Boney James Fans Newsletter Boney`s Note

Boney James Fans
Newsletter
December 2013
Boney’s Note
Hey everyone, our last show of “The Beat Tour” was in
Reno this year. It's been a blast being out on the road and
bringing the new music to you guys. I'm really proud of
the new album and what's been most exciting is YOUR
positive response to the music. I'm so grateful that you’re
digging it as much as I am. This was a special year, too,
cuz I also co-hosted the Smooth Jazz Cruise West Coast
Edition for the first time, with Brian Culbertson…
we had a blast !! More on that inside!
Thanks again for coming out to party with me and the band, coming over to the
signing table to chat with me and showing us so much love.
New tour dates are coming together, some have been posted and I'll post the rest
as soon as they are confirmed.
I’m looking forward to getting back out on the road with you in 2014!!
Happy Holidays to you and yours !
~~ Boney ~~
Inside this issue:
SJC West Coast Edition
SJC Photos
Dwayne “Smitty” Smith
Fanz Speak
The Backyard
Closing
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 9
Page 10
Boney James Fans
Page 2
Smooth Jazz Cruise 2013 West Coast Edition
I was honored to be invited to Co-Host, along with Brian
Culbertson, the Smooth Jazz Cruise 2013 West Coast
Edition. Although I’ve been on many of these cruises, this
was the first time that I was asked to co-host, and it was
really fun. This was also the first time that the SJC sailed
out of San Diego. We visited Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San
Lucas; I played in the Ping Pong Tournament with Brian
and the cruisers….always loved Ping Pong, hadn’t played in
about 20 years, but I guess like riding a bike, you never
forget.. we had autograph sessions and interviews; I judged
the Cruisers Talent Show, along with Candy Dulfer and the
audience; I hosted the “horns” session, which included
David Sanborn, Rick Braun, Euge Groove, Richard Elliott,
and Candy Dulfer; I conducted a “private” sax lesson; we
had jam sessions, a gospel show with Jonathan Butler and
the last night was very special with tributes to the late
Grover Washington, Jr., David Sanborn and Earl Klugh.
All three were inducted into the Sirius XM Watercolors Jazz
Hall Of Fame. It was a busy and fantastic week! The great
thing about this cruise is that it was very communal, the
feeling of positive energy that you just don’t get when we’re
out there in the real world.
I’m also scheduled for the 2014 and 2015 Smooth Jazz
Cruises. Hope ya come and join me on the ship !
Boney James Fans
Page 3
The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2013 West Coast Edition Photos
Boney James Fans
Page 4
Introducing Dwayne (Smitty) Smith
Dwayne “Smitty” Smith is a multi-talented bassist, writer and
producer. Affectionately known as “Smitty”, he is one of the most
sought after and respected musicians of our day. Smitty was raised
in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and although he has
made his home in Los Angeles, California for the past 25 years, his
style has been and still is distinctively East Coast. Smitty knew
that if music was going to be his life, he had to leave and go where
the opportunities were, so off to Los Angeles he went! He burst
onto the scene and immediately began playing in the local clubs. It
wasn’t long before his gift and unique style was sought after by
local and national artists alike. He began playing with the likes of
George Howard, Gerald Albright, Jeff Lorber, Anita Baker, Teena
Marie, Natalie Cole, Kirk Whalum, Rachelle Ferrell, Tom Jones
and 7 years with the legendary Isley Brothers. He went on to play
on countless recordings with such artist as Will Downing, Ledisi,
Paul Taylor, Maysa, Lalah Hathaway, Najee, Laura Izibor, the
Frankie Beverly “Tribute”, Chante Moore and many others. He
also performed with Stanley Clark on the soundtrack for the hit
movie Holiday. Smitty’s career expanded and he began to play
and collaborate on music for many sitcoms such as Sister Sister,
South Central, Thea and Matt Waters, just to name a few. His
movie credits include “Ali” starring Will Smith. For the past 13
years, Smitty has been the music director for the benefit concert
“Starlight Jazz Serenade”, which supports Hands for Hope, a
non-profit organization committed to free after school programs for
at-risk youth in the North Hollywood area. As a writer, he earned
his first gold record for co-writing “Without A Doubt” on Boney’s
Seduction album. Smitty’s first CD “This Is Me” is an expression
of his heart and personality, putting his bass out front on every
single song on the album. His current CD, “Stories” not only
represents how his music has evolved, but every song has a backstory that chronicles his life and career. “Stories” is for the urban
jazz lover, the smooth jazz lover, the straight ahead jazz lover - it is
for music lovers. Smitty is currently touring with Boney and
usually has his CD’s available after the show. Make sure you stop
over to talk to him, and pick up your copy.
Contacts: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
dwayne.s.smith.12; on the web: ww.dwaynesmittysmith.com
and Reverb Nation: reverbnation.com/dwaynesmittysmith..
His CD’s are available on: iTunes, Amazon.com, CDBaby and
CD Universe.
Boney James Fans
Page 5
The Fans Speak
The Kalamazoo show
was number 5 of 5 for
my Boney trips in 2013.
Each & every one was
memorable, fun & so
exciting. Boney & the
guys put on such a great
show, it never gets old
& I can't wait for next
years tour dates to start planning, I do have the
Cleveland show booked in March. ~ Cindy R. ~
I really enjoyed the beats tour!
I've seen Boney in concert
several times, but this was the
GREATEST because I finally
got a chance to meet him! He
steps on stage and never
disappoints! Thank you Boney
for being such a great person
and sharing your gift!
~~ Khalilah H. ~~
What can I say? Boney James is
simply amazing. I attended his show
in Memphis in October and I fell in
love all over again. He is one of the
best performers I've seen. If you ever
get a chance to see him perform,
I can guarantee you will not be
disappointed. ~~ Chataka R. ~~
My husband and I went
to the Kalamazoo show.
I was super excited; I
took a half day off work
and. boy, It was so
worth it. Boney’s show
was great, heart pumping, dancing in the aisleway party. Then the
fact the he played dead smack in front of me I thought I
would lose it. If you haven't "experienced" (and yes it is
an experience) you are missing out big time.
I love Boney ! ~~ Tiffany B-S ~~
My favorite moment of
"The Beat" tour was when
Boney played "Ride" and
they did the Boney
shuffle. My other favorite
is when Boney held that
one note for over a
minute. Wow! The whole
night was magical, loved
it all!! ~~ Kathy C. ~~
The show was amazing
- no surprise there.
Boney James always
brings it. He performs
with joyful abandon
which is thrilling to
watch. The incredible
display of skill wrapped
in charm makes for an
engaging and entertaining persona. When Boney
moved through the audience, I tried to capture the
moment with my camera when, surprise, he jumped on
the empty seat directly behind me. This was the
perfect photo op except my camera decided not to
work. Nevertheless, at that moment I had a front row
seat and a unique view of the master at work - joy!
Later while waiting in line at the signing table, I could
hear some of the comments; Boney is very thoughtful,
warm and gracious with his fans. I’ve been listening to
his music for nearly 20 years and this was my very first
meeting. The nervous feeling surprised me but that
went away shortly after saying hello. As Boney signed
my CD, I managed a few words and his comments
made it easier. The photo and signed CD were great
mementos to have following an exciting show. Near
closing, I watched as Boney greeted and chatted with
long-time fans. As he departed, he noticed me,
approached and extended his hand. With that parting
gesture, the evening was over all too soon. I’m looking
forward to the next time I can attend a show featuring
the charming, disarming Mr. James.
~~ Ann ~~
Boney James Fans
Page 6
The Fans Speak (cont’d)
If I tell you that we had not heard of Boney until a couple of months ago then you will
no doubt think we have been living under a stone. I wonder whether living in the UK
counts ? well we do and have clearly been deprived. So, we get to go on the Smooth
Jazz Cruise West Coast Edition where one of the hosts is none other than Boney James.
Good job they had a picture of him otherwise we wouldn’t have known who to keep an
eye out for. We met some wonderful people who love Boney a lot and they promised us
that this was one special guy. We didn’t have long to wait as he was performing in
concert on the first evening. This really laid back dude arrived on the stage, wow…..
the way he played the sax, he has to be one of the coolest guys we have ever seen or
heard and we have experienced plenty of sax players in our time. You know that he doesn’t say a lot, he lets the sax do
it for him or extends an occasional arm to the audience. My husband wishes he was as cool as Boney and he loves the
hat, however he realises that in his words “ it would look like a 2 bob lid on a 4 bob box” ( a bob = very old money now
worth 5 pence!) Naturally as soon as we got back we got straight onto the internet to get hold of some Boney to play at
home. So we are well and truly hooked. We hope that one day he will decide to venture over and spread his musical
wonderment across the UK. Until then, we will have to keep hopping across that stretch of water to see him play live
whenever we can. ~~ Alex and Bob L. ~~
I entered the #1 fan contest for the SJC West Coast Edition even though I have always
refused to get on a boat of any size. I never win anything, so needless to say, I was shocked
when I received the email that I won. I have been a fan of Boney's since his first CD in
1992, so this was a dream come true for me. I had no idea what to expect, but it was
amazing!!! Seven days of concerts, Boney being the first night, and I was in heaven! My
fears of being on a boat quickly disappeared! I was like a little kid at Christmas! Yes, it
was that exciting! I would like to thank the man who made this all possible for me.
Boney, thank you once again for giving me this wonderful opportunity, it was a week I will
never forget and I will always treasure !! I learned that you are more than just an amazing
musician, you honestly care about your fans and it definitely showed. I send you “nothing but love” today and
always and wish you only the best. I will always be your #1 fan ! ~~ Karen M ~~
November 9, 2013 I went to the Annual Don Bosco Hall 'GET JAZZY EVENING" in
Deaborn, MI. The evening is a fundraiser for a boys home. Boney posted he would be
performing. I posted the song I wanted to hear and said if he came where we were sitting,
I would dance! JUST TO SEE IF HE REALLY READS HIS TIMELINE!! FANS....HE
READS THEM!!! First I refuse to seat on the end of the row, slim chance he would come
down where we were, even after my girlfriend begged me to change seats! Show
starts..Boney comes out! AMAZING!! Second song is my request, third song he comes to
the end of the stage where we are sitting (row D) where the stairs were. Not enough lights
to see the stairs, he goes all the way to the back of the hall comes back to where we are
sitting and stops! We are shocked and mesmerized! Me, three seats in from the end, did not
move and hurt because someone else took my dance while Boney did his thing!! He played for her for a few seconds,
then back on stage. Just maybe he looked at my face and saw how disappointed I was just maybe! The only thing I
really remember is 10 seconds later he was standing in a chair right in front of me giving us that famous BONEY
SERENADE!! I froze, could not stand up to dance! could not pick-up my phone to take a picture! Could not believe
he found us in a packed house!!! I Lovvvvvve me some "Boney James"!! So Boney, if you are reading this...I will see
you March 27th in Cleveland! All I am asking is for a "picture" and of course my dance! ~~ Pamela C.D. ~~
Boney James Fans
The Fans Speak (cont’d)
The Las Vegas show
in April was simply
AMAZING. To be
there with Carole,
Pat, Jocelyn, Mary
and Jim was great.
The anticipation and
excitement of The
Beat was for a good reason and Boney delivered "in
the way that we have all become accustomed to"
Awesome! I was blessed to see him in October at the
Catalina Jazz Fest. He had just returned from the
SJC 13 West Coast Edition, but he showed the crowd
what he was working with. The Beat Tour has been
an amazing journey. ~~ Jimmie C.W. ~~
I've had the honor
and privilege of
seeing Boney twice
this year, once in
Vegas and the other
in my hometown of
Denver, CO. Each
time I leave in awe,
and completely
mesmerized....it “never gets old”
~~ Joycelynn C ~~
Hey fellow Boney Fans!!!
My last show was in
September in Sacramento,
CA, a venue that I had
been trying to get to for
the last two years. Carole
had told me how
awesome it was. Well the
venue nor Boney did not
disappoint. It was a perfect evening by the lake with a
nice breeze and Boney and the band were on FIRE!!!!
I love the passion this man puts into his shows and
that's why I will continue to show MY support for my
favorite sax guy. Bring on 2014, I will see ya on the
road Boney!! ~~ Wanda M. ~~
Page 7
The Beat tour 2013 was not only
magical but the best tour to
date! This year brought more
new cities to visit, incredible
new friends to meet, new show
arrangements, and new
adventures. After all these
years, Boney, you continue to
impress me each show. Not only
with your musical talent but
more importantly with your
generosity in sharing your time.
It touches my heart watching you interact with
everyone. Til next year. ~~ Rosa E. ~~
When deciding what to
write for the newsletter, my
mind went in at least 10
different directions. I asked
myself; do I write about
how I fell in love with
Boney’s smooth, mellow,
sound, reminiscent of
Grover Washington? Maybe
I should write about how I
love every song he’s ever released or collaborated.
Well I decided I would describe my first “turned
up” “Boney style” experience. I attempted to find
Boney’s SEDUCTION CD and every time I
stopped by the local record shop, it had sold out.
One day I decided to go for a ride in my first
“Boney-mobile”, definition: any convertible, a
convertible 1995 Miata. I figured I would stop by
the shop, in hopes of finding a copy.. got the last
one in stock! I remember loading the CD in the
player, pulling out one of my “Boney” hats, and
dropping the top on the “Boney-mobile” which is
any convertible model. I will never forget that
feeling of Boney exhilaration as I cruised down the
highway, hair blowing in the wind, grooving to
SEDUCTION. From that day forward, I christen
each new “Boney-mobile” with Boney and each
new Boney CD is christened in the “Boney” mobile!
Here’s to you BONEY! ~~ Debra A. ~~
Boney James Fans
Page 8
Words from Lily
I see Boney on the "flip side," after he comes home from The Beat Tour, and I have to say, he has been really happy
with all his shows so far. The fans have really come out for this one and he's enjoying playing this album for everyone.
I know that at first, before everyone heard The Beat, this was all new music, but now that (almost) everyone's had a
chance to listen, I think it's even more exciting for the crowds AND for Boney.
We're so grateful for everyone's continued support and love!
Have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
~~ Lily M. ~~
Boney James Fans
The Backyard
Page 9
Boney’s 2013 Special Appearances
It has been such an honor to be asked to perform at the following special events:

100 Black Men Of America, Inc., conference in New Orleans, LA

World Convention of NA 35 Philadelphia, PA

The Links Benefit Dearborn, MI

Urban League fundraiser Knoxville, TN
*****************************************

Nominated for 2013 Smooth Jazz Award

“Maker Of Love” ft. Raheem DeVaughn
Named Best Jazz Song of the year by Amazon.com
** This just in **
“The Beat” nominated for Grammy
Best Pop Instrumental Album
Congratulations, Boney !
Boney James Fans
Page 10
Closing
The Beat Tour has taken me
to sooo many towns this
year and it has been
absolutely amazing !!
I also had the opportunity to
go on the Smooth Jazz
Cruise West Coast Edition
back in October, which
Boney co-hosted. It was
totally awesome, the best thing ever! At the shows, I
always love watching how people are responding and I must
say that you have received him, the band and “The Beat”
with open arms, and big smiles as you are getting
your“party on.”
Thanks to all of you for sharing your excitement and your
“Boney experience” through your input for this newsletter.
You guys “rock! “
Thanks Boney for always giving us your best at every show,
your graciousness and gratitude as you meet and talk with
your fans and most of all your humility…….
It’s been a good run and I’m excited about 2014.
Happy Holidays everyone !!
~~ Carole ~~
Photo Credits:
Smooth Jazz Cruise
Lisa Taylor
Carole Bo
Smooth Jazz Live (M. Cohen)
Unknown (Lily and Boney)
Unknown (Smitty CD Cover)
Tour Dates:
www.boneyjames.com .
Boney is on FB :
www.facebook.com/boneyjames
Boney’s Fan Group on
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/
boneyjamesfans
Twitter - @boneyjames
Ideas, please email:
[email protected]