Like so many at the moment, Boney James’ plans to release a new project were pushed back a bit, but that didn’t stop its title track, “Solid,” from already topping the Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay Charts.

Along with the regularly climbing R&B crossover cut, “Be Here” (featuring soul crooner Kenny Lattimore) and weekly mini-concerts on Facebook, the star saxophone player is as visible as ever, spreading eclectic sounds and soothing spirits amidst constant uncertainly.

The four-time Grammy nominee with just as many gold records and the distinction of being in the top three of Billboard’s “Contemporary Jazz Artists Of The Decade” list checked in with Chicago Concert Reviews for a glimpse into the studio, his sideman foundation, plus plans to cross paths with the Average White Band (currently slated for The Venue at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond on July 24).

How are you engaging with fans during this unusual time?

Boney James: We had a really extensive tour planned to begin in April prior to our original release date. Then of course the virus hit, the record was rescheduled for a June 12th release, and our shows started to be rescheduled too. Most of them are so far pushing to 2021. So, I began doing weekly Facebook Live mini-concerts about ten weeks ago [every Friday at 3pm PST] and plan to keep them up at least for a few more weeks. It’s been really awesome actually. It’s an intimate connection to the fans, broadcasting from my home studio and interacting via comments. A close friend says you usually don’t see me so up close and personal in a real concert. It’s been great for me just to keep playing and introducing folks to the new music as well.

“Solid” seems like a very assertive title. Does it correlate to the level of confidence you had when making this album?

James: The word “solid’ is one of those words that has a few meanings. The one that resonated for me in choosing it as a title is a “solid relationship” when you know someone has your back and will be there 100%. Music is that kind of thing for me and I try to be solid in my personal relationships and with my fans.

What type of vibes and moods are you hoping to conjure up with this collection?

James: I’m always just trying to be open to the music itself and following it where it leads rather than setting out to do anything particular. This music ended up having a mostly positive or soothing vibe. Even prior to our current crisis, things were quite tense out there in the world, and I guess making this music was helping me counter-program some of that!

How do you feel this batch of music compares to your past work and are there any detours you specifically intended to make?

James: I’m really proud of this record. I think it’s some of the best writing I’ve done. Every song feels memorable to me. I was really pleased with my performances and sound on my horn stuff too. Each of my records feels fresh to me…It’s all about the melodies, in my mind.

You continue to be one amongst the most prominent contemporary jazz musicians. Describe what it’s like to be so closely associated with that community and what other genres have embraced you.

James: I have always tied to not pay too much attention to genre labels. I think of my music just as “Boney James Music.” I am super grateful to the radio formats which have embraced me on the contemporary jazz and R&B sides. But, I am really just trying to do my thing and letting other people talk about what it “is.”

How did your “Be Here” collaboration with R&B great Kenny Lattimore come about?

James: We met about 20 years ago backstage at the Soul Train Awards, the year I won! I’ve always admired his voice and songwriting and finally had a track that seemed right for him. Luckily, he agreed and very quickly wrote a great lyric and sent me back a complete performance all over the internet. We had three other collaborators on the song as well, Jairus Mozee, BeatsByFresh on the co-production with me and Drakkar Wesley on the lyrics with Kenny.

Did any of Jairus’ new school clients like Anderson Paak or Nicki Minaj wind up rubbing off on you?

James: Well, J-Mo is definitely a thread that ties us all together. He sends track ideas and then I will write a melody and re-arrange it as needed around how I hear the song once it’s written. His tracks always have a really unique and cool flavor I find inspiring, and obviously many other great artists feel the same way. I think it’s more like his sound is rubbing off on all of us!

What’s in store once you’re able to visit The Venue at Horseshoe Casino again?

James: We love it there. It’s a great place to play. I really can’t wait to get back on the road and introduce the new “Solid” music into my live show.

That date is going to be alongside the Average White Band. Tell us a bit about your relationship with those guys.

James: We haven’t met yet! We had a few dates planned for the tour, but everything’s on hold now…

Out of any performances around these parts (Chicagoland), which ones have left a lasting memory and why?

James: My very first show as a solo artist was at a little cafe by the river there in 1992. It was just me and backing tracks, a WNUA free show. [I’ve] definitely come a long way since our most recent show there was headlining the Chicago Theatre!

What lessons did you retain from those early days of sessions and touring with the likes of Morris Day, The Isley Brothers and many more? 

James: I feel fortunate I was able to spend seven years touring as a sideman, learning the ropes of the music business and about being an entertainer. It’s definitely helped me in my career as a recording artist to have that foundation [of] how to relate to the crowd, how to treat people that I work with and my fans.  

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For additional information on Boney James, visit BoneyJames.com.