Discover saxophonist Boney James' latest album Slow Burn and his 30-year journey in smooth jazz. Featuring collaborations with October London and Marcus Miller.
Saxophonist Boney James has always described his music as “warm and sincere.” As a four-time Grammy nominee and one of the most recognized names in smooth jazz, his music is beloved by fans for its emotional depth and authenticity. "I’m only trying to make records that I love," says James, referring to his unique sound, which has captivated audiences since his indie solo debut in 1992.
Celebrating 30 years of music excellence, James is still going strong with the release of his 19th studio album, Slow Burn (released October 18 through Concord Records). This milestone album reaffirms James’ ability to stay fresh and relevant while maintaining his signature R&B music and smooth jazz sound.
Exploring Slow Burn: Boney James’ Latest Album
Slow Burn is the follow-up to Boney’s 2022 release, Detour, and it features the sultry Adult R&B hit "All I Want Is You," featuring the rising star October London. With this track already landing at No. 12 on the Adult R&B charts, it’s clear that James’ smooth saxophone blends perfectly with October London’s retro R&B style.
The album also showcases James’ talent for reimagining jazz classics, with beautiful renditions of Herbie Hancock’s "Butterfly" and Stanley Turrentine’s "Sugar." This combination of original work and modern jazz standards gives Slow Burn a unique, timeless appeal.
Collaborations and Influences on Slow Burn
Known for his collaborations, Boney James has teamed up with notable musicians such as bassist Marcus Miller, pianist Cory Henry, and trumpeter Rick Braun for this album. Miller, in particular, adds a deep layer of rhythm to the track “Arcadia,” which is the perfect opener for Slow Burn. Their long-standing collaboration, which began back in 2001 with Boney’s Ride album, has only grown stronger.
James’ choice to feature October London on “All I Want Is You” further solidifies the saxophonist’s connection to R&B music, a genre that’s influenced much of his work. "October’s voice was the perfect match for this song," says James. "We shared a musical sensibility that brought this track to life."
Boney James’ Career Longevity: The Secret Behind His Success
What’s the secret to Boney James’ decades-long success in the music industry? According to James, it’s simple: dedication to his craft. "I pour my whole heart and soul into every project," he explains. His fans continue to appreciate this passion, making James one of the most enduring figures in the smooth jazz scene.
This year, James became the first artist to achieve 20 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay chart, a remarkable feat that came when he collaborated with Big Mike Hart on the track "Cigar Lounge." He also surpassed 1 billion streams on Pandora, demonstrating his ongoing appeal across both traditional and streaming platforms.
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