Renowned saxophonist Boney James recently visited the Strathmore Music Center on his A Celebration of Smooth Jazz 2025 Tour, bringing his signature blend of smooth jazz, R&B, and contemporary sounds to the DMV.
Steve Satzberg was there to photograph the show!
This article is adapted from a press release.
With multiple Grammy nominations and a reputation for captivating live performances, James delivered an unforgettable night of music for fans old and new at the Srathmore on April 2. Known for hits like “Sweet Thing,” “Into the Blue,” and “Seduction,” Boney James’s concert showcased his musical artistry and soulful melodies.
Watch Boney James play “Sweet Thing” live in 2016 via YouTube:
In 2022, Boney James released his most recent album, Detour — his 18th album! Appropriately titled, this album is a subtle stylistic turn that builds on the commercial success of 2020’s Solid, his highest charting release ever on the pop charts, peaking in the Top 10 on the Billboard 200. Like Solid, Detour provides a welcome respite from an increasingly foreboding world filled with political strife. It’s a trip through James’ distinctive contemporary jazz/R&B landscapes, layered in quicksilver watercolor images and cinematic set pieces. Detour represents the next extension of Boney James’ trademark blend of genres which includes blues, soul, roots, classical, art-pop, and hip-hop.
Detour was recorded largely at Boney’s LA home studio in his backyard (live drums and percussion were tracked at venerable Sunset Sound), with both regular collaborators like former band guitarist, now an in-demand writer/producer, Jairus “J-Mo” Mozee (Anderson.Paak, Nicki Minaj, Anthony Hamilton) and hot newcomer BeatsMadeByFresh aka Christian Frazier.
During his 30-year career, Boney has earned four Grammy nominations, two NAACP Image Award nominations, and a Soul Train Award, while a dozen of his albums have landed at No. 1 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Album chart. His collaborators in the past include a who’s who of R&B and soul: Raheem DeVaughn, Faith Evans, George Benson, George Duke, Dwele, Al Jarreau, Philip Bailey, Anthony Hamilton, Jaheim, Eric Benét, Dave Hollister, Stokley Williams, Kenny Lattimore, and Angie Stone.
Here are some photos of Boney James and his band performing at the Strathmore Music Center on April 2, 2025. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Steve Strazberg.
