Last year, Smooth Jazz artist, Boney James released the album, futuresoul which placed on top of the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart for seven consecutive weeks, his highest debut ever. This release followed up from his Grammy-nominated album, The Beat. 

Futuresoul, much like his other releases, fuses his love of soul music into his saxophone magic and created an AWESOME album. This latest release features ten original tracks which are a testimony to his affection for mid-70’s soul sounds.

Some notable tracks include “Drumline”, which blends an addictive groove with the guitar genius of Jairus Mozee and “Either Way”, which features Mint Condition vocalist, Stokley, who gives the track a definitive smooth R&B/Soul flavor.

The title track, futuresoul, is a funky, soulful groove which wraps you up in audio decadence and refuses to let you go. This track has a beat so strong that if you added a deep bass line, it could easily be fused with a hip-hop track along the lines of the late, great Guru.

Another track worth mentioning in it’s own right, is Fortuneteller. This one gives you a smooth, slightly haunting tune that definitely makes you take notice of it. Fortuneteller reminds me of some of the early tracks produced by the late, great Grover Washington Jr. This isn’t surprising given that many consider James to be his heir apparent.

My personal favorite track, is titled, “Vinyl”. James samples the Stylistics song, “People Make the World Go Round” with the deft skill and precision of his saxophone magic and produces a signature track which I’d easily consider a masterpiece.

I highly recommend giving this album a listen as it is a definite example of James’ commitment to smooth jazz excellence.