Ride
It's no wonder Boney James is a winner of aSoul Trainmusic award, and that his music is heard on urban radio almost as much as he's heard on smooth-jazz radio. From his first album, and on up toRide, his eighth, James always has had a degree of funky soul and light pop mixed in his sax playing, which is a smooth-jazz staple. But here the lines are drawn more clearly and distinctly. There's no doubt that he's staking a claim in the retro-soul R&B; movement with several potential hits, including "Something Inside," with its gospel-drenchedDave Hollistervocal, and "See What I'm Saying," featuring bassistMarcus Miller. With popular singer-rapperJaheim, James manages to make at least three musical references to the '70s on the title track, including a musical nod toCon Funk Shun. The average smooth-jazz saxophonist wouldn't know Con Funk Shun fromBrass Construction, which is one reason why James is not your average smooth-jazz saxophonist. He has chipped away at two different audiences and now has one big one that not only allows him headline status, but gold records.Ridewill be his fourth in a row.--Mark Ruffin