Boney James

Boney James, born James Oppenheim on September 1, 1961, in Lowell, Massachusetts, is a celebrated American saxophonist renowned for blending contemporary jazz with soulful R&B, funk, and pop sounds. His musical journey started early in New Rochelle, New York, where he began studying clarinet at age eight, later transitioning to saxophone at ten. His distinctive style and proficiency have positioned him as a formidable figure in the jazz scene.

A Musical Journey

At 15, James moved with his family to Los Angeles, where he embraced the vibrant music scene, joining a fusion band and gaining exposure by opening for acts like Flora Purim and the Yellowjackets. After completing a history degree at UCLA, he pursued music full-time, initially as a keyboardist for Morris Day in 1985. His saxophone careers flourished from there, introducing him to a wider audience.

The Nickname "Boney"

James adopted the moniker "Boney" during a European tour in 1987 with vocalist Randy Crawford. The nickname was given by bassist Sekou Bunch due to James' slender frame at the time, and it stayed as an endearing term that complemented his stage persona.

Career Highlights

• Released his debut album, Trust, in 1992 on Spindletop Records.
• Signed with Warner Brothers in 1994 and achieved multiple RIAA Certified Gold Records.
• Collaborated with Rick Braun on the album Shake it Up in 2000.
• Began co-producing his works, starting with his Grammy-nominated album Pure in 2003.
• Moved to Concord Records in 2006 and has released 18 studio albums, including Detour.

James has not only garnered critical acclaim but has also hit commercial milestones, solidifying his reputation as a top jazz artist:

• Four-time Grammy Award nominee (2001, 2004, 2009, 2014).
• Won the Soul Train Award for Best Jazz Album in 1998.
• Three NAACP Image Award nominations for Best Jazz Album.
• Sold over three million albums, with four RIAA Certified Gold Records.
• Named one of Billboard's Top 3 Contemporary Jazz Artists of the Decade in 2009.

Recent Work

James continues to influence the jazz genre with recent projects such as:

• "Solid" released in June 2020, debuting at #10 on the Billboard Top Albums Chart.
• Released Detour on September 23, 2022.
• His latest album, "Slow Burn," in 2024 featuring collaborations with Marcus Miller, Cory Henry, and October London.

Musical Style and Collaborations

James is celebrated for a "grittier and more muscular" style than typical contemporary jazz artists, influenced heavily by R&B, Motown, and saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr. He has collaborated with a diverse array of artists including:

• Morris Day
• The Isley Brothers
• Bobby Caldwell
• Randy Crawford
• Teena Marie
• Lalah Hathaway
• Raheem DeVaughn
• Faith Evans
• George Benson
• George Duke
• Al Jarreau

His partnerships reflect both his versatility and appeal in the music industry.

Personal Life

James is married to actress and director Lily Mariye, and his artistic contributions extend into film, notably composing an original score for her directorial debut feature film, "Model Minority." This highlights his adaptability and creative spirit beyond traditional jazz venues.

Boney James remains a potent force in the music world, known for his robust blend of genres and influential collaborations that continue to leave a mark in contemporary jazz.

Sources

• https://www.last.fm/music/Boney+James/+wiki
• https://concordjazz.com/collections/boney-james
• https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-12-23-ca-12420-story.html
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boney_James
• https://music.apple.com/bs/artist/boney-james/148602
• https://boneyjames.com
• https://mokbpresents.com/artist/boney-james/
• https://www.discogs.com/artist/282300-Boney-James
• https://www.smoothjazznetwork.com/post/boney-james-behind-the-beats
• https://boneyjames.com/about/