than lament the loss he instead focuses on the
strongest constant in the music world.
People’s hearts have not changed and they still enjoy hearing good
music. James’ fans will be happy to he
is in the midst of writing music for an upcoming CD.
His most recent DC, this year’s Send One Your Love
caused a seductive sensation armed with his own compositions in addition to Barry White’s I'm Gonna Love
You Just a Little More Baby.
When
asked if he felt responsible for the untold number of children conceived to his
smooth stylings he quickly laughs and admits the freedom with which people can
offer embarrassing details of their personal lives.
To
experience the same starry-eyed feelings, as do millions around the world,
James claims immunity to the romance of his own playing.
What is sensitive is his carefully crafted gift to choose
the type of saxophone that brings a complete depth of soul to a composition.
“As soon as I pick up a horn I listen for what sings the best.”
Varying rhythms of life surround Boney James whose music
mirrors the man.
