Boney James Fans Newsletter “2014 year in review “

Boney James Fans
Newsletter
“2014 year in review “
December 2014
Boney’s Note
Hey y’all, what an amazing year! Some of the highlights…..After 10 years we finally
made it back to the UK. Beautiful venues and it was cool to have Oli Silk play with us.
The crowds were off the chain and we had a blast being there (some photos from our
London show are inside.) I was honored to be asked to replace the late, great
George Duke at the Catalina Island Jazztrak Fest. I was also invited to produce two
songs on Al Jarreau’s George Duke tribute album, “My Old Friend” (my first time
producing for someone else.) “The Beat” was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Pop
Instrumental Album Category, a Soul Train Award and an NAACP Image Award. And, in
addition to all that, I’ve had the pleasure of being on the road playing shows for all of
you guys! I am so grateful to be able to do what I love and for all the support that you
have shown the band and me! Wishing you and your families a happy, safe, fun-filled
holiday season! I hope to see ya out there in 2015!
~~ Boney ~~
In This Issue:
Boney’s Note………
1
Boney in the UK
2
Boney Fanz Meet
6
Meet Omari Williams
7
The Fanz Speak
8
The Boneyard
15
Closing
16
Boney James Fans
Page 2
Boney in the UK !!
(United Kingdom)
Checkout pics and comments from some of Boney’s fans over in the UK…...also take a
listen to his radio interview with Jimi King, here: http://youtu.be/3Zkx2JtMOOg
When I heard the news from Jimi King that Boney James was
to play two shows in England I punched the air with delight,
Julie and I made plans to travel to Manchester so we would
see both shows. When the day came I wanted front row in
London, it was first come first served, so I was there two hours
before the doors opened, I was first in line. The show started..
The Total Experience, followed by Nothing but love!!! The
crowd was well up for it, giving Boney (Nothin but Love) The
band was brilliant, Boney bought Omari & Norris with him, this was
a fantastic idea as the two of them were amazing, I can honestly
say this was my favorite musical weekend I have ever had.
Manchester was off the hook too, and Julie came away very happy
as Boney played to her, she got up and got her groove on. This
was a weekend we will never forget, Thanks Boney!
~~ Len and Julie Seward ~~
Boney James Fans
Page 3
Boney in the UK
(cont’d)
I think it was at a Pizza Express Show early in the year that
Jimi King of Sky.FM Smooth Jazz came up to Len and myself
and gave us the news that he had almost certainly booked
Boney for some UK dates in the Spring, this had the result
that Len, beside himself with joy, threatened/promised to kiss
Jimi if it was true! Well, I don't know if the embrace actually
happened, but the shows certainly did! As soon as the tickets
went on sale, the best front row seats were snapped up by
Len for his family & friends, luckily enough, I wasn't far behind
him, on the end of the 2nd row. Our regular venue for the
London SJ Shows is the Pizza Express in Soho, although very intimate, and with a great
atmosphere, it has a very limited capacity, so the show this
time was in Islington, North London at a place called the
Union Chapel. As the name may suggest, it is a working
Church, and community hub, and the concerts they put on
there raise much needed funds for local good causes. The
crowd steadily built up, and we all got chatting, people had
come from distant parts to see the man! We were eventually
allowed in, and dashed for the front and made ourselves at
home. After a while, the band appeared, a couple of familiar faces for the UK Jazzy folks,
were Oli Silk on keys and Orefo Oruwakwe
on bass, Boney brought the rest of the band
over from the States. So, there he was, on
stage, not 10 feet from us but about 4 feet
higher! The Total Experience started the show,
and we were swept away by the sights and
sounds for the next 90 minutes. The songs we
all knew and love kept on coming, the Maestro
dancing, prancing and blowing his various saxes
right in front of us. We savored every song, as
it had been 11 years since his last UK visit, and who knows how long until the next
one! Highlights were hearing After The Rain, my personal favorite, and the amazing
guitar and vocals from Norris Jones, who thrilled and surprised us all! So the encore of
Grazin In The Grass faded away, and we assembled in an upstairs bar awaiting an
audience with the man himself. A large queue formed, (we Brits do that SOOO well!) and
CD's were bought like they were going out of style. I thought it best not to bring my
entire CD collection to be signed, so I restricted myself to two for me and two for my
wife, plus a T Shirt from the 2011 SJ Cruise which I had signed by all the artists on the
boat, except BONEY! He arrived and sat for a long time, signing, chatting and posing for
endless pictures with his fans, he certainly made a lasting impression, and we REALLY
hope we don't have to wait too long for a return visit. It was “The Total Experience”
~~ Steve Stevie (Steve Simmons) ~~
Boney James Fans
Page 4
Boney and his UK Fans
A long wait to see Boney since July 2007 at the Jazz
Cafe....what a fabulous evening we had at Manchester
Dancehouse….there was quite a buzz of anticipation in the
audience... We got seats in the front row. Boney and the
Band gave an awesome performance .... can't wait till the
next time ...
~~ Carol Ann Robertson ~~
The atmosphere was literally electric,
and he did not disappoint, pure genius
and so full of energy, it was very hard
to get an action shot as he didn't
stand still long enough for my
camera. He had the audience right
where he wanted them and my
daughter and I cannot wait for him to
return to the UK. Lovely man so
friendly and such fun. My favorite photos of Boney playing at Union Chapel Islington,
London. ~~ Sarah Honey ~~
“ We were so excited to play
over in the UK…..it had been so
long…...the fans were
incredible “
Boney James Fans
Page 5
Boney and his UK Fans (cont’d)
“ Gratitude “
Boney James Fans
Page 6
Boney Fanz Meet
So much fun meeting up with others that have at least one thing in common…………
the love of Boneys music…Meetups in Florida, Delaware, Cleveland, Atlanta, and
South Carolina (pictured: Rosa, Sonia, Carole, Boney, Gloria, Liz, Leslie, Leigh Ann,
Karen, Debra, Billy, Sandra, Ron, Nydia, Estella, Theresa, Kt, Pamela, Vikki, Cindy,
Wanda, Marcia, Jessilynn, Omari, Ivy, Kim, Liz N., LuRoyal, Smitty, Patsy, Kristine,
Mark)
Boney James Fans
Page 7
Introducing Drummer Extraordinaire
Omari Williams
Omari Williams born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama began
playing the drums at about 3 years of age. At 17, while preparing to
attend his high school graduation ceremony, a friend propositioned
him to play drums “professionally” at a gig in London, which he
accepted. That gig was with American Idol winner Ruben Studdard.
He and Ruben have been friends since their school days. They both
participated in gospel groups in their area, Ruben singing and Omari
playing the drums. Ruben told Omari that when he made it big, he
would call him and call him he did. He toured with Ruben for a time,
having fun and gaining “professional musician” experience. Omari
credits his influences as being Norris Jones (a long time friend and
guitarist currently touring with Boney James) and Kelvin Wooten,
producer and instrumentalist. When asked who he would like to play
with, his response was Michael Jackson, said he would have loved to
have had that gig, he also mentioned Celine Dion, Garth Brooks, and
Maroon 5, too. He said he loves the challenge of playing different
genres of music.
Omari has played with Jessy J, Rick Braun, Brian Simpson,
Jonathan Butler, just to name a few and he’s also played on the
Smooth Jazz Cruises. Omari is a Barber, and it has been said that
he is one of the best Barbers around.
Currently touring with Boney, Omari can be seen
smashing those drums and at times singing a little background
on Boney’s vocal tunes. In the future, he’d like to get into the
production end of the business, hoping to produce some of his own
music. But for now, he says to stay in the game, he must keep his
skills fresh and polished.
He recently signed a one year contract with Avant Artists Talent
Agency for Modeling, Commercial Acting, and Voice Over….
Awesome, Omari…… Congratulations !!
Be sure to stop and say hello to Omari at the shows………..
Boney James Fans
Page 8
The Fans Speak
Every time Boney comes to Buffalo, NY I make sure I buy tickets so that
I'm in Row 10. The reason being is that he always comes off the stage
and dances with the fans. I'm guaranteed a dance as he usually stops at
Row 2, then 5-6 , then bang 10!! I get my dance and then die and go
straight to "Jazz Heaven" LOL !! ~~ Estella Taylor-Greene ~~
Jim and I have really enjoyed all the shows
we saw on the Beat Tour, each one had its
own highlights and flavor. Boney is always
such a wonderful showman. Nothing is
better than seeing Boney and his fantastic
Band live. The energy is always amazing. We
look forward to seeing and meeting new
Boney fans, it is always like a family reunion
Thank you Boney! It always is the"Total Experience"....Love you
and your music!!!!! ~~ Mary and Jim ~~
Boney is
AWESOME!
His music
brings
sunshine to
my day. I
try to see
his concert when he performs
in my state of SC or any state
above, below or to the side! His
music is how I made a new
best friend, Dru. She is my Jazz
partner in crime as we travel
the Boney James Jazz trail! Our
husbands lovingly call us
stalkers as they help finance
our travels. Boney's music
soothes my soul and opens my
world to new friends.
~~ Pat Ballenger ~~
“ I’m grateful
to be able to
do what I
love”
I met Boney twice. Once in Boston
and again in Rhode Island. He was
so nice when I tried to use my old
flip phone to take a picture. I
couldn't figure it out, so he smiled
and waited for my friend to figure
out how to use hers. He was so
gracious…..and what great shows…
Thank you Boney !!
~~ Marie (Patches) O. Rankin ~~
Finally (after 10 years) got my
first Boney dance at the Fraze
Pavilion in Dayton, Ohio this past
August. As all Boney fans know,
this is HUGE to all of us Ladies
that share the love for him & his
FABULOUS music. Thank you
Boney, truly a wonderful memory….
~~ Cindy Ramage ~~
“There’s no agenda…..it’s just music that
came out of me “
Boney James Fans
Page 9
The Fans Speak (Cont’d)
I would love to say
how I have thoroughly
enjoyed seeing Boney
every chance I've had
since the first time in
2010 which was
literally a dream
coming true. He drew
me into the saxophone & got me hooked and it
has been my escape. His music has made me
smile and relax when nothing else was going
right for me in the world. His music and ability
to help everyone unwind from life's stress is
contagious and I can't say enough about what
his music has done to help me & everyone else
everyday and especially when seeing him in
concert! It’s absolutely unbelievable how it can
make you feel! Love it!
Boney James an absolute talent, influence and
genuine personality.
~~ Dru Mahaffey Forrester ~~
It seems each time I
go to a Boney show
it's better than the
last. The energy that
man shows on stage
will always keep me
coming back for that
live groove. Got a
chance to get to the OH, SC, CA and ATL shows
so far this year and share the musical journey
with some good friends, old and new. I will
always support this artist…... Boneyfied!!
~~ Wanda McDuffy ~~
What an incredible year of
shows…… Boney is simply
amazing each and every
time……. Thanks Boney !!
~~ Pat Jefferson ~~
An iconically,
renowned
saxophone artist,
performer. Strong
words, however
deservedly
warranted in my
case. I first saw
Boney in June of 2008 (six days before my
cerebral vascular brain stroke). His music
was a strong influence on my recovery, and I
am very fortunate to have met him
many, many times since that episode. His
music is indefinable; as is his creativity,
direction, and production accomplishments. There are performers and artists,
however, Boney James encompasses both,
and I am so grateful and respectful of what
life has brought me. I am truly appreciative
of everything Boney James represents, he is
one fantastic individual. What a great role
model!! Thank you so much Boney from the
bottom of my heart. Hoping to see you much
over my lifetime, and in conclusion…
“It never gets old” ~ Mark Stevens ~
I was introducing my
friends to my favorite
sax player at his
show…..was yelling
and being a typical
FAN. Boney is so
down-to-earth and
humble you can't
help but love his
music. He has soul in his moves. We had a
ball and my name was all over NYC, folks
talking about how I reacted to Boney. It’s all
good. Boney has a way with that sax that
you have to do something… just can't sit
still!!! I’m excited just writing about my
experience. I’ve seen his show quite a few
times, DC, St. Lucia, World Trade Center,
etc. I’ve been a fan since 1999….
~~ Tommie Grim-Jobe ~~
Boney James Fans
Page 10
The Fans Speak (Cont’d)
My very First Live Concert with Boney James. Jessilynn asked if I
wanted to come to Atlanta where Boney was performing and I said
yes! Nervous but excited, I drove from Tennessee to Atlanta.
Arriving at the outdoor venue were thousands of fans. We found our
table and after the other artists performed, it was time for the main
attraction, the man himself, Boney James. Hearing the sound of
that sax before seeing him come on the stage....I was speechless!
The tone, sound and passion from his fellow musicians showed the passion they all felt
for the music and its creator...art at its highest level. Thank you for sharing your gift!
After the performance, I was encouraged to go to the back and line up for an opportunity
to meet THE Boney James, have him autograph my just purchased CD The Beat (along
with a few I brought with me) and have a photo taken with him. To this day, I look at
the photograph and have no recollection of his hand on my back for the picture. Very
surreal, can't wait for the next opportunity to see him perform live. The Bonettes are
working on me to get tickets for the March cruise...who knows ...early birthday
present to me? ~~ Yvonne Evans ~~
Trying to think of
something new to
write about a
Boney James show,
after all these
years is quite
difficult. Because
there are no other
words to describe
"The Beat" tour
2014 other than fantastic, fun, awesome
and a musical journey. Each show was an
opportunity to visit a new town, enjoy
myself, dance, meet new friends and hang
with old friends. And what is better than
that? So Boney, thank you again for
making 2014 another incredible year!
~~ Rosa M Evora ~~
"I just want to be fresh,
not derivative “
I've seen Boney in
concert many times,
but this year was
definitely my best
because I got to see
him in three shows.
Clearwater,
Jacksonville and
right here in my
current hometown Orlando. Each and
every show was even greater...Boney
exudes smooth jazz and entices us music
lovers with his soulful and innovative
sounds, he and all band members are
simply amazing...there are no words to
describe the Boney experience but believe
me when I tell you, after that last encore
is over you will start planning and
counting down till the next concert. Can't
wait till spring when I get to cruise with
the maestro for a whole week! Yeah,
Boney James music lover, its a beautiful
thing!
Boney James Fans
Page 11
The Fans Speak (Cont’d)
Hi everyone. Hi Boney and Lily! This year we started 2014 with
our Annual Smooth Jazz Cruise. Boney was a Special Event
Guest Host. He was everywhere on the ship. He worked the
crowd on his featured night. I actually thought some guests
were going to pass out when he hit the stage, but everyone
remained conscious. He was on fire and loving the groove. He
and Patches Stewart playing Batucada was AMAZING! Boney
had his annual visit to Sacramento on September 12th and
needless to say, I was in my regular seat. My husband and
myself did the meet and greet with Boney and Mark Antoine. Watching my husband and
Boney greet one another is always magical to me. I hear Boney say "hey Cotton, how are
you" then they do the man hug thing and talk about different things. I had my CD and a
Smooth Jazz News magazine for him to sign which he did. Time for the show. When
Boney hit the stage the crowd went crazy as they always do. He had that crowd in the
palm of his hand and he worked them like a sculptor works clay. I also converted my
good friend and the reason we now live in Napa, Marilyn to a Boney James fan. She was
in a frenzy. She's hooked. Got the chance to meet a few people from “The Boneyard”,
too….A "Boneyized" night was enjoyed by all and I got my Boney fix. Can't wait until
January to start all over again. All of you have a wonderful and blessed holiday season.
I'll be seeing y’all at a Boney Concert if it's in the cards …..
~~ Jimmie Collins Ware (and husband, Cotton) ~~
Boney was in Milwaukee and although I've met him before, my
husband & daughter met him for the first time! This truly was an
awesome experience to see Boney in his element with his
fans....and he was absolutely amazing and welcoming to both of
them! Took me 24 years to get my husband to listen to jazz...but
after seeing Boney in concert, he became a true fan! Boney puts
on an amazing show and.. “it never gets old “
~~ Karen Marzette (husband and daughter)~~
Boney James Fans
Page 12
The Fans Speak (Cont’d)
OBSERVED ACTS OF KINDNESS BY BONEY JAMES: I was on
the Capital Jazz Cruise 3 yrs ago now I think. This was back in
the day when Boney would fly out to meet the ship as
opposed to him staying on the ship for the entire cruise. I was
so excited and just could hardly wait till that last day when I
knew he was going to perform...then I heard he was going to
do the midnight jam session. As usual, I was front row and
when I heard that sax, my heart skipped a beat. He came out
playing then retreated to let others play. At one point when he
was back of the stage, it was obvious to me that he was having a chat about who would
go out front next, I can't remember who it was but the guy motioned for Boney to go,
Boney motioned for him to go, then Boney motioned for both of them to go at the same
time. Yep, I saw it all because my eyes were on my favorite artist. Clearly Boney was the
show stopper, but he showed so much kindness and didn't act "all of that'...which is
exactly what he is. This is but one act of kindness I've witnessed from Boney, there are
so many more. I love this guy and the chills and thrills never stop, no matter how many
times I see him on stage. His interactions with fans is so amazing to me, he truly cares
about his fans. I am so "Boney-ized", yep I am ;)
~~ Jessilynn Butler Taylor ~~
My latest Boney concert was on the 17th of October in
Cranston, RI. I have been to more than 12 shows so far and
never, ever does the Maestro disappoint! The "B" man just
get's “Better With Time." Accolades on his dancing---much
improved over the years. I'm still waiting for my "Total
Experience" with Boney, you know, that point in his concerts
where he comes out to the audience and dances and plays to
someone, giving them a thrill that they will never forget? !!!!!
I'll get mine soon----I hope! In closing, let me say that I love
how he is so gracious with and to his fans, both during and after his shows. Is it any
wonder why this fan adores him so, No, LOVES him so???? One more thing that bears
mention here. When my friends and I were walking back to the car after the show, we
met a lovely elderly woman and chatted with her. She mentioned that this was her FIRST
Boney concert and was so happy to be there. She said the cutest thing, 'His concert made
my YEAR!' Awwww....This brought tears to my eyes. How lovely!"
~~ Kathy Chasteen ~~
"The music I'm making comes with different
elements that need to be experienced, not
pre-judged or categorized “
Boney James Fans
Page 13
The Fans Speak (Cont’d)
I used to make a daily round trip between L.A. County and
Orange County. One day I heard a song on The Wave radio
station that I just liked right away (don’t you love it when
that happens) and the name of it was Metropolis. I often
joked to my friends about going to the ‘thriving Metropolis’
of Anaheim (where I was working), so I always listened for
it, and it eventually became my theme song for the
commute. Boney James is one of the few artists that I know
I can buy his latest work without even listening to it first –
I know it will be good, I know it will be soulful, I know it will
put me in a headspace that’s difficult to describe in it’s beauty and I know it will be
emotional. Boney’s music is full of feeling from beginning to end. Always has been. Such a
gifted artist. LIVE is another story – live is where it goes to another level. As good as the
studio versions of all of his songs sound, live is where it takes flight and takes you with
it. All you can do is hang on and roll with it – it’s an incredibly exhilarating ride. The thing
is, you look around at a live show and everybody is smiling, everybody is having a good
time, everybody is grooving – especially Boney!!! In almost 40 years as a concert goer I
have to say, there is nobody out there who does it like he does. After seeing him for so
many years, I decided this summer would be the Summer Of Boney. I went to Seattle,
Atlanta, Orlando, Galveston, Sacramento, South Carolina & Dayton. I met some AWESOME
people that I will cherish for life (you guys know who you are and you know I love you with
all my heart). I had some blow out parties with some fantastic friends and heard some
indescribable music. And then it happened. I met Boney James. I’d never had the nerve to
meet him before – never went to the signing table, always left and regretted not going –
lol. What a super nice, super gracious, super sweet person. I’m so glad I got the chance to
tell him how much I appreciate his music, how much it means to me and how much of a
soundtrack it’s been for the last 20 years or so of my life. It’s just been a wonderful year,
and it’s all because of Boney James – he really does bring the fun bunch together!
Cheers to you, Maestro! ~~ Karen Hartley ~
From the 1st time I saw Boney in the mid 90's in Indianapolis to
Fraze 2014, he has always given electrifying performances!
Engaging with the audience, showing love for his fans by mixing it
up in the crowd and kidding around with the band all display
Boneys personable spirit. Hands down, he's the coldest in the
game!
~~ Gloria Haynes ~~
“ I love interacting with the crowd “
Boney James Fans
Page 14
The Fans Speak (Cont’d)
I would like to say Boney James is
such an amazing musician! His music
brightens any sour day! I look
forward to meeting more people from
our awesome Boneyard!!
“It Never Gets
Old “
~~ Vikki Chapman ~~
My first Boney James concert was only a few years ago, although I
had waited a long time before that to see him perform. It was a
great night. I had perfect weather, fantastic music and I met a new
friend, Jessilynn, who sat next to me in the first row. A few years
later we reconnected on Boney’s Facebook Fan Page. Boney’s music
has been very healing to me. As a cancer survivor, I listened to his
music while undergoing chemotherapy treatments. It put my mind in
a relaxing and happy place where I could temporarily escape from
my current situation. This is the reason why I chose to see Boney
again at the Low Country Jazz Festival in Charleston, SC. My
husband and I had just dropped our youngest child off at college a
few weeks prior, and we could not think of a better way to spend our first “empty nester”
trip! Much to my surprise (a great one), I met Carole and saw Jessilynn again, along with
several other Boney Facebook Fan Page members. Not only does Boney give an AMAZING
performance, he brings people together in a memorable and positive experience.
Thanks Boney, you’re the best!
~~ Liz Neary ~~
I am definitely one of the biggest fans of Boney James ever!!!!
The chance to meet him last March in Cleveland, was one of the
greatest experiences of my life! I watched Boney give an awesome
concert, but what amazed me most about him was after the
concert. I stood and watched at least 200 people standing in line
for autographs and pictures with him. He was full of gratitude and
appreciation for his fans!!!! Wow! watching I asked him, knowing
he was exhausted... "Boney are you tired?" He just smiled and said,
"a little bit", but he kept signing and taking pictures until the line
was gone and even took pictures with his fan club. And I got mine! :) Boney is an amazing
artist and person. Not many artists take the time.
Thanks Boney! :) ~~ Pamela Cherese Dawkins ~~
Boney James Fans
Page 15
The Boneyard
Lily weighs in about “The Beat” and Boney’s upcoming new music:
At the concerts that I've been to this year, I'm always thrilled to see how much the
fans love Boney! I've watched his performances grow year after year, and you've
all inspired him more than you know. I was so happy that “The Beat” was
nominated for a Grammy and continue to be grateful to still see it on the charts.
I've had a sneak peek at the new album and you're all in for a big treat!
Thanks for your continued support and we wish you all a wonderful holiday season.
~~ Lily ~~ xoxo
Boney James Fans
Page 16
This has been such an incredible year ! “The Beat” tour has been
phenomenal ! We’ve had a blast meeting so many Boney fans,
whom we may have never met, had it not been for Boneys fan
group on Facebook aka “The Boneyard”
Thanks to everyone who took the time to share your Boney show
experience with us in this newsletter, so much fun reading your
comments.
Thanks to Steve Stevie (LMR Radio) for the opportunity to give a
shoutout to our Facebook Fan Group on your UK Radio
Show...that was fun !
And last, but surely not least, thanks Boney for once again giving
us 110% of yourself at the shows and thanks to your awesome
band, Omari, Smitty, Norris and Herman.. And of course, Eric for holding it down..…
You guys are the best !
Looking forward to new music and new shows and hoping to meet even more fans in
2015…...
Happy Holiday season to all of you !
~~ Carole ~~ #TeamBoney
Photo Credits:
We’re on the Web:
www.facebook.com/boneyjamesfans
Len Seward
Ideas ? Email -
Steve Simmons
[email protected]
Sarah Honey
Be sure to check tour dates at:
www.boneyjames.com
Jimi King
Rosa M. Evora
Lily Mariye
Boney on Twitter—
@boneyjames
Boney on FB—
www.facebook.com/boneyjames