Saxophone star Boney James invited a number of artists to contribute to his latest album, Shine. Among them is Grammy-winning R&B-gospel vocalist Ann Nesby, who brings her soulful voice to a cover of the 1975 Chuck Mangione tune "Soft."

 Nesby broke into national consciousness as the lead singer of the Minneapolis inspirational choir the Sounds Of Blackness. She also released four solo albums, including this year's gospel set, In The Spirit. James says he has long been a fan of the singer, whose daughter, Jamecia Bennett, and granddaughter, American Idol finalist Paris Bennett, both inherited her vocal talent.

James explained how he happened to collaborate with Nesby on the Mangione tune: "Well, I actually have one of her solo records and of course Sounds Of Blackness -- was well aware of that. I just think she's the bomb, really. That song has always been one of my favorite songs ever since I was a kid, I heard it on Chuck Mangione's Chase The Clouds Away record, and Esther Satterfield sang it originally. It was always on my list of tunes that I wanted to do from when I first started thinking about the record."

The experience of recording with Nesby in Los Angeles was memorable, James continued: "Went through a lot of names and at one point her name came up and I thought, that'd be perfect. Then, so she came down and sang. I think she was actually out here for one of the American Idol tapings because her granddaughter was one of the finalists in the contest. So she came over the next day and sang in the studio, it was late at night, and it was just a great session. I just think she did such a wonderful job."

James is currently atop the smooth jazz airplay chart with the single "The Total Experience" featuring George Duke.