Slow Jam Saturday: Boney James feat. Philip Bailey, Love Song

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.