Join us on a soulful ride with the chart-topping saxophonist Boney James, as he sits down with Carl to share the melodies and milestones of his illustrious career. From his humorous origins in Scandinavia to hitting the top 3 contemporary jazz artists of the decade, Boney gives us an intimate backstage look at his life in notes.

Dive deep into the rhythm of Boney's creative process, the dedication behind each album, and how staying true to his core has kept his sound fresh through the years. With a history degree in his pocket and almost taking a legal path, Boney instead chose to follow his true passion, and he's got some sage advice for his 13-year-old self (and us all).

Savor his thoughts on the inspirations for his music, his dream barbecue dinner party guests, and his admiration for collaboration in music production. Our latest Fresh Coast Jazz Backstage episode offers an up-close encounter with the man whose saxophone has enchanted millions. Plus, you might just find out why he'd pick a sedan over a sports car any day.

Episode Highlights:

05:24 - The Touring Musician's Process: "I would say when I'm on the road touring, I never write songs. I mean, that's that's a fact. Just because it's you know, being on the road is its own thing. You know?"

09:10 - Artistic Autonomy and Self-Production: "But, you know, since since I've been producing the records myself and I've got my studio at the house, and and I can just work on it as long as I want to until I feel like it's ready. And and I've developed more confidence in my own opinion about things. I know that when I put a record out that I love it and that, you know, in terms of what other people are gonna think, that's something you can never say. And I tried very hard not to try and get into the head of the quote, unquote audience, you know, when I'm making music. I'm just trying to please myself."

36:18 - Touring Strategy of Musicians: "It depends. I mean, you know, we just go where the gigs are, and and and we try and make smart decisions about gigs. And and and if we get a gig that's a good gig, we will try and find other shows around it to surround it... But for the most part, it's just, you know, very dependent on the offers and, and how the calendar works out."

Contact

Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

Boney James