Three decades into a career built on deep groove, melodic instinct and a saxophone voice unmistakably his own, Boney James is still finding new ground. On A Simple Man, his milestone 20th studio album, out October 2 via Concord Records, the multi-platinum saxophonist, composer and producer 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. Billboard named him one of the Top 3 Contemporary Jazz Artists of the 2000s, and in 2024 he became the first artist to score 20 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart. Recent collaborations have also earned him two Top 10 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.”
That clarity runs through the new album. GRAMMY-winning vocalist Ledisi joins him on the warm contemporary R&B duet “I Belong To You,” while acclaimed trumpeter Marquis Hill appears on “Morocco” and legendary guitarist Larry Carlton guests on the Steely Dan-influenced “Storybook.” James also reimagines Ellington’s “In a Sentimental Mood” over a D’Angelo-inspired groove.
James’ R&B foundation runs deep. He turned professional at 19 and spent his formative years touring with Morris Day, The Isley Brothers, Teena Marie and others before stepping forward with his 1992 debut, Trust. More than three decades later, he remains focused not on preserving a legacy, but on continuing to grow. On A Simple Man James’s playing is warmer, deeper and stronger than ever — and, 20 albums in, he is still making progress.
And that may be the clearest expression of A Simple Man: an artist who, after more than three decades, knows more clearly than ever what matters.
