Boney James | Shine

Boney James | Shine
by Terrill J. Hanna

Sticking to a sound much too particular of his style, Boney James brings a plate of R&B/Soul & contemporary jazz straight to the audience in “Shine,” – those prepared for another heaping of strong, tight grooves, great sax riffs, wonderful solos from his special guests & all around production/arrangements.

Its what we all should come to expect from Boney. Heh….ITS BONEY. What can I say?

Special guests include Esthero, George Duke, Dwele, Faith Evans, Phillip Bailey, George Benson & Ann Nesby.

The Cuts:

— Shine
— The Total Experience
— Aquas De Marco (Waters of March)
— Let It Go
— In The Rain
— Gonna Get It
— Breathe
— Love Song
— Hypnotic
— The Way She Walks
— Dedication
— Soft

The opening track “Shine” breaks the CD out with an edgy R&B groove, entrusting the listener that Boney plans to come with something fresh on his new release.

Listening to the play between George Duke & Mr. James on “The Total Experience” was enlightening. Check out George at his top form groove this composition. Along with another collaboration – this time with music legend George Benson comes “Hypnotic” that I’m sure you will come to appreciate.

I also enjoyed “Dedication,” where you’ll find Boney playing out to a piece that sounds contemporary, if not moving along to the pace of today’s c’jazz sound.

The remix of the R&B classic ballad “In The Rain” was absolutely a winner. The arrangements for that track was stellar & hearing R&B singer Dwele’s vocal grace gave it a fresh approach. You may need to play that one back, or press the ‘repeat’ button!

The great vocal talents of Phillip Bailey, Faith Evans, Dwele, & Ann Nesby has many wondering if this CD is an R&B outlet or a contemporary jazz CD. It shouldn’t matter, because the overall value of this project is supreme, Regardless. Great music, one after the other. Its very consistent with his previous projects. Nothing more to expect except appreciating the new music from Concord Records. It was rumored whether or not Boney may have to change up his approach after signing to the powerhouse label. But guess what, nothing has changed. The CD is outstanding.

Needless to say, I am not (again) going to give up too much information for this CD. Not only is it very enjoyable, but highly recommended.

Terrill Hanna
The Urban Music Scene