By Team Hathaway - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=101305549
(August 17, 2022) Ever since Boney James began etching his talent into the contemporary jazz market, his connection as a soloist and in collaborations including Rick Braun, Stokely and Eric Roberson have resonated on the highest level. Throughout his body of work for almost three decades, James’ tasty saxophone firmly settled in his artistic wheelhouse by stretching the expected smooth jazz nuances with a remarkable balancing act of soul, R&B - even pop and electronica. For a musician who once played keyboards behind Morris Day way back when, there are no limits for this multi-Grammy and Soul Train nominated musician extraordinaire.
(August 17, 2022) Ever since Boney James began etching his talent into the contemporary jazz market, his connection as a soloist and in collaborations including Rick Braun, Stokely and Eric Roberson have resonated on the highest level. Throughout his body of work for almost three decades, James’ tasty saxophone firmly settled in his artistic wheelhouse by stretching the expected smooth jazz nuances with a remarkable balancing act of soul, R&B - even pop and electronica. For a musician who once played keyboards behind Morris Day way back when, there are no limits for this multi-Grammy and Soul Train nominated musician extraordinaire.
Earlier this year, James and horn player Dontae Winslow introduced us to a taste from his upcoming project, Detour, entitled “Bring It Back.” Our latest First Listen focus drops James’ follow-up single, Coastin,’ featuring yet another duet, this time with Lalah Hathaway. Though this is James’ first collaboration with the urban music legend, this pairing supplies excellence in every way. While the grooves may be simple, the interaction between James and Hathaway are locked in and mesmerizing to the ears.
Jo-Mo returns to the production chair from “Bring it Back” - anchoring the soft yet subtlety funky soundtrack. As for the frosting, “Coastin” injects a complimentary shot of romantic confidence: “It’s in the way you smile/And knowing that all the while/You’re mine/And everything I am is yours.” No matter whom James invites to the party and no matter what musical choices he pulls off, everything he plays simply coasts right along.
Now the performance video for the new song is out, and it is terrific. Enjoy!
By Peggy Oliver
Boney James feat. Lalah Hathaway - "Coastin'"