One of the best things about going to a concert at The Birchmere, is meeting up with all of the “regulars.”  You know them, regardless of what the venue is, it’s the people who will always be there to share in the fun of a smooth jazz concert.  Well, The Birchmere had a sold out, packed house for a Boney James show, and all of my regular posse was there to enhance the experience.  Boney has only played The Birchmere, a 500-seat venue, a couple of times, so we were all eager to make this an experience that will encourage him to come back!

Backed by a phenomenal band (Omari Williams on drums, Mark Stephens on keys, Sam Sims on bass, and Jairus Mozee on guitar), this show was non-stop energy. Boney was in full dance mode and, in fact, it was noticed that the band equipment was moved further back on the stage than usual to allow for Boney’s use of the entire stage as a dance floor, proving once again that he is THE funkiest guy out there.! I had recently seen this show at the Berks Jazz Festival, but at this show, the band was just totally smokin’!  Maybe it was the smaller venue and more intimate setting that inspired the band.  In particular, solos from guitarist Jairus Mozee blew the crowd away.

Boney started out with a couple of older favorites (“Total Experience,” “All Night Long,” and “Nothin’ But Love,”) and then gave the crowd a taste of the tracks from his latest release, Send One Your Love.  The crowd, of course, went wild for the old stuff, but was really into all of the new songs, too.  The Barry White tune, “I’m Gonna Love Ya,” complete with an attempted impression of Mr. White, went over really well, followed by the title track, “Butter,” and “Stop, Look, Listen.” Then came the set with the stellar hits “Stone Groove,” “After The Rain,” and “Let It Go” to kick things off.  But no one, and I mean no one at all, can play “Ain’t No Sunshine” like Boney James.  That is such a signature tune for him, and such a joy for the crowd to hear at nearly every show.  Taking the lengthy last note of “Ain’t No Sunshine” right into “Sweet Thing” put this already wild crowd into a tizzy!!  And then came Ride’s “See What I’m Sayin’?” to end the night.  But wait…no Boney James show would be complete without the encore of “Grazin’ in the Grass” and he and the band delivered.

This was such an outstanding concert and, frankly, one of the best I have seen in a while.  Perhaps it was the combination of a seasoned performer and his band, the setting, the enthusiasm of the crowd, or the fact that I had been craving a solo performer show (we see a lot of package tours nowadays).  But whatever the reason, this show will be remembered for a long time.  If you have the opportunity to get to a show during this tour, do it.  You will most definitely not be disappointed.