In an unusual Matinee performance, Boney James took to the stage at 4 PM on the final Sunday close-out show at the Scottish Rite Cathedral that gave the packed house an early ‘DETOUR’ departure to the Berks Jazz 32nd annual festival.
“I believe I’ve been here for about thirty-one of the Berks”, said Boney who defies his 61-year-old age with another signature performance that featured his energetic three-man glide step with Big Mike Hart and Smitty Smith as they rolled to the sounds of ‘RIDE’!
Boney attributed his inspiration to play the sax to Grover Washington, Jr., as he covered ‘Mr. Magic’, as well as ‘BATUCADA’ from his Sergio Mendez Latin fusion influence, from several of his previous 17 albums.
But he used the occasion to feature his new ‘DETOUR’ album as he explained during the recent COVID hiatus he used the time to explore hidden places off the beaten path including ‘MEMPHIS’.
“Big Mike” Hart’s talents were showcased in an extended guitar solo that brought down the house, and Boney gave premium time for drummer Omari Williams, bass player ‘Smitty’ Smith, and keyboard and vocalist Jonathan Richmond to make major contributions to fifteen song playlist that took the enthusiastic crowd out to a sunny afternoon close-out show that has become Boney James’ signature send off!
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