Boney James –Interview

Feature

By: T. Nicole

SJM: First, Congrats on your 18th CD "Detour."

We look forward in seeing your show at the Hollywood Bowl in a few days.

Boney: ‘ Thank you; it will be a great show.”

Photo: Mia Howard

SJM: How does it feel that your last project "Solid" was #10 on the Billboard 200 POP Chart, not just the Smooth Jazz or contemporary jazz Chart where you have had several #1's?

Boney “A kick! It is a great record and presume it was due to the Facebook live and home performances. So many people where at home and I was able to reach out to my fans. I am very very grateful. 32| SmoothJazz Magazine Let the music take you… Sep/Oct

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SJM: Your first single "Bring It Back" featured Mr. Everything composer, conductor, trumpeter, Dontae Winslow, the single is a mesmerizing blend of sax and trumpet, how did the tune materialize?

Boney: Donte is amazing, I was writing the song and I said to myself “ I needs a trumpet ” on this!

SJM: You have been Grammy nominated 4 times, And you have 5 - times winner Lalah Hathaway as your featured, collaboration on this project, what was it like working with her on the single Coastin’?

Boney: She was a Joy! I have been wanting to work with Lalah for years. I had never met her before, until she came into my studio. We talked and writing lyrics and it worked wonderful.

SJM: What would it mean if you were able to finally hear the iconic phrase And The Winner is..... Boney James?

Boney: It ’s would not Suck! (He laughs) and I have a space for it in my home. Although I am very honored to be nominated for 4 Grammy’s.

SJM: You also have a who's who of other musicians like drummer Omari Williams, His solo's are always amazing during your live shows...

Boney: Yes, he is on the album. Omari is touring with us as well.

SJM: Then you have the ever busy Jairus "J-Mo” Mozee." (Anderson.Paak, Nicki Minaj, Anthony Hamilton) among others.) What was his contribution to the project?

Boney: Yes, he has a single on the album and did some co-production. But, Sep/Oct Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 33

But, he is not on the tour. SJM: To round out the cast, on Keys Tim Carmon, Bass Alex Al, Percussionist Lenny Castro, and Guitarist Big Mike Hart and Paul Jackson Jr., Will most of these guys be on your tour?

Boney: This tour we have Johnathan Richmond on Keys who has worked with many Rock legends , Guitarist Big Mike Hart, who has 4 songs on the album, Omari Williams on Drums. And you know , I have been working with Alex for A long time, over 30 years. He has many projects he is in, and also we have on tour Dwayne “Smitty ” Smith on bass. You will absolutely love him. He is very talented and worked with many artist , like (Anita Baker, Will Downing, Gerald Albright.)

SJM: Speaking of tour, I KNOW YOU HAVE 18 ALBUMS, at what age did you start playing the SAX?

Boney: I started playing the Sax at 10 years old. I also play the Clarinet.

SJM: Over those years, how have you grown?

Boney: I hope I have grown (he Laughs). I still practice all the time to get better.

SJM: This project is re leased on the Concord Record label, how many years have you been with them?

Boney: I signed with them in 2005, and left to Virgin Records and then came back to them.

Photo: Describe The Fauna 34| SmoothJazz Magazine Let the music take you… Sep/Oct

SJM: I know you have your own studio, but Do you keep a collection of your finished manufactured CDs as memories?

Boney: Yes! I refer back to them all the time. If I forget a song, or sound of a musician I want, I will look back at them.

SJM: Online Amazon has Detour, being offered as a vinyl, how significant is that for you?

Boney: You know this will be my first album on Vinyl! I came out in 1992 and that ’s when everything was moving to CD’s. It ’s exciting, I guess Vinyl is popular now, I might have to get record player. (He Laughs)

SJM: When did you start working on your latest album? I am wondering where any of the 10 tracks related to your experience during the lockdown with Covid?

Boney: Actually, I started this Album in December/ January. I could not think in Covid. I was not creative, But when I went to the record label and they said I needed another Album in 8 months. All of a sudden, I became created It was like it was built up and it was just poring out of me.

SJM: During the lock down you went to Facebook to interact with your fans, how was that experience for you? Sep/Oct Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 35

Boney: That was great! Of course It was a terrible time with everyone. For 18 months without playing, I was able to stay connected with my fans and having live music live on face book.

SJM: Lastly, what is the one thing that fans would be surprised to know about you outside of the music career?

Boney: UMMM, I’m not sure. I am a simple guy and my fans know me pretty well. If I’m not practicing, on my downtime I like to read or play word games.

SJM: Thank you for taking the time to sit down with Smooth Jazz Magazine over the years, and again Congratulations on the release of Detour.

Photo: Describe The Fauna