Jazz Saxophonist Boney James Sets New Release
- Boney James, 4-time GRAMMY nominee, releases his 20th studio album 'A Simple Man' on October 2.
- The album features collaborations with artists like Ledisi, Marquis Hill, and Larry Carlton.
- James' career spans over 30 years, with 2 billion streams and 4 RIAA Gold-certified records.
FOUR-TIME GRAMMY NOMINEE + MULTI-PLATINUM SAXOPHONE
ICON BONEY JAMES
ANNOUNCES MILESTONE 20TH STUDIO ALBUM
A SIMPLE MAN OUT OCTOBER 2 VIA CONCORD RECORDS
Boney James Announces New Album A Simple Man Featuring Ledisi
Four-time GRAMMY® nominee and multi-platinum saxophonist, composer, and producer Boney James is entering a new chapter with his upcoming album, A Simple Man. His 20th studio album is set for release October 2 via Concord Records, with vinyl editions arriving November 6.
The announcement comes with the release of “I Belong To You,” a soulful R&B duet featuring Grammy® Award-winning vocalist Ledisi. The collaboration reunites the two artists more than 20 years after they first appeared together on the Luther Vandross tribute album Forever, For Always, For Luther.
Co-written by James and Ledisi with BeatsMadeByFresh and Rex Rideout, “I Belong To You” blends Ledisi’s powerful vocals with James’ signature tenor saxophone. An accompanying music video highlights the chemistry between the two artists in a sleek, minimalist setting.
Produced by James, A Simple Man reflects his desire for greater clarity and simplicity in both his music and life. The album explores the soulful R&B sound that has defined much of his career while incorporating elements of jazz, contemporary production, and live instrumentation.
The 10-track collection features collaborations and standout moments including “Morocco” with trumpeter Marquis Hill, “Storybook” with legendary guitarist Larry Carlton, and a fresh interpretation of Duke Ellington’s “In a Sentimental Mood.” The album also includes “Dreams,” featuring James on flute, along with “The Midnight Sun,” “Things Are Looking Up,” and the nature-inspired closing track “Birdsong.”
James’ career began on the road at age 19 as a touring musician. He went on to work with artists including Morris Day, The Isley Brothers, Teena Marie, Randy Crawford, Ray Parker Jr., Sheena Easton, and Bobby Caldwell before launching his solo career with his 1992 debut album, Trust.
Since then, James has released 20 studio albums and collaborated with some of music’s most respected artists, including George Benson, Al Jarreau, George Duke, Faith Evans, Bilal, Lalah Hathaway, Raheem DeVaughn, and October London.
With more than two billion U.S. on-demand streams, four million U.S. album equivalents, four GRAMMY® nominations, three NAACP Image Award nominations, four RIAA Gold-certified records, and a Soul Train Award, James continues to make his mark. In 2024, he became the first artist to achieve 20 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart.
A Simple Man arrives October 2, with vinyl editions available November 6. The new single “I Belong To You” featuring Ledisi is available now.
Check out the video to his single “I Belong to You” featuring Ledisi
