A saxophonist whose style falls on the R&B-ish and pop side of jazz, Boney James is a consistent best-seller. Boney studied clarinet when he was eight, switching to saxophone two years later. When he was 15, his family moved to Los Angeles. James was soon playing in a fusion band, which was strong enough to open for Flora Purim and the Yellowjackets. After a year at U.C. Berkeley, he transferred to U.C.L.A. so he could continue playing with his band. He earned a degree in history but became a full-time musician after graduation, doubling on keyboards. James went on the road as a keyboardist with Morris Day in 1985 and eventually convinced Day that he should be playing saxophone instead. He spent four years with Day and became in-demand for guest spots on tenor, alto, soprano, and flute, playing with Sheena Easton, the Isley Brothers and others. He picked up his nickname while on tour. After mentioning to a keyboardist that he was running out of food money, the musician replied that if he ate any less, he would have to be called Boney James. The popular saxophonist made his debut as a leader with Spindletop in 1992 and then in 1994 was signed by Warner Bros., where he recorded Backbone, Seduction, Boney's Funky Christmas, Sweet Thing, Shake It Up, Ride and Pure. In 2006, Boney made the move to Concord Records and released Shine. He released The Beat in 2013. Boney continues to pack 'em in all over the world.