Boney James marks a major career milestone with A Simple Man, his 20th studio album and one of his most personal recordings to date. The four-time Grammy-nominated saxophonist, composer and producer brings together the R&B grooves, jazz influences and melodic playing that have defined his career, while taking inspiration from a growing desire to simplify his life and focus on the things that matter most.

Produced by James, the album features several notable collaborations. Grammy-winning vocalist Ledisi joins him on the contemporary R&B duet “I Belong To You,” reuniting the two more than 20 years after they appeared together on the Luther Vandross tribute Forever, For Always, For Luther. Trumpeter Marquis Hill contributes to “Morocco,” which combines live instrumentation with electronic textures, while legendary guitarist Larry Carlton lends his unmistakable touch to the Steely Dan-influenced “Storybook.”

Elsewhere, James shows another side of his musicianship with a rare flute performance on the opening “Dreams.” “The Midnight Sun” originated as an impromptu soundcheck jam that James captured on his phone and later developed in the studio, while “The Wire” draws inspiration from the atmosphere of 1970s soul soundtracks. He also puts his own spin on Duke Ellington’s “In A Sentimental Mood,” placing the jazz standard over an R&B groove influenced by D’Angelo. The album is rounded out by “Things Are Looking Up,” the reflective title track and closing “Birdsong.” 

More than three decades after launching his solo career, Boney James continues to connect jazz musicianship with the warmth and immediacy of R&B, letting melody and his expressive saxophone remain at the center of it all.