May 2013 - Boney James

BONEY JAMES FANS
NEWSLETTER
June 2013
Boney’s Note
Hey everybody! As you all know I released
my new record “The Beat” on April 9 of this year.
I always wanted to do a Latin record
and after playing around with some ideas ,
I discovered that if I combined the Latin with
my R&B groove it would become this whole new
thing, and “The Beat” was formed. I had a blast
putting it all together, working with some wonderful
artists, including my tour band members, Rob Bacon,
Omari Williams, Mark Stephens and Smitty Smith.
The new show has some surprises for you guys ! Of course we play stuff from the
new record, but I also took your ideas and brought out some of your favorites
from the catalog. I am so excited to bring it to ya LIVE !
To those of you that I’ve already seen at the shows, thank you and I hope you
partied as much as we did….and to those of you I haven’t seen yet, looking
forward to seeing you when we come to your town (and please stop over at the
signing table to say hello… :)
As always, thanks for the love and
support! You rock!
Boney
This issue: “The Beat “
“The Beat” CD reviews
2
Concert reviews from around the Web
5
BJ FB Fans Group Concert Reviews
6
Concert Photos
11
The Backyard
13
The Backyard (Closing)
14
BONEY JAMES FANS
Page 2
“”The Beat” CD Reviews
If Boney James’s new album The
Beat was a cake, let me tell you here
and now, it would have the finest
ingredients – jazz, soul R&B and
even a little Latin influence.
“The Beat”- it certainly shows off the
wide variety of Boney James’s talent
and makes for a very interesting
listen..
Credit:SmoothandSoulful.com
Really glad Boney decided to take
his album into this Latin-infused
direction. It's such a refreshing
twist on his music, and seems like
it fits perfectly through most every song. The R&B influence is
still there as well - so I feel Boney
really delivered on a multi dimensional album with a strong
conceptual foundation. The
"Maker of Love" track with
Raheem is worth the price of
admission alone. Highly recommended from a jazz aficionado “
Credit: AngularJazz-Amazon.com
Boney James is definitely on the
beat in this CD release he is
dishing out a wonderful
combination of delightful smooth
jazz, enticing R 'n B and some
latin rhythms. The CD has great
saxophone sound & beats as one
would expect from the talented
Boney James . Maybe Boney will
win his first Grammy with this
CD (excerpts—M. Marimba
Pretoria, South Africa—
Amazon.com
Boney’s first review by “The New York Times !“
BONEY JAMES
“The Beat” (Concord) The
track now at the top of Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Songs
chart is “ Batucada” The Beat
by the saxophonist Boney
James. It’s an instrumental
cover of a Marcos Valle tune,
made famous by its popsamba incarnation at the
hands of Sergio Mendes and
Brasil ’66. There’s barely a
trace of that carbonated flair
in the new version, which
puts Mr. James and the
trumpeter Rick Braun at the
foreground of a groove perhaps best classified as Santa
Barbara Funk. As pop
archaeology it’s hopeless, but
as a performance it’s pretty
sharp. Mr. James is a smoothjazz standard-bearer, one of
the more judicious acts in the
game, and there should be no
surprise in his choice of emphasis. “The Beat,” his
satisfying return to the
Concord label after a brief
stint on Verve Forecast, comes
by its title plainly. It’s a nod to
“Batucada” but also,
more to the point, a vow
of intent. Mr. James
means to toughen up
here, without losing sight
of his principal function.
If that’s a tricky balance
to strike, he doesn’t give
much indication on the
album, which he
produced himself, enlisting first-call session
players like the
percussionist Lenny
Castro and the drummer
Vinnie Colaiuta. A pair of
pocket-funk originals,
“Powerhouse” (written
with Mark Stephens) and
Sunset Boulevard written
with Brandon Coleman),
hold to a template:
airtight drums and
percussion, slippery
electric bass, brooding
keyboards and finally,
a coolheaded melody
articulated on saxophone.
The relaxed charisma of
Mr. James’s tone,
especially on alto and tenor, is one reason this approach works more often
than it doesn’t. Another
reason is his sturdy sense
of phrase. Like Grover
Washington Jr., a pioneer in
this field, he sounds at ease
but alert, and he’s capable
of striking an imploring
tone without an overdose
of saccharine. What works
better by far for Mr. James
here are the earnest ballads
of his own design, like
“You Can Count on Me,”
which eases the album to a
warmly reassuring close.
The message seems to be,
the heart has a beat too. No
point in arguing with that.
(Excerpt from The New
York Times)
“I’ll be sitting in
my studio
practicing and
an idea will pop
into my head, a
little shred of
melody or
rhythm.”
BONEY JAMES FANS
Page 3
“”The Beat” CD Reviews (cont’d)
True enough that James made a name and a substantial living walking
the smooth jazz tightrope that swallowed up some amazing talent and
turned then into musical footnotes which is being kind. Boney James has
survived everything from a serious car crash that almost ended his career
to a rebirth with a new label that is a champion of diversity. The end
result is a unique and infectious hybrid of a smoother contemporary
style that borders on R&B with an infectious Latin vibe tossed in for tons
of flavor. The Beat is arguably James finest work to date. For an artist that
made his name on the smoother side of jazz, James takes a walk on the
wild side. How so? James does an off the charts mash up of
contemporary jazz, R&B, Latin and smoldering underneath is a world
music vibe that is the glue that binds this release together.
From the Stevie Wonder classic, "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing" to the
Latin tip of a Sergio Mendes influence on the title track "The Beat" which
features long time friend and co-music conspirator Rick Braun this
release has an ebb and flow that rivals most straight ahead records and
labels specifically known for this approach. There is the elegant sophistication of Mari's Song to a more foot to the floor approach of groove
infused "Sunset Boulevard." Joining James are vocalist Raheem
DeVaughn and spoken word artist The Floacist.
Not being a critic fond of what are normally predictable to the point of
being lame vocals and spoken word pieces tossed in for dramatic effect,
Boney James who also happened to produce this gem hit all the marks
necessary and gives all music fans in general a little piece of the pie. Not
normally a fan of the smoother side of jazz no matter how it may be
"fixed in the mix" I gotta give James his props. The vibe is real, the
groove infectious and the end result speaks for itself.
Credit: CriticalJazz.com
“I’m just trying to make
records that I love and,
you know, I feel very
passionate about it,”
BONEY JAMES FANS
Page 4
“”The Beat” CD Reviews (cont’d)
“The Beat” (Batucada) has to be my favorite record of all my husband’s
records. I say that about every album, but this time, it’s different...I think
The Beat has a different tone and a different vibe than any of his previous
albums. I think Boney’s right when he says that maybe this record is more
personal than the others because he was between record companies when
he made this one, so he wasn’t trying to please anyone but himself, he had
no deadlines or “drop dates” to worry about.
When we started dating, I was a John Klemmer fan. I don’t know if
“Mari’s Song,” which is named for me (Mari is a family nickname), was
meant to be a tribute to John Klemmer’s style of music, but I certainly hear
Klemmer’s influences in it. Other than the fact that it’s named after me (!),
I think it’s my favorite instrumental on the album. I think “Missing You”
is a Klemmer-sounding song as well.
I also like Buddha Bar style music, and I think “Acalento” (Lullaby) and
“You Can Count On Me” sound a little more World Music than Boney’s
usual grooves. And of course, “The Midas” (This Is Why) is definitely a
World/Buddha Bar type of tune. I think that’s my favorite collaboration
on the record.
I’m always thinking
I’m also a Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66 fan, so I love “Batucada.” The late
Howard Lowell, Boney’s first manager, originally suggested that Boney
and Rick team up, after hearing them jam at a concert together. I heard the
magic that night, too, and always love hearing their horns blending.
about making music
Boney has collaborated with many great R&B artists over the years, but I
think “Maker of Love” with Raheem DeVaughn, is the most distinct and
original R&B songs that Boney has done. It’s one of my favorites.
writing new songs and
All in all, I think Boney has really grown as a musician on this record.
I hope lots more people get to listen to this one ! AND…. I’m clearing some
space on our mantel for some (fingers crossed) awards ! :)
~~ Lily Mariye ~~
and I just love it—it’s
my passion, it’s really
all I think about. It’s
how I’m going to play
better and make better
records and go out
there and play better
shows. I really love it,
it’s my main passion
in life”
BONEY JAMES FANS
Page 5
Fans Concert Reviews from around the Web
Boney James is the Truth;
the whole Truth and
nothing but the Truth.
Absolute amazing
performance; I’ve seen
Boney James is other
music venues however;
when he performs at
Birchmere it seems like he
goes the extra mile.
A great performance
from a fantastic musician
Thanks!
Boney James treated fans
to yet another awesome
performance! He ‘s truly
a great artist and the
manner in which he pulls
the audience into his act
leaves you wondering
when you will get a
chance to see him again.
I strongly urge anyone
who thought about going
to see Boney to do so, you
will not be disappointed.
Pinky19
Ticketmaster.com
Ticketmaster.com
This was a dance-in-yourseat concert ! All the
musicians are extraordinary and Boney is
Mr. Personality. We
loved the selection of
pieces they played, some
old and some new.
Boney James is simply
put THE BEST ! I love the
way he works the crowd.
He has an awesome
personality and the best
band...Big Fan..My
favorite moment is when
he and his drummer go
at it like boxers
awesome !
Ticketmaster.com
Djean1
This was the best jazz
concert I have attended in
a long time! Boney James
is a great talent and
performer who invites the
audience to participate in
his show. He even signed
CD's & allowed photos
after the concert. Love,
love, loved it.
TWLL
Ticketmaster.com
Ticketmaster.com
West53
avpw
Boney James and his
band had terrific
interaction with each
other and the audience.
Nonstop music and each
performer had the
opportunity to be
showcased. The song
selection and variety
simply had something
for everyone.
He’s a unique talent and
definitely connects with
his audience !
An A + performer
JJCM
Ticketmaster.com
lemonman
Boney James was
amazing ! This was my
first time seeing him live
and I must say I was
pleasantly surprised by
his raw talent ! He
brought so much life to
the show and I really had
a great time !
SarasotaShel
Ticketmaster.com
Ticketmaster.com
“I think
evolution is the
right thing. I
definitely try
not to repeat
myself "
BONEY JAMES FANS
Page 6
Concert Reviews from Boney’s FB Fans Group
I haven’t been to a show in over 2 years and for me this was long
overdue! Boney never disappoints, but I was blown away ! WOW!
From songs like Hypnotic, to Ride with Rob Bacon on vocals,
Boneyizm, Into the Blue, etc., it was a musical “eargasm” from
beginning to end...you just don’t want it to ever end :)
The best part for me was that I got to dance with Mr. B …………
I will cherish that memory for a lifetime !!
~~ Joycelyn Cannon ~~
The last time we saw Boney was a couple years ago and that show
was amazing and like no other. We could hardly wait to hear him
again. And now “The Beat” tour..... WOW!!!
Boney and his band blew the roof off the Rail head Casino in Vegas
in early April. The crowd was ecstatic and the magic happened
again, no lack of participation..... we were dancing and cheering
Boney on. The choice of songs and the energy with each one was out
of this world, mixing the new with some familiar classics. The band
is simply "PERFECT"!!!!!! Don't miss this show!!!!!!
Go Boney-Go Boney!!!!!
~~ Mary and Jim, Central Oregon Coast ~~
Hey Boney Lovers :) I traveled to Las Vegas in April to see “our Boney”
and the fellas perform. It was extra exciting because I knew Carole, Patsy
and several other group members would be there and we would be seeing
Boney’s “new show” together! I had an allergic reaction to something I
ate, but chipmunk cheeks and fish lips would not stop me from going to
that show. My husband and my girlfriends convinced me it wasn’t that
bad. Of course, Boney and the guys did not disappoint., from the first note
to the last it was OUTSTANDING ! I was on my feet the entire time
grooving to “The Beat”..Gotta give a shoutout to Lily (Boney’s other half)..
I met her after the show and she is such a sweetheart and very supportive
of her husband. If you haven’t seen the show yet, get your tixs, and make
sure you pick up “The Beat” and get Boney to sign it….both are so worth
it ! Love y’all !
Jimmie Collins-Ware
BONEY JAMES FANS
Page 7
Concert Reviews from Boney’s FB Fans Group (cont’d)
Boney James show was absolutely the best I have ever seen, my God
those guys were on Fiiiiiaaaarrrr! Totally out of this world performance.
Just when I thought it couldn't get any better you and the band were
outstanding. Thank you for an outstanding evening! “BATUCADA”
forever!!!!!!
~~ Gloria O’Toole ~~
The show was an exciting Boney high! We were all so excited in the
audience, we were chanting "Go Boney" before the cue!! "Batucada" is
a great CD….true to one of my favorite musicians saying-"Boney is a
musical genius" ~~ Lory Gardner ~~
The CD is wonderful, seeing
the new show and hearing
the new songs performed
LIVE = AWESOME !!
~~ Pat Jefferson ~~
“ No matter how much
success I’ve had with
sales and Grammy nominations, I still take a
humble approach, with
no expectations for the
latest project.
I
focus on the work itself. I want to give people a great musical experience. “
Boney's music is ever so exciting to listen to. As a sax player
myself, I fully indulge in my mentor's funky grooves and off
the hook saxophone playing. The Beat is currently going into
overdrive inside my iPod. The Beat's always with me. It keeps
me groovin'. My next greatest wish is to see him live. I'm sure
it will be an equally electrifying experience.
~~ Adrian Chia ~~ Boney’s #1 fan in Southeast Asia
BONEY JAMES FANS
Page 8
Concert Reviews from Boney’s FB Fans Group (cont’d)
OMG!! That was amazing!! Boney and local talent Rico who
sang "Maker of Love"! Ripped It! If you have not seen this
show… Get your ticket !
~~ Stacy Rawlinson ~~
Show was spectacular @ Birchmere, Sunday 4/28/13. Can't miss this one !
Probably the best sax/trumpet duo collaboration in today's history!"
Speaking specifically to "Batacuda"
~~ Mark Stevens ~~
“The Beat” is by far one of Boney James’ best work !!!
2013 Jazz Album of the year !!!
~~ Leonard Harris ~~
I have literally gone on a roller coaster ride with Boney's CD. One minute
I'm playing air drums on "Sunset Boulevard" then I'm shaking it up with
"The Midas" and getting emotional with "Missing You” and "Mari's
Song"..This CD has literally spoken to me. It was like I could hear words
forming from Boney's sax ..it freaked me out a little, but I decided to let the
music take my mind on the roller coaster ride of emotions...what a ride!
Something only Boney's music can do. I could go on but I think the true
Boney fans get me :)
~~ Tiffany Butterfly-Straughter ~~
Just wanted to say …. Thanks Mr. Boney James for another
PHENOMENAL CD...Keep on BONEYIZING us... :)
~~ Tina Snipes ~~
BONEY JAMES FANS
Page 9
Concert Reviews from Boney’s FB Fans Group (cont’d)
After seeing and listening to Boney for so many years, what new adjectives can
describe The Beat tour? Well for starters, this is Boney's best CD & show to date!!
Boney & the band have an energy & connection, not only with each other, but with
each note. The combination of the new songs sprinkled with the past, takes the
audience on a funky musical journey!! And with a few surprises along the way!
As Boney's song goes.. It gets “better with time..."
~~ Rosa Evora ~~
First of all, Boney’s “The Beat” CD was awesome from first spin. It was/
is in, constant rotation in my CD players and I just couldn’t and still
can’t get enough, love that CD. When the new tour started, I kept
hearing all of the comments about how awesome the show was.
I couldn’t wait for my Cleveland, OH show. Well needless to say, the
new show was THE BOMB and then some! OMG, it was so much fun
hearing the new set list and hearing Batucada (The Beat) and Sunset
Boulevard live (two of my favs) and the mix up of some of my favorite
oldies. Boney and the band were on fire and I must get to another show
ASAP!! Boney, Boney, Boney!!!!
~~ Wanda McDuffy ~~
The new show is AMAZING !! The CD
is awesome ! “ Maker Of Love” is one
of my favorites !
~~ Anisha Wilson ~~
The Beat tour has been one of my favorite shows, it encompasses the talent
of Boney and the band. My first show was the Seabreeze Jazz Festival in
Panama City, Fl. It was magical, the energy that Boney & the guys put out
there is so powerful that you can't wait to plan your next
trip……….Thanks for “ The Beat " .....much love!
~~ Cindy Ramage ~~
BONEY JAMES FANS
Page 10
Concert Reviews from Boney’s FB Fans Group (cont’d)
Boney James..
You say those two words to anyone who likes contemporary jazz and you’re
guaranteed a big smile in response, especially if someone had seen him live.
Whether in a theater auditorium, on a loaded cruise ship, in a club, or just sitting in
on someone else’s gig, Boney James is a byword for charisma, a uniquely recognized
saxophone sound that’s something between singing and thinking aloud, and boundless energy. “The Beat” tour is quintessential Boney; a blend of energy and melody,
a smile in the making from anyone who finds themselves in the audience. “The Beat”
is a bit of a mellow record, at least in tempo, compared to the others, but “Batucada”
has proved its chops with a lengthy stay as a #1 single, a reunion of James’ signature
almost-singing tenor sax and Rick Braun’s sharp blasts. James, who once said that
he’s an R& B singer in the body of a sax player, never fails to bring aboard a slew of talent from that genre, and this
time, he brought Raheem DeVaughn onboard with “Maker of Love,” which is enjoying success on both the jazz and
R&B charts alike.
Live show, however? I once said that Boney James is the greatest ham of jazz. Right now, remembering the times I’ve
seen him live, from the All-Star Cruise in January 2009—where I met him in person for the first time, to just recently at
BB Kings, I wonder if even that was an understatement. There’s ham, there’s major ham, and there’s Boney James. If
you’re sitting anywhere within reach of an aisle, you’re fair game for him to play right to you, and if you’re dancing
with him as he’s playing, trust me, you will remember it. Play on a table? Backs of chairs? To James, that’s par for the
course. BB King’s back tables became a mini-stage of their own. It’s all infectious. You will get caught up in James’
exuberant showmanship, energy, sound, and all-around fun. Boney James in a live show, and on “The Beat Tour,”
where he pulls out the new material and past favorites alike, is an experience, not a concert, and it’s an experience that
cannot be under-recommended …..
~~ Katherine Gilraine ~~
One of the best smooth jazz shows you will ever see.
~~ Les Brockman ~~
Boney was absolutely AWESOME!!
~~ Michael Anthony Tinerella ~~
What a AWESOME concert....Boney ROCKS!!!!! -
~~ Percy Zabala ~~
Just left CENTER STAGE in Atlanta Georgia, where BONEY
JAMES performed this evening. He did his thing, as he ALWAYS does…
~~ Sharon Dodd~~
it's slammin....especially the cut with Raheem DeVaughn!!!
~~ Tracy Williams ~~
BONEY JAMES FANS
Page 11
Concert Reviews from Boney’s FB Fans Group (cont’d)
"The Beat" is making me crazy! I love this CD to the core and
can't play it enough. I can't wait to see Boney in concert
performing these songs when he comes to my area in October--I hope I can hold up till then. There is something for everyone in
this CD---it just makes one feel good all over. "Maker of Love" is
one of my favorites----RAHEEM kills it!
Thank you, thank you, thank you Mr. Boney James! Well Done!
~~ Kathy Chasteen ~~
Boney and his band stormed the Knight Theater in
North Carolina. "The Beat" is a great CD, one of his best
in my opinion ! The new show, had the folks up out of
their seats, grooving to his new music....he added some
of my old favorites to the show, too. This is our 5th
show with Boney and its always a sellout crowd in the
Carolinas, and this was no exception. So glad I was
able to bring the show to this area….
Thanks Boney !
~~ Tammy Greene ~~
“I am still
enthusiastic writing
and recording new
songs and playing live
shows. None of that
has diminished. I’ve
grown as an artist and
musician and that
passion just doesn’t go
away “
BONEY JAMES FANS
Concert Photos
Page 12
BONEY JAMES FANS
Page 13
The Backyard
“The Beat, ” CD is burning up the charts ! In particular, Boney’s songs “Batucada “
The Beat” with Rick Braun and “Maker of Love” with Raheem DeVaughn !!
“ I’m so proud of
this new record that
I’m going to
dedicate the next 18
months of my life to
getting out there
and letting people
know that it exists
and making some
noise. “
Raheem DeVaughn showed up and showed out
singing the #1 hit “Maker Of Love’” at Boney’s
sold out show in Alexandria, VA, April 28, 2013 at
The Birchmere !!
**surprising and exciting **
“I don’t feel like
I belong to any
certain style of
music. I just try
to do my own
thing and people
respond to it.
It’s really
gratifying. “
BONEYJAMES FANS
The Backyard (Closing)
Sooo, there you have it ! A glimpse of what folks think about the new record
and new show! Huge thanks to everyone for sharing your CD reviews, concert
experience and photos ! It’s so exciting to read. With this record, Boney has taken
it to a whole ’nother level ! For the show, he reached into the “catalog” and
brought out some of our favorites that we’ve been asking for...these favorites,
plus the new songs from “The Beat” makes for an unforgettable Boney show
experience…..
“The Beat” tour continues as more dates are being added. If you haven’t been to the
show yet, be sure to get there when you can. Tour dates are listed on Boney’s
website …. Another Ultimate Boney Experience !
Thanks Boney, you keep giving it to us ... 110% !! “Nothing But Love “ for ya !
Rob, Smitty, Mark, Omari , y’all keep the groove going….Eric, you keep things tight…..
Many thanks….you guys are awesome !! :)
~~ Carole ~~
www.boneyjames.com—Website
Photo Credits:
@boneyjames—Twitter
www.facebook.com/boneyjames— Facebook
Harper Smith Photography
Morris Melvin Photos
Rosa M Evora
Cindy Ramage
Jim Cody
We’re on the Web:
https://www.facebook.com/
groups/boneyjamesfans/
Deborah Lewis
Nanette Fluellen-Troutman
Carole Bo
Steven Lam
Katherine Gilraine
Newsletter ideas ?
E-mail: [email protected]