Boney James is a leading light in the contemporary/smooth jazz realm who has also achieved crossover success in the urban music world. In his 20-year solo career that spans a dozen albums, he has scored nine #1 Billboard contemporary jazz albums while earning four gold records, three Grammy nominations, a Soul Train Award and an NAACP Image Award nomination. His music is a soul-drenched mix of R&B grooves, contemporary jazz instrumentals, and romantic ballads. In addition to his slick originals, James has a knack for delivering sterling renditions of R&B classics – “Sweet Thing,” “Grazin In The Grass” and “Send One Your Love” to name a few. Touring in support of last year’s hit-filled “Contact” album, which spent a remarkable 11 weeks at #1, his sultry single “Deep Time” is presently heating up the radio airwaves. He joined us for our 5GB series before his show this Friday at Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater.
What’s the first gig you ever attended?
I think my dad dragged me to a Kiss concert when i was 13. he knew someone working with the band and i was not a fan, but it was an impressive show!
What is the best gig that you ever played/performed?
Boy there have been some memorable shows over the years, but I think headlining the (then) universal amphitheater in Los Angeles was a highlight. A real dream come true.
What is the best gig you have ever seen?
Weather Report at the Roxy right after Heavy Weather came out. I was a huge Jaco Pastorius fan and I had my arms on the stage.
What is the gig you would most like to play?
Really looking forward to the Frederick Brown Amphitheater show in Peachtree on Aug. 31st!
What would be the lineup for your dream gig?
I really have my dream band on the road right now. The cats are slamming and great guys too.
Catch Boney James, August 31st @ Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater
