Saxophonist Boney James couldn't be happier about the release of his new album, Contact. The album marks his return to the studio after a car crash that nearly claimed his life.

Boney James is fully recovered and sounding better than ever following a fiery accident that left him with a fractured jaw and two broken teeth. It could have been a lot worse. Driving home from a performance at the Newport Jazz Festival in California last May, he was stopped in traffic on the San Diego Freeway when a car slammed into his vehicle, then burst into flames. Boney was pulled to safety and rushed to a nearby hospital.

Miraculously, he was back onstage less than two months later, feeling lucky to be alive and grateful that his injuries didn't end his career. He commented that being able to play his horn again was the best thing in the world.

Boney James plays the title track from Contact. According to Boney, the title of his new album has several references, such as an electrical contact. "Once I started getting deeper into the record and writing lyrics for the vocal songs, it seemed to me to be also about love, the connection between people and the frequent regret people experience as a result of missed opportunities," he explains.

James Oppenheim, who performs as "Boney James", turns 50 on September 1st. Billboard Magazine recently named him one of the Top Contemporary Jazz Artists of the Decade.

One of four guest vocalists on Contact is Mario, who sings "That Look On Your Face."

Related stories:

Dave Koz celebrates 20th anniversary with 'Hello Tomorrow'

Music flows at summer festivals, but not as freely in weak economy

'Love You Found Me' offers something for everyone

Everette Harp revives traditional jazz sound on 'First Love'

（來源：VOA 編輯：崔旭燕）