July 8, 2008

A saxophonist who popularized “urban jazz,” Boney James incorporates hip-hop into his contemporary “smooth” jazz repertoire. See Boney James on Sat., July 12, in the Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget.

James is a two-time Grammy nominee and a Soul Train Award winner. He has accumulated three RIAA certified Gold records. His latest non-holiday release and tenth CD, Shine, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz charts, #6 on the R&B chart and #44 on the Pop chart. James produced the CD as well as wrote nine of the songs. James has produced remakes of classic soul songs, such as Chaka Khan's Sweet Thing, Stevie Wonder's Creepin and Bill Withers' Ain't No Sunshine (When She's Gone). In addition, he collaborated with trumpeter Rick Braun on an album called Shake it Up. Their duets include Grazin' in the Grass, which had been previously performed by the Friends of Distinction and Hugh Masekela. Other collaborations on Shine include Faith Evans, George Benson, Dwele, and Philip Bailey.

Some James originals include The Total Experience, Metropolis, After the Rain, and Here She Comes.

Boney James plays one night, July 12, in the Celebrity Showroom at 8 p.m. Tickets are just $40 and are available by calling (800) 648-1177 or (775) 356-3300 or by visiting www.janugget.com. Dinner and show packages are available. “Do the Nugget Tonight!”