. More than three decades later, James is preparing to release A Simple Man, his 20th studio album. Along the way, he’s earned four Grammy nominations, four Gold albums and, in 2024, became the first artist to score 20 No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Smooth Jazz chart. But rather than looking back at those accomplishments, A Simple Man finds James thinking about where he is now and, particularly, what matters to him as he gets older.

“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized I don’t need a lot to make me happy,” James says. “I love making music and playing my saxophone. I strive to focus on the simple and positive things around me and filter out the noise.” In another conversation about the album, he put it this way: “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve wanted to drop the extraneous things.” That desire to simplify ultimately became part of the record itself. “The simple life is something I crave, and that spirit found its way into this album. A Simple Man is about getting closer to what feels essential, both in the music and in my life.”

Musically, A Simple Man continues the blend of jazz and R&B that has been at the heart of James’ sound for decades, while still giving him room to explore. Produced by James, A Simple Man includes guests Ledisi, trumpeter Marquis Hill and guitarist Larry Carlton. James plays flute on the opening “Dreams,” teams with Carlton for the Steely Dan-influenced “Storybook,” and reimagines Duke Ellington’s “In a Sentimental Mood” over a D’Angelo-inspired groove. Even after 20 albums, James says he continues to practice and experiment, still discovering things he can do with the saxophone that he couldn’t do before. He isn’t treating album number 20 as a destination. He’s still making progress.

Maybe that’s what makes the title feel especially appropriate after more than three decades of recording. There are plenty of career milestones to celebrate, but James seems less interested in accumulating accolades than in stripping things down to what makes him happy: making music, playing his saxophone and filtering out some of the noise. There’s something refreshing about hearing that from an artist this far into his career. A Simple Man from Boney James is out October 2 on Concord Records.

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Authentically Norman finds the guitarist doing what he’s always done best – blending jazz, R&B, soul, and groove into something that feels both effortless and deeply intentional. This is an album built on feel. On phrasing. On that signature ability he has to make the guitar sound like it’s speaking directly to you.

“With Authentically Norman, I wanted the music to reflect who I am right now both musically and spiritually. Instead of chasing trends, I focused on honesty in the sound and letting the guitar really speak,” says Brown.

The lead single “Chillax” sets the tone with a laid-back groove, while tracks like “King Normantic,” “Valentine,” and “Revolution of Love” showcase styles ranging from silky and romantic to rhythmically infectious and reflective. Notably, the album is made up entirely of original compositions, giving Brown the space to fully express where he is creatively and spiritually at this point in his career.

“I spend a lot of time focusing on balance. I practice Tai Chi, which helps center my mind and body,” shares Grammy-winning and multi-platinum selling guitarist Norman Brown. “I also enjoy quiet reflection, being outdoors, and spending time with positive people in my life. Sometimes the best way to recharge is simply to step away from the noise and reconnect with yourself.”

That mindset comes through clearly across the album. There’s a sense of confidence here – a seasoned artist fully comfortable in his own voice. The collaborations feel natural, the grooves are locked in, and the melodies linger long after the tracks end.

Authentically Norman is out now on Shanachie Records.

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Meanwhile, over on the Top Jazz Albums for the same week, David Sanborn was on top with Pearls, his lush recording with orchestral arrangements. And Grover Washington, Jr. was also on the chart with All My Tomorrows, a more stripped-down  album with strings.

The post Top Contemporary Jazz Albums – April 22, 1995 appeared first on ContemporaryJazz.com.