Boney James

Boney James dislikes labels and refuses any and all of them. “In fact, I have never thought of myself as a ‘jazz’ artist specifically,” he says. Of course, this statement may serve as a source of confusion for the musician’s legion of fans that have scooped up over 3 million copies of his twelve albums (with eight of them going to No. 1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart). It also may seem contradictory to the respected opinions of music critics who consider him one of the most influential jazz artists of his generation. In 2010 Billboard Magazine named him “The No. 3 Top Contemporary Jazz Artist of the Decade.” Even so, Boney James, who has four Gold albums, three Grammy® nominations, a Soul Train Award and an NAACP Award nomination to his credit, says, “I am just a saxophone player whose music has several different influences. Jazz is only one of them.” His newest CD Contact — completely produced, arranged and co-written by James — is driven by the signature soulful grooves the world has come to expect from him, but with an added intensity. “I felt really inspired putting together the arrangements and producing the record,” he says. “There are a lot of things happening right now in modern music. The title, in one sense, refers to me reaching across genres and creating music that I believe is relevant and fresh.” Boney cites legendary producer Quincy Jones as a major inspiration. “I admire him and his ability to make great vocal tunes as well as instrumentals. His genius in combining both inspired me while making this record. I hoped to accomplish a true ‘hybrid’ of sounds.” And although Boney’s music has in the past been categorized by some as “smooth jazz,” with his masterful new CD Contact he refuses to accept any type of labeling. “I always try to make sure my records possess integrity. I make Boney James music. I’m just trying to break down the barriers and make CONTACT.”