LLG Founding Partner Mark M. Leitner followed up on a passion true to his heart recently when he had the opportunity to interview and moderate an audience Q&A with legendary jazz musician, composer, and producer Boney James during Milwaukee’s Fresh Coast Jazz Festival this past August.
Mark’s passion for music runs deep, as evidenced by the insightful questions he asked Boney before taking questions from a very engaged audience. It was a revealing interview with an affable, accommodating artist.
Among the many nuggets that Boney shared was in response to an audience member who said that listening to Boney’s albums soothes her when she’s feeling anxiety. Boney admitted feeling anxiety, too. Playing his music soothes him. It was clear that Boney could relate to the audience, and they warmed to him quickly. His concert that night after Mark’s interview made that all perfectly clear.
Boney started his professional career as a background musician for such legendary names as Morris Day, the Isley Brothers, and Bobby Caldwell. While he appreciated the chance to play with such legends, he got tired of playing other people’s music and began writing his own. When the opportunity arose to make an album of his own, he was ready. He added that creating an album is like having a baby. Collaborating with other artists, whether in the studio or playing live before an audience, is a release for him. This is much like LLG’s founders: we all start somewhere and grew into excellence.
Boney does not sing or provide vocals for any of his many compositions. When asked
about this, he said, “If you’re doing it right, the sax can be your voice.”
Jack Laffey, one of LLG’s three Founders, sized it up this way: “Boney James shares the same ethos as Laffey, Leitner & Goode.” In a word, he is:
- RELENTLESS – His album Slow Burn due out in October 2024, will be his 19th studio album.
- INSPIRED – working with other jazz greats such as Al Jarreau inspires Boney’s creativity.
- COMMITTED – In 2024, Boney became the first ever artist to score 20 number one singles on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart.
- AUTHENTIC – When he works on new material, Boney said, “I’m always trying to do something different.”
Like LLG, Boney James is a great supporter of music education. He has played at many schools while touring and loves the interaction and connection with the students.
Laffey, Leitner & Goode is a proud sponsor of the Fresh Coast Jazz Festival – and has been since its inception five years ago. The festival features a weekend of world-class jazz performances at the Pabst Theater. Known as “the party with a purpose,” Fresh Coast uses its proceeds to support Milwaukee-area students with scholarships, school music programs, and health care initiatives.
How very LLG.
