There’s always been a significant relationship between R&B and jazz music. One of my favorite saxophonists, Boney James, has many collaborations with R&B singers such as Donell Jones, Mario, Dave Hollister, and Jaheim. For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday selection, I wanted to highlight Boney’s 2006 collaboration with Earth, Wind & Fire’s lead vocalist Philip Bailey.
The duo collaborated on the elegant ballad “Love Song” from Boney’s tenth studio album, Shine. When the album arrived in stores in September of 2006, I was on a deployment. Spending time in the sandbox, I had tons of time to digest music. I was already familiar with Boney’s work, but there was something special about “Love Song.”
James opens the song with his signature sax skills before the buttery smooth vocals of Bailey come through for a blissful four and half minutes.
“Any time that we’re together
I can’t keep my eyes off you
Did you know it’s you I treasure
Doin’ anything you want me, anything you ask me to
I never ever had a love so true
Someone as warm as you
All I know is that I love you
Give all my love to you, that’s all I wanna do
Gonna write a little love song, yeah
Gonna tell you how I feel
Gonna write a little love song
Show you how I care for you, I’ll keep on loving you.”
The lyrics in the song come across with emotion as Bailey croons his feelings. I think anyone who has ever been in love will relate to what Bailey is singing about. If you’ve never heard the track, I recommend checking it out.
Final Grade: A
“Love Song” from Shine is available on all streaming platforms.
For their second single, the group presented a ballad entitled “Feels Like The First Time.” Once again, Greene handles the lyrics, while Neville Hodge is responsible for production duties. Greene begins the song with robust energy, proclaiming his love for the lady. Greene’s group members provide stellar work on the background vocals, and the songs eschew nineties R&B without going into crass vulgarity.
The ballad was composed by Michael Masser and lyricist Gerry Goffin, and it was first recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1981. Eight years later, Natalie Cole covered the song, shortening the title. It became the fourth single from her twelfth album, “Good to Be Back.”
Braxton’s vocal talent is perfect on the standards “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song.” However, like any good R&B Christmas album, it is the soulful yuletide bops where Braxton truly shines. The album’s first single, “Snowflakes of Love,” is instrumental of Earl Klugh’s “Now We’re One”. Braxton’s lush vocals encapsulate the warmth and joy of romantic love amidst a wintery backdrop.