Boney James
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Boney James is three decades into a career built on deep groove, melodic instinct and an unmistakably singular saxophone voice. However, James is still finding new ground. On 2026’s A Simple Man, his milestone twentieth studio album, the multi-platinum saxophonist delivers one of his most personal records.
James’ catalog has generated more than two billion on-demand streams in the United States. His honors include four Grammy nominations, three NAACP Image Award nominations, four RIAA Gold-certified records and a Soul Train Award. Also, Billboard named him one of the Top Three Contemporary Jazz Artists of the 2000s. Additionally, in 2024 he became the first artist to score twenty Number One singles on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart. Further, recent collaborations have also earned him two Top Ten hits at Adult R&B.
For James, A Simple Man reflects a growing desire to strip away distraction and focus on what matters most. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized I don’t need a lot to make me happy,”he says. “I love making music and playing my saxophone.”
Here, that clarity runs through the new album. Grammy-winning vocalist Ledisi, acclaimed trumpeter Marquis Hill, and legendary guitarist Larry Carlton all make guest appearances.
James’ R&B foundation runs deep. He turned professional at nineteen, spending his formative years touring with Morris Day, The Isley Brothers, Teena Marie and others. Then, James stepped forward with his 1992 debut, Trust. Further, more than three decades later, he remains focused not on preserving a legacy, but on continuing to grow.
And that may be the clearest expression of A Simple Man. Here, James is an artist who, after more than three decades, knows more clearly than ever what matters.
NOV 24 • 6:30 & 9PM
Tickets>> https://bit.ly/4wZrloH
James’ catalog has generated more than two billion on-demand streams in the United States. His honors include four Grammy nominations, three NAACP Image Award nominations, four RIAA Gold-certified records and a Soul Train Award. Also, Billboard named him one of the Top Three Contemporary Jazz Artists of the 2000s. Additionally, in 2024 he became the first artist to score twenty Number One singles on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart. Further, recent collaborations have also earned him two Top Ten hits at Adult R&B.
For James, A Simple Man reflects a growing desire to strip away distraction and focus on what matters most. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized I don’t need a lot to make me happy,”he says. “I love making music and playing my saxophone.”
Here, that clarity runs through the new album. Grammy-winning vocalist Ledisi, acclaimed trumpeter Marquis Hill, and legendary guitarist Larry Carlton all make guest appearances.
James’ R&B foundation runs deep. He turned professional at nineteen, spending his formative years touring with Morris Day, The Isley Brothers, Teena Marie and others. Then, James stepped forward with his 1992 debut, Trust. Further, more than three decades later, he remains focused not on preserving a legacy, but on continuing to grow.
And that may be the clearest expression of A Simple Man. Here, James is an artist who, after more than three decades, knows more clearly than ever what matters.
NOV 24 • 6:30 & 9PM
Tickets>> https://bit.ly/4wZrloH
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1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, United States, Minnesota 55403
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Host or PublisherDakota
