Boney James Sweet Thing CD

Saxophonist Boney James plays pure, mostly instrumental "slow jams"; basically "Quiet Storm"-style smooth jazz/R&B. "East Bay" is a case in point--a mellifluous alto saxophone lilts along above a slow, funky groove. The mood is mellow in the extreme--this album would be a good choice for setting a romantic mood. "Within Attraction" is another relaxing tune, opening with a spare, drums-only introduction, then evolving into an exploration of a simple, compelling melodic theme. Vocalist Al Jarraeu is highlighted on "I Still Dream." On "After the Rain," another "soft jazz" number, two saxophones play off of each other in a pleasing give-and-take. If you like your mood music low-key, this is recommended.

Audio Mixer: David Rideau.

Recording information: Alpha Studios; Entourage; Funky Joint; Sunset sound.

Photographer: James Minchin.

Arrangers: Dan Shea; Darrell Smith; Jeff Carruthers; Alex Al; Boney James.

Personnel includes: Boney James (saxophone, keyboards); Tony Maiden (vocals, guitar); Al Jarreau, Maxayne Lewis, Dee Harvey, Eric Benet (vocals); Dan Higgins (tenor saxophone); Jerry Hey (flugelhorn); Bill Reichenbach (trombone); Dan Shea, David Torkanowsky, Jeff Carruthers, Darrell Smith, John Stoddart, Alex Al, Daddy Shakespeare (keyboards); Paul Jackson, Jr., Peter White (guitar); Larry Kempel, Alex Al (bass); Lil' John Roberts (drums); Lenny Castro, Paulinho Da Costa (percussion); Bridgette Bryant-Fiddmont (background vocals).

Personnel: Boney James (vocals, saxophone, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, Wurlitzer organ, keyboards, synthesizer); Tony Maiden (vocals, guitar); Maxayn Lewis, Eric Benet, D. Harvey, Al Jarreau (vocals); Peter White (guitar, accordion); Paul Jackson, Jr. (guitar); Dan Higgins (tenor saxophone); Jerry Hey (flugelhorn); Bill Reichenbach Jr. (trombone); Alex Al (keyboards, synthesizer, drum programming); Daddy Shakespeare (keyboards, Moog synthesizer); David Torkanowsky (keyboards, vibraphone); Darrell Smith, Jeff Carruthers (keyboards, drum programming); Dan Shea, Al. Alex, John Stoddart (keyboards); Lil John Roberts, Lil' John Roberts (drums); Lenny Castro, Paulinho Da Costa (percussion); Bridgette Bryant-Fiddmont (background vocals).