Boney James | Christmas Present

Boney James | Christmas Present
Concord Records | 2007
By Terrill J. Hanna

The Return of Boney James.

Do you have “Funky Christmas”? If so, then you will already know the matter at heart as to when Boney brings the rhythm to the beat. His approach on the sax carries heavy R&B overtones & often highlight or ‘energize’ a smooth jazz genre to the respect of contemporary jazz. His “Shine” album was reviewed here on T.U.M.S. & had done well on Billboards Contemporary Jazz chart. As for his “Christmas Present”.…

Track Listing:
~ Skating
~ Santa Baby
~ O Tannenbaum
~ River
~ The First Noel
~ Merry Christmas Baby
~ My Grown Up Christmas List
~ Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
~ Silent Night
~ Auld Lang Syne

This project featured some excellent tracks from R&B vocalists Anthony Hamilton, Chante Moore, Angie Stone, Smooth Jazz Trumpet man Rick Braun & much more. Boney’s stance for the originals are touched with the stick of Funk. Especially for “Santa Baby,” check out Chante as she croons; Anthony sets up the soulful standard in “Silent Night;” “The First Noel” brought Boney & Rick Braun together like most duets go with 2 instrumentalists. The rest of the album pretty much is a given. Not to go any further with each track, my review is simply this: If you know Boney’s track record, then why shall I continue to dabble with words?

Although I think his “Funky Christmas” CD was a little bit more funkier, either way put, this CD is not a sleeping pill. If you want a little spice for the holidays, given courtesy of a little jazz groove, then don’t waste time – grab this one.

Happy Holidays!

Terrill J. Hanna
The Urban Music Scene