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Boney James Made Us a Playlist!

"I was a nut making this record," saxophonist/songwriter/producer Boney James admits with a laugh while discussing Shine, his 10th solo album and first for Concord Records. "My wife calls me Mr. Einstein. I'll come in from the studio with crazy hair and this wild look in my eyes. I get obsessed -- so much so that I actually have a song on this record called 'Let It Go.'"

So what does this mad scientist of the saxophone listen to when he's not obsessing over his latest urban jazz opus? Boney was kind enough to share with us the following playlist of some of his current favorites.

1."Visions" - Stevie Wonder
Out of the large catalog of Stevie in my iPod I could have picked any tune. Today, this one felt right. In my opinion, one of the true geniuses of modern times.

2. "Sumthin’ Sumthin’" - Maxwell
Wah Wah Watson guitar, vibe for days and super cool Maxwell on top.

3. "Dr. Feelgood" - Aretha Franklin
One of my all time top ten favorites.

4. "I Can’t Make You Love Me" - Bonnie Raitt
This song just takes me there. Such a sad lyric, and the track is so beautifully played. Especially love the piano vamp featuring Bruce Hornsby.

5. "Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" - James Taylor
His voice just makes me feel good. A great tenor solo by Michael Brecker.

6. "La Voz del Caribe" - Eddie Palmieri
I discovered this song on iTunes. Can’t stop listening to it. Makes me dance.

7. "Teen Town" - Weather Report
This band was a huge influence on me and all my musician friends. For me, this whole album embodies the best of the fusion era. The late great Jaco Pastorius on bass.

8. Lush Life - John Coltrane
I think this is just so otherworldly. One of my favorite sax performances.

9. "Soft" - Chuck Mangione
Esther Satterfield on vocals. This one transports me every time. I cover it on my new c.d. Shine with Ann Nesby on vocals.

10. "Soft" - King Curtis
Same name, different vibe! 2:54 of pure sax attitude.

11. "Jessica" - The Allman Brothers
I gravitated towards instrumental jams even before I thought of being an instrumental artist. This song just makes me feel happy.

12. "Shining Star (Live)" - Earth Wind and Fire
The whole Gratitude c.d. had a profound influence on me. The energy and arrangements. The passion, funk and jazz all mixed in. A classic.

13. "Superfly" - Curtis Mayfield
It's very sophisticated musically, but it's full of attitude. To me, a perfect record. The lyric and vocal are wonderful.

14. "People's Parties" - Joni Mitchell
I love Joni Mitchell. The amazing lyrics always matched by beautiful and interesting music.

15. "Isn’t She Lovely" - Stevie Wonder
I’m often struck by music’s power to communicate feelings. This is joy. I feel it every time I hear it.

Boney James' new album, Shine, is available now in the ARTISTdirect Store.