Jazz Articles about Nate Najar

Nate Najar: The Cool Sounds of Nate Najar

by Matt Merewitz
October 7, 2003

Despite a chic album cover reminiscent of 1950s west coast jazz, and a well groomed young guitarist to boot, there is less substance on the Floridian’s latest effort than there could be. Cool is definitely the word to describe Nate Najar’s second album as a leader on his own independent Blue Line jazz label. “Cool” can get old quickly, however. Saturated with this coolness, Najar’s band, despite great talent, lacks originality.

The guitarist is clearly influenced by masters ...

The Nate Najar Trio: Jazz Impressions

by Jim Josselyn
January 1, 2002

On “Jazz Impressions" the Nate Najar Trio takes us back to a dark, tiny, smoky, nightclub circa 1956. The question is, do we want to go there? From the opening lines of the Count Basie blues “Taps Miller" we can hear where the group is going, and haven't we all been there before? Najar's solo consists of entirely public domain ideas, and forced “blue" licks. “Mahna De Carnival" sounds as if it's performed straight from a lead sheet, and the ...