Early in his career, Boney James played keyboard in Morris Day's post-Time band. At Tuesday night's performance at Pilsen's Thalia Hall, he celebrated this Minneapolis connection by performing the funky "Slide" from his latest album - "Slow Burn."

Not long after leaving Day's band, James began releasing his own albums and making a name for himself in the world of smooth jazz.

James showcased a number of tunes from "Slow Burn" on this night.

Some of James's studio recordings feature a vocalist. October London sang on the album version of "All I Want Is You," but Boney told the audience that October was "out doing his own thing," so prerecorded vocals replaced the singer in concert.

He focused instead on the instruments. In addition to his alto, tenor, and soprano saxophone, a 4-piece band backed him up, highlighted by the electrifying guitar playing of Mike Hart. A beautiful rendition of Bill Withers's "Ain't No Sunshine" concluded with an energetic Hart solo.

Boney's catalog features arrangements of some of the great jazz composers. He performed "just a taste" of the music of Grover Washington, Jr. - one of his early influences before launching into a Sergio Mendes song. He joked that he had to "Bonify" the Latin composition. A highlight of the evening was a soulful interpretation of Herbie Hancock's "Butterfly."

But James has plenty of his own compositions in his catalog. He informed us that his composition "Butter" - released over fifteen years ago to little fanfare - is now his most streamed song.

After an impressive solo, James has the habit of walking to the front of the stage and smiling proudly at the audience. He did so many times during the performance.

I saw Boney in concert once before. Shortly after my divorce, I was traveling for work, and he was performing at the theater across from my hotel. It was Valentine's Day, and I think I was the only person in the audience without a date, which saddened me a bit. Last night, I brought someone special with me. She enjoyed the show, and I enjoyed the shared experience.

This made the evening all the more special.