Renee
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Posts: 2
(3/23/06 5:50 pm)
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Cerritos Concert Review
BONEY JAMES –
CERRITOS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
MARCH 10TH & 11TH, 2006
Anyone who has experienced Boney James’ performances in a live setting will acknowledge his considerable talent. He has tremendous technique on all of his instruments and he uses it to serve the music, not his ego. He is exciting and commanding and pushes the envelope to perfection in whatever his musical endeavor, whether it be performing or recording. His performances Friday and Saturday nights March 10th & 11th, 2006 at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts were not any different.
Boney opened the show with songs from the “Trust,” “Sweet Thing,” and “RIDE” CD’s; “Noth’in But Love ,” “See What I’m Say’in”, “Sweet Thing,” “Ain’t No Sunshine,” and “Grand Central” just to name a few.
Highlighting his stellar talent on his tenor, Boney received a rousing response from the audience when he began playing “After the Rain.” His trademark “flutters and flurries” were flying up in the air and all over the place. He got into a serious funk and grove that was winsome and dramatic and took you on a musical journey that captured your every mood and thought— leaving you breathless. All the while Boney was blowing the roof off the center, Lenny Castro, a solid percussionist (who can hold his own) kicked it up a notch with all that he had and jumped on a fast track behind Boney to make extensive repairs before the roof fell apart.
Another song that really stood out for me was “Stone Groove” from the “Pure” CD. The band played very soft and smooth while Boney explored every possible avenue of discovery and expression on his saxophone allowing his unique talent to flourish. Never straying from the moment, Boney passed the hat to Darryl Smith who dazzled us with his talent on the keyboard solo and when the rest of the band (Sam Sims on bass, Omari Williams on Drums, Norris Jones on Lead Guitar, and Lenny) moved in to heighten the groove, they had the audience up and out of their seats.
Norris did an outstanding job singing a very smooth and soulful version of the song “Better with Time.” In a dueling fashion, he and Boney went head-to-head and back-and-forth in a playful exchange between Boney’s soulful sultry soprano, and Norris emulating Boney’s every sound with his voice. It’s a beautiful song and Norris really brings it to life for us.
Boney’s performances were electrifying both nights and every song was just right. When it was time to go Boney took us out with another of my favorites “RIDE.” This song is the epitome of ghetto-funk!! You – just – can’t – seem – to – get – enough!!! (Smile)
Thanks again Boney for two more unforgettable nights at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.
Boney Rocks! And Lenny – you really took that band to another level. My hat is off to you.
Renee’
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