Boney James' latest album, Slow Burn, released on October 18, 2024, is a testament to his enduring artistry and ability to blend smooth jazz with soulful R&B elements. This 19th studio album features ten tracks, including eight original compositions and two homages to jazz legends Herbie Hancock and Stanley Turrentine.
The album opens with "Arcadia," a collaboration with renowned bassist Marcus Miller. This track sets a mellow yet engaging tone, showcasing James' signature saxophone melodies intertwined with Miller's rhythmic bass lines.
"Butterfly," a reimagined rendition of Herbie Hancock's classic, features both Marcus Miller and the versatile Cory Henry on keyboards. The trio delivers a fresh take on the piece, blending smooth jazz elements with a contemporary flair.
The title track, "Slow Burn," co-written and co-produced with multi-instrumentalist Jairus Mozee, encapsulates the album's essence with its deliberate and soulful progression, highlighting James' emotive saxophone performance.
A standout on the album is "All I Want Is You," featuring the soulful vocals of October London. This track has garnered significant attention, amassing over 7 million streams since its release, and is praised for its blend of smooth saxophone and heartfelt lyrics.
Other notable tracks include "Slide," which infuses a funky groove reminiscent of David Sanborn's style, and "Sugar," a tribute to Stanley Turrentine featuring Rick Braun's muted trumpet harmonies complementing James' saxophone.
Slow Burn is a cohesive collection that not only highlights Boney James' consistent ability to craft smooth jazz hits but also showcases his willingness to explore and reinterpret classic jazz compositions, making it a must-listen for both longtime fans and newcomers to his music.
For a taste of the album, here's the official audio for the title track, "Slow Burn":