Newark, N.J.-The coziness of the NJPAC’S serene Victoria Theater was the perfect setting for the silky sounds of Thursday evening’s enchanting musical guest, the ever so debonair Boney James.
This quintessential four-time Grammy Award, two-time NAACP Image Award nominee and Soul Train Award winner has been gracing the Jazz circuit for over forty years, sharing his impeccable gift with some of the greatest names in the industry.
Mentored by one of the founders of smooth Jazz, the late Grover Washington Jr., James built his exquisite repertoire touring with legends like The Isley Brothers, Randy Crawford, Teena Marie, Bobby Caldwell, Morris Day and countless others branding his wholesomeness.
Yet, he interblends his contemporary flare that reverberates his music so flawlessly one can’t help not to get caught up in his rapture. Collaborating with some of biggest names in old school & today’s R&B-Philip Bailey, George Benson, the late Al Jarreau, Faith Evans, Anthony Hamilton, Stokley Williams, and Kenny Latimore, this stroke of genius is a gratifying work of art.
From the moment he took center stage, fans were swayed in melodic bliss grooving to the sweet jazzy funk vibes of “Up All Night” “Solid” and “Nothin’ But Love” warming up his intro swag to the grown and sexy crowd.
The sultriness of his saxophone tone glided effortlessly like a floating cloud on “Let It Go” and “Full Effect” while sensuously marinating to “Lights Down Low” off his third studio album masterpiece Seduction, inflicting exactly that to his admirers.
The smooth operator continued his melodious love affair on “After The Rain” and “Be Here” featuring Kenny Latimore off his 2020 seventh release Solid, debuting number 10 on Billboard’s Top Albums Chart with help from his dynamic keyboardist Jonathan Richmond on vocals percolating the audience.
Before lacing his suave signature on “Butter” and Jahiem duet “Ride” closing the intimate scene in posh style, Boney and his fantastic assemble paid tributes to his influencer pioneer Grover Washington Jr, on “Mr. Magic”, Sergio Mendes’s “Batucada (The Beat)”, Luther Vandross’s “Creepin”, Bill Wither’s “Ain’t No Sunshine”, and Chaka Khan’s “Sweet Thing” bringing down the house in true funk flavor.
This seasoned musician’s refined sound is like no other, readily engaging you to a soothing comfort zone of endless musical elation.
Visit: boneyjames.com for upcoming tour dates.
