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Boney James: The Beat

By Jeff Winbush
May 2, 2013
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In the crowded field of 50,000 smooth jazz saxophones, only a handful are blessed with a distinctive sound of their own and if Boney James isn't first in his class he should be high on the list. James can play with both raw power and gentle, soulful restraint. There's more restraint than power on The Beat, the 14th album by the New York-born saxophonist, but James has always opted for underplaying a bit than roof-raising soloing.

James' background in soul music playing keyboards and sax for Morris Day, the Isley Brothers, and

Bobby Caldwell

vocals
1951 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Bobby Caldwell has weighed heavily in his fondness for R'n'B and hip-hop, but The Beat drops a few hints of his love of Latin rhythms as well best evidenced in a laconic version of

Stevie Wonder

vocals
b.1950

" data-original-title="" title="">Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry About A Thing" and on the boppish "Batucada (The Beat)" where James works out with his frequent collaborator, trumpeter

Rick Braun

trumpet
b.1955

" data-original-title="" title="">Rick Braun. Though they won't remind anyone of

Miles Davis

trumpet
1926 - 1991

" data-original-title="" title="">Miles Davis and

John Coltrane

saxophone
1926 - 1967

" data-original-title="" title="">John Coltrane, the James and Braun pairings tend to bring out the most purely "jazz" moments in each other.

It wouldn't be a Boney James record without a few guest vocalists dropping by and The Beat is no exception with three; "Missing You" featuring guitarist Jarius Mozee and Abi Mancha's nicely understated whisper, "Maker of Love" gives Raheem DeVaughn an opportunity to give praise to an attractive lady's attributes, and Natalie "The Floacist" Stewart gives the gents equal time on "The Midas (This Is Why)."

If you aren't already a member of Team Boney, The Beat may not be the release to get you to sign up. For the faithful who helped propel the album to the top of the charts James remains a formidable force in contemporary jazz, standing at the top and giving his competition an even steeper hill to climb.

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Track Listing

Don��t You Worry About A Thing; Sunset Boulevard; Missing You; Batucada (The Beat); Maker of Love; Mari��s Song; Powerhouse; The Midas (This Is Why); Acalento (Lullaby); You Can Count On Me

Personnel

Boney James

saxophone

Boney James: soprano, tenor and alto saxophone, flute, keyboards; Brandon Coleman: keyboards (1, 2); Vinnie Colaiuta: drums (1, 9, 10); Lenny Castro: percussion (1-4, 6-10); Rob Bacon: guitar (2, 4, 7, 10); Dewayne ��Smitty�� Smith: bass (2, 10); Omari Williams: drums (2, 4, 7); Jarius Mozee: guitar, keyboards, programming (3); Abi Mancha: vocals (3); Tim Carmon: keyboards, keyboard bass (4, 6, 8); Alex Al: bass (4, 6, 7, 9); Rick Braun: trumpet (4); Raheem DeVaughn: vocals (5); Phil Davis: keyboards, programming (5); Mark Stephens: keyboards (7, 9); Natalie ��The Floacist�� Stewart: vocals (8)

Album information

Title: The Beat | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Concord Music Group

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Boney James Concerts

Oct 11 Sat

Boney James: Slow Burn Tour

Thornton Winery
Temecula, CA

Oct 12 Sun

Boney James: Slow Burn Tour

The Wiltern
Los Angeles, CA

Oct 18 Sat

Boney James

Paramount Theater
Austin, TX

Oct 19 Sun

Boney James

Charline Mccombs Empire Theatre
San Antonio, TX

Oct 24 Fri

Boney James: Slow Burn Tour

The Fillmore
New Orleans, LA

Oct 26 Sun

Boney James: Slow Burn Tour

House Of Blues Houston
Houston, TX

Oct 30 Thu

Florida SJ Weekend

Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort
Daytona Beach, FL

Nov 1 Sat

Boney James: Slow Burn Tour

The Carolina Theatre of Durham
Durham, NC

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