 A solid saxophonist whose style falls on the R&B-ish
and pop side of jazz,
Boney James (who is heavily influenced by
Grover Washington, Jr.) is a consistent best-seller who can always be relied
upon to put on a colorful live show. Born
James Oppenheim, he grew up in New Rochelle, NY. The future
Boney James studied clarinet when he was eight, switching to saxophone two
years later. When he was 15, his family moved to Los Angeles. James was soon
playing in a fusion band (Line One) which was strong enough to open for
Flora Purim and
the Yellowjackets. After a year attending U.C. Berkeley,
Boney James transferred to U.C.L.A. so he could continue playing with the band.
Boney James earned a degree in
history but became a full-time musician after graduation, doubling on keyboards.
Boney James went on the road as a keyboardist with
Morris Day in 1985 and eventually convinced
Day that he should be playing saxophone instead. He spent four years with
Day and became in-demand for guest spots on tenor, alto, soprano, and flute,
playing with
Randy Crawford,
Sheena Easton,
the Isley Brothers,
Bobby Caldwell, and others. He picked up his nickname while on tour with
Crawford. After mentioning to a keyboardist that he was running out of food
money, the musician replied that if he ate any less, he would have to be called
Boney James. The popular saxophonist made his debut as a leader with
Spindletop in 1992 (Trust) and then in 1994 was signed by Warner Bros., where he
recorded dates including Backbone, Seduction, Boney's Funky Christmas, Sweet
Thing, Shake It Up, Ride and Pure. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Contact Grabow for more information or to book
Boney James for your next corporate or private event.
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