Results for "Najee"

Najee

A native New Yorker, Najee began his iconic career playing clarinet, saxophone and flute in his hometown Jamaica, Queens New York. While in high school his tutelage included not only Jimmy Heath but Frank Foster, and Dr. Billy Taylor at the Jazzmobile in Harlem. Honing his skills as a flutist he additionally studied with Harold Jones at the Manhattan School of Music. Along with his brother Fareed, he continued his musical scope at the “New England Conservatory of Music” in Boston with a concentrated study in performance and composition. Upon their return to New York, they were invited to tour with the songstress Chaka Khan through his association with Me'lisa Morgan who at the time was a background vocalist. Najee then met Charles Huggins of HUSH Productions who invited him to record his “Grammy Nominated - Platinum Selling Debut Album” entitled “Najee’s Theme” released by EMI. Najee embarked on a US tour with Freddie Jackson laying the foundation for what has be become a revolution of Urban Contemporary Jazz. His sophomore album "Day By Day" also achieved platinum

Center of the Heart

By Najee

Label: Shanachie Records
Released: 2019

La-Faithia White's Best Releases of 2019

by La-Faithia White
December 17, 2019

The year is coming to a close and I have enjoyed listening to so many new jazz releases. I present to you my top ten list of new recordings that have sparked my attention, and for your listening experience. Carmen Lundy Modern Ancestors Afrasia Productions Marquis Hill

The Los Cabos Jazz Experience 2018

by Wendy Ross
January 5, 2019

Life Luxe Jazz -The Los Cabos Jazz Experience Norman Brown, Boney James, et al. Los Cabos, Baja California, Sur, Mexico November 1-4, 2018 Life Luxe Jazz -The Los Cabos, Jazz Experience took place at the Pueblo Bonita Pacifica Golf and Spa Resort November 1-4. The first annual Life Luxe Jazz ...

Najee: Poetry in Motion

by Liz Goodwin
May 21, 2018

On Najee's 15th studio release, and fourth project for the Shanachie label, the Jamaica Queens, N.Y. native delivers an inviting, feel-good album on which he is joined by such diverse talents as pianist/keyboardist Bobby Lyle, multi-instrumentalist/producer/composer/arranger Barry Eastmond, multi-instrumentalist/composer/producer Jean-Paul “Bluey" Maunick, vocalists Will Downing, Maysa and Eric Roberson, and guitarist Blake Aaron. The ...

Poetry in Motion

By Najee

Label: Shanachie Records
Released: 2017
Track listing: Stratosphere; Is It The Way Back; Let's Take It Back; Noche Romantica; We'll Be Missing You; Song For The Ladies; Don't Make Me Wait; Poetry In Motion; Running Away; Duolology.

Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival 2017

by Mark Robbins
August 9, 2017

They were the last act of the two night 35th Annual Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival held July 14 and 15 at Town Point Park. Because of inclement weather the festival had to be moved inside to the 46 year old Scope Arena. The star studded smooth jazz festival featured Russ Freeman with the Rippingtons, Najee, Pieces ...

James Lloyd: Here We Go!

by Jeff Winbush
May 13, 2015

Solo albums from a member of a longtime band are usually driven by one of two impulses. Either the material is something which doesn't quite fit the group's sound or it is dipping a toe in the pool to test the waters for splitting from the band. Along with drummer Curtis Harmon, keyboardist James Lloyd has ...

Grover Washington, Jr.: Winelight (Hybrid SACD 5.1 Multichannel)

by Jeff Winbush
April 23, 2015

When Grover Washington, Jr. passed away in 1999 the jazz world lost one of its most successful and talented creators, and in his wake a slew of saxophonists have stepped up to fill the void. None have. jny: Philadelphia jazz deejay Bob Perkins said, of Washington, a native of the City of Brotherly Love, “He was ...

Brian Simpson: Out of A Dream

by Jeff Winbush
March 1, 2015

Some records not only desire your attention, they demand it. Think of Miles or Trane or Mingus and think of just puttering around the house as the music plays. It can't be done. The grandmasters of jazz made music that required it be heard and not merely listened to. Out of A Dream is ...