Boney James Taps Ledisi for ‘I Belong to You,’ Announces 20th Album ‘A Simple Man’

Grammy-nominated saxophonist Boney James has joined forces with Ledisi for his new single, “I Belong To You.” The track serves as a sophisticated showcase of their musical chemistry, set against a lush, horn-infused backdrop where Ledisi delivers a powerful vocal performance about unwavering devotion and the desire for connection amidst a demanding lifestyle.

“Lately, I’ve been busy, I need to see your face / Let’s find the time we need more days and hours, yeah / I love it when you take care of me,” she sings in the opening verse, capturing the relatable tension between professional ambition and personal intimacy.

“I Belong To You” marks a significant reunion for the two artists, representing their first collaboration since they worked together on Luther Vandross’ 2004 tribute album, Forever, For Always, For Luther, on the track “My Sensitivity (Gets in the Way).” This new single is a standout feature on Boney James’ upcoming 20th studio album, A Simple Man, which is scheduled for release on October 2 via Concord Records.

A Return to the Essential

Reflecting on the creative direction of his new project, Boney James emphasized a desire for clarity and minimalism. “I don’t need a lot of things to make me happy. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve wanted to drop the extraneous things. 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,” he shared.

The album promises a diverse range of sounds, featuring additional collaborations with Marquis Hill and Larry Carlton. It follows the success of his 2024 project, Slow Burn, which included the October London-assisted track “All I Want Is You.” Regarding that previous era, Boney James noted, “When I mentioned the phrase ‘slow burn’ to people as a possible title, they said, ‘That also refers to your whole career in a way. This is my nineteenth record and I feel like I’m just hitting my stride.”

Fans can stream the new single below and prepare for the full release of A Simple Man this fall.

Boney James’ A Simple Man Album Tracklist

• Dreams
• Morocco feat. Marquis Hill
• The Midnight Sun
• I Belong To You feat. Ledisi
• Things Are Looking Up
• The Wire
• Storybook feat. Larry Carlton
• In A Sentimental Mood
• A Simple Man
• Birdsong