This versatile musician moves between tenor, alto, and soprano saxes without sacrificing the smoothness of his tone. In the '80s, he developed his skills during extended tenures with The Isley Brothers and Morris Day; that funk foundation served him well in his solo career, as witnessed in collaborations with contemporary R&B stars like Raheem DeVaughn (“Maker of Love”). Given James' talent for balancing relaxing vibes alongside the occasional expression of soulful grit, albums like Backbone and The Beat have earned him a big following.