Boney James - Pure (2004)

Nine albums into his career, Boney James makes a grab for the smooth-jazz crown with PURE, an outing that finds him working with a mix of soul and jazz luminaries. James ups the stakes by taking over the production reins (in addition to co-writing every song). Still front and center with his beloved tenor saxophone, this Grammy-nominated artist shifts to soprano sax for the harmony-soaked Bilal duet "Better with Time" and the silk sheets-and-champagne slow jam "Break of Dawn," featuring up-and-coming Detroit crooner Dwele.

Debi Nova adds her lovely vocals to the beat-driven "Appreciate," a cut that wouldn't sound out of place on a Toni Braxton or Brandy album. Instrumentals are still the focus, however, as revealed on the light funk of "Here She Comes" and the snappy "Stone Groove" (featuring Crusaders keyboardist Joe Sample). Most impressive of all, the languid closing number, "You Don't Have to Go Home," showcases the interplay of Billy Preston's Hammond B-3 lines and Bobby Lyle's subtle piano runs.