Boney James is Back

Saxophonist Boney James made a triumphant return to the concert stage this weekend (July 3) after months recuperating from a car accident.  James tweeted “Thanks Rodney Strong Winery [in Northern California] for making our 1st show back so fantastic!  You guys rocked.”

Back in May, James was rear-ended at 70 mph while stuck in traffic.  He suffered a fractured jaw, broken teeth and 14 stitches in his chin.  Just a few weeks ago he reported that he hadn’t been able to play for 6 weeks and was wearing a brace on some of his teeth, but was anxious to get back in front of his fans.  His next scheduled dates are this week:

7/8  St. Charles, MO

7/9 Kansas City, MO

7/10  Omaha, NE

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Happy Birthday, Rick Braun

Smooth jazz trumpeter Rick Braun turns 55 on July 6.  Born and raised in Allentown, PA, Braun originally wanted to play drums, but admits that that didn’t go over well in his small house.  After attending the Eastman School of Music, Braun toured with artists ranging from Glenn Frey and Natalie Cole, to Tina Turner, War, Crowded House, Sade and Rickie Lee Jones.  He also wrote the 1988 pop hit, “Here With Me,” with REO Speedwagon.

Braun’s first solo project, Intimate Secrets, was released in 1993.  Since then, he’s collaborated with fellow smooth jazz artists on some of the most successful albums in the format:  Boney James (Shake It Up), Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown (BWB) and Richard Elliot (RnR).  His current album, All It Takes, has produced the top hit, “Tijuana Dance?” and the current track, “Christiane,”  a tribute to his wife.

In addition to his RnR shows with Elliot, Braun has also been part of the popular Jazz Attack tour. “I am one of the luckiest guys in the world.  I mean, when you really think about it, I make my living blowing into plumbing.  The best part of finding this niche is being able to live in an extremely creative environment and do what I love to do best, without making compromises.”

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